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oFPROMINENTMbRiPRESlNTATlVE CITIEEN5 

OF THE COUNTY 

TOGETHER WITH- PORTRAITS -AND -BIOGRAPHIES-OF-ALL ■ THE 

m^ ' tf ¥5Kl®If • ® P-THB • STATg 

CHICAGO: '- '• 

CHAPMAN BROS 

1891. 



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;HE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present centur}', has said : '-The liistory of a country is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Poutkait and Biogkapuical 
Ai.TsuM of tliis county has been prepared. Instead of going to must}' records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter tliat can be appreciated by but few, our 
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their 
enterprise and industrj', brought the county to a ranli second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lites are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited 
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen frc>m the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names liare 
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very 
many, who, not seeking the aiiplause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'" content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strengtii of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never tind its way into public records, and which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
<Tiveu to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not iiaving a i)roper conception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the famil3' would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition tlie support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a tew instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of business. 

CHAPMAN BROS. 
Chicago, August, 1891. 




OF THE 



GOVERNORS of MICHIGAN 



AND OF THE 



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FIRST i'RESIDENT. 




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HE Father of our Country was/ 
lorn in Westmorland Co., Va., 
l'"eb. 2 2, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
' England. His great-grand-"' 
father, John Washington, cm-' 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
^ planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, tjie father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of si.x children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborhood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after lie left 
scliool, when he received private instruction in 
mathemat'cs. His spellinii v/as rather defectiv*. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great i)hysica: 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was i4yearsoldhehadadesire togoto ( 
sea, and a midsliipnian's warrant was secured for him, ) 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was ( 
abandontd. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of I,ord Fairfax. In i 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of 
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon ; 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother I 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They | 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence j 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter I 
who did not long survive him. On her demise tlie I 
estate of Mount Vernon vi^as given to George. -^ 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after tjiis 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and tl'.e journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



^ 



{ 



irip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful rei^ort of iiis expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Josliua Fry, and Major Wasiiington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war \yas 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most imjxjrtant part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinctior, who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Hraddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Wasiiington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : "I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling', my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the militar)- service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesnc and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, wliere, although not a leader, he look an 
active and imjxjrtant part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (l)andridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
^f Boston, the cry went uj) throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia,Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if jxissible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
res|x)nsible office was conferred u|X)n Washington, 
who was still a member of the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but ujxjn the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and ex[>ect Congress 10 pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever) ixsssible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame ever)' 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a paning address of surpassing beauty, lesigned his 



4 commission as commander-in-chief of the army 10 
\ to the Continental Congress sitting at Annaix^lis. He- 
retired immediately to'^fount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public Hie. 

In February, 1789, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a i»ew 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owing to the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
while ijcrhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of Marc h, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his re[X)se 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
.\t the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate offlcers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in his throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne wilh military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and [irinciples, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The ]ierson of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well pro]X)rtioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry. 
He commanded respect without any a|.i)carance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without l^^'il^c_dull. 



SECOND PEESJDENT. 



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OHN ADAMS, the second 
, President and the first Vice- 
President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
"^^ miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
'sci.ool of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he 'placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
cermed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
jils, cf diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of tV.e operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive [xjwers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (i7f>s), the attempt of Parhamentary taxa- 
Mon turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
steps toward holdin^, a town meeting, and the resolu- 




tions he offered on the subject became very jxjpulai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegate.-? 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congrets, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against tb e 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume tlie duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of ave 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with ths 
glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated, 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable ejioch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized with jjomp, showi 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, six)rts, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. Vou will think me transiwrted 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. i am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and supixart and defend 
the^e States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. 1 can see that the end is 
wurth more than all the means; and that jx)sterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which 1 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was a[)pointed a 
daiegate to France, and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from tiie French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
jx)sed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such pioiX)sels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated im[iortant loans and 
formed imixjrtant commercial treaties 

Finally a treaty of j^eace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. .Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
w.is advised to goto England to drink the waters of 
Bath. While in England, still drooping anddesiiond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,he made the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress apixsinted Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to aii|X)int a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. .\dams fell that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
.nis own country, where he arrived in June, 17S8. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
Adams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
iiome and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
al the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected Prcsidcnt,though not without muchopiwsition. 
Serving in this office four vears.he was succeeded by 
.Mr. Jefferson, hisop|xinent in jxjlitics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President tlie grea* 



French Revolution shook the continent of Euro])e, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
]X)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated tlie alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two jKDwerful [jarties were thus soon organ- 
ized, .Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
apijreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supiwrting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth, of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left uix)n the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being recpiested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
DEPENPKNCE FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — God bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
.Adams were not particularly pre|>osses^ing. His face, 
as his ])ortrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of leffcrson. 






VfX/P^/7Z^ 



THIRD PRESIDENT. 



27 









HOMAS JEFFERSON was 

Ijurn April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
;§<^ux'll, Albermarlc county, Va. 
His i)arents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
thofurniL-r a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet he 
•was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in liis morals. It is strange, however, under 
such innaences,tliat he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college conrse, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
higli intellectu.nl culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the hinguages. 'I'he most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors lie read wi'.h facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from collcLch ills ; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, 3 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young rjian. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was choser 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealtiiy and highly accomplished young widow 

Upon Mr. Jefifer-son's large estate at Shadwell, thare 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. Tliis spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye^ 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed u[X)n a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776 What must have been the feelings of that 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



inan — what ihc emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was ch.irged with 'he prepara'.ioii of that Dec- 
lar.ilion, wliich, while it made known the wrongs of 
Ameiica, ivas also to publish her to llie world, free, 
boverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable i)a|)ers ever written ; and did no other effort 
i.f ilie mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

Ill 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, us Governor of Virginia. At one time 
llie British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Moiuiccllo, to ca[itiire the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. JefTerson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
'I'wo yeirs later he was apiwinted Minister Plenii)o- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in .September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. r, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and (ieorgc Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturlied by an event which threatened the 
tr.mquilily and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, tiiis extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purjwse of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from iwlitical life. For a ])eriod of nearly 
jrty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
.ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
die greatest trust and res(X)nsil)ility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
countf)', he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years reipiired, and \\\yow the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of the 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer. 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under whit '1 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained nc 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the nex* 
d;iy, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expres.;ed the earnest wish tha. 
he might be jjermitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst U])on his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred sjMnt of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the chanipiijns of 
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their des])onding countr)'nien; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life liecame 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore 
head broad, and his whole cour'enance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as jierson.al courage; and ;.:s command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 



^ 




y/i2'<^->-l< ,iyC^ 



a^-'^^c^f c"'-^ 



FOURTH FRISIDENT. 



.31 




isgyiri]ES ni^Disoi].* 




AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution," and fourth 
* President of the United States, 
was born March 16, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparabl)' con- 
nected with most of the important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubhc were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
inding upon the shores of the Chesa- 
]jeake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The fatlier of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing u[X)n a very fine es- 
tate called "Montpelier," Orange Co., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery higiily pictur- 
esque and romantic, on tiic west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from tiie home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest jiersonal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from tiieir early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
r8 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he ap[)lied himself to stutly with tlie most im- 



prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 177 i. with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subsf " 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
whicii he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work ot 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the , Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation o{ \\\^ 



3? 



/AAfES MADISON. 



Mitclluciual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
X liiile to his sabscqiieiit eminence. In the year 
1 7 So, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here lie met the most illustricis men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
die most consiiicuous ixjsitijns among them. 

For three years Mr. Madiscn continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and inlluential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having ex[)ired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deei)ly than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to forni treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. Tliere 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to apiioint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annai>olis to discuss 
this su'.ijcct. I'ive States only were re|iresented. The 
convention, iiowcver, issued another call, drawn u[) 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to I'hiiadelpliia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
i(f that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
'he time apixsinted. Every State but Rliode Island 
•vas re|)resented. Ceorge Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tvition of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and llie pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several Stales for acceptance. 
Iiut grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of indejiendent 
.States, with but litile jxiwer at home and little lespect 
abroad. Mr. Madifon was selected by the conven- 
lion to draw up an address to the peo|)le of the United 
States, cx|K>unding tl.e princii)les of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opixjsition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
)'oung widow of remarkable (wwcr of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a ixjsition in the very ])eculiar society 
which has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Midison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary ot State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was cliosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exijosed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring 
in his disjx)sition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant stejjs on board and orders the 
crcw to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may [ilease to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against (ireat Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, i8i3) was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventurss of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infan . 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in Februaty, 
1813, in Cliesapcake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the Lhiited States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
ditator. America acce[>ted ; England refusetl. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on tlie banks 
of the Patu.xet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the do<;r to 
await his sjjcedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troojis utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of l>eing 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Caititol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, i8i5,the treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. 

On the 4th of March, 1S17, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Mont pelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 




^' 




AMES MONROE, the fifth 
President of The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
Great Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
'lad he been born ten years before it is highly 
• that he would have been one of the signers 
;elebrated instrument. At this time he left 
Mid enlisted among the patriots. 
Mned the army when everything looked hope- 
J gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
ly to day. The invading armies came pouring 
d the tories not only favored the cause of the 
r country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
•ere sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
ig with an enemy whom they had been taught 
.•m invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
oe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
culty and danger, the United States owe their 
,tical emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ks, and esix)used the cause of his injured country, 
h a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
anclioly retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was ]iro- 
moted a captain of infantry ; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the Executive 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good, 



J6 



JAAfES MONROE. 



he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Q)ngress of the United States. 
Deeplyas Mr. Monroefelt the imperfettionsof theold 
Confederacy, he was opjxjsed to tlie new Constitution, 
ihinking, with many others of *he Republican party, 
that it gave too much ix)Wcr to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sej)- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little [wwer, and the State 
Cjovernmentsas much [wwer, as the Constitution wcjuld 
warrant. The Federalists sympatliized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building uj) this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and.Vssyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of tlieir antagonism was needed to create tlie 
right equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused tlie cause of the Bourbons against tlie princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a i)roclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending [jowers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
tlian that which we had endured Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opjiosed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the ix)liiy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Gtivernment to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this countrv, Mr. M 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held 
office for tliree yeais. He was again sent to Franc 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaii 
the vast territory then known as the Province 
Louisiana, wliich France had but shortly before 
tained from Spain. Tneir united efforts were i 
ce^?sful. For the comparatively small sum of fift 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans 
district of Louisiana were adtled to the United Sta 
This was probably the largest transfer of real est 
which was ever made in all the history of the wol 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to 
tain from that country some recognition of 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against '' 
odious impressments of our seamen. But 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to 
land on the same mission, but could receive 
redress. He returned to his home and was ,1 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resii; 
to accept the jKJsition of Secretary of State \\n 
Madison. While in this office war with England > 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and dnr 
these tr)'ing limes, the duties of the War Departni 
were also put upon him. He was truly the arm 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficii 
business man in his cabinet. Uiwii the return 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but ( o 
tinned in the office of Secreiarj' of State until the e 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elei 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself liaj 
been chosen President with Init little oi)jx)sition, am 
upon March 4, 1817, was inaugurated. Four yea 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the imjioriant measures of his Presidenc 
were the cession of Florida to the United States; th 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine, 

Tliis famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due [wrtions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European [X)wers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interjxjsition for the purixase of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any otlier light than as a manifestation by Euroi>eai; 
|X)wers of an unfriendly disix)sition toward the United 
.States. " This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and lias become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his f econd term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died,on the 4th of July, 1831 



:>-^ I'JI PRESIDENT. 



39 



r Q. * _ _ _._ _.. _ _ w 




>i'$;;&#$r*'^;r&*3i-^*^;;g*^S'«e;rg«^:;:$*S:S'^;:#*$i^<i^:K$'^^^^ 





OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
^ sixth President of the United 
,«> States, was born in the rural 
'' home of his honored father. 
John Adams, in Quincy, Mass., 
on the I ith cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched overliis childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his father for Europe, 
through a fleet ot hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated l)oy spent a year and a half in Pan's, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
couf-try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
;ol.n (Tnincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
ai)|ilicd liimself with great diligence, for six months, 
to .-.nidy; then accompained his fatlier to Holland, 
s-'nere he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then 
llie University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 178 1, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
yea-s of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretarj'. 

Tn this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
'iilture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
'o Holland tlirough Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a priv.Tte tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father i; 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Conlinent 
examining arcliitectural remains, galleries of paintings 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temix)ral 
themes which can engross the human mind. Afte" 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all liis energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, v/ho had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an .\merican college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed liy Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands, Sailing from Boston in July, he reachea 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Great Brilian. After thus siiending a fortnight S\ 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

Li July, 1797, he left the Hague to go to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met witli despatches 
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he sliould receive his 
instructions. While w.-;iting he was married to a" 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in I ondon ; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in tiie 
elevated sphere for which she was (^^as'ined. 



«o 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful- 
filled all the puriwses of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
I he Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4tli of March, 1S04. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1S09, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Qiiincy .Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard Gsllege, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

Wliile in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more acconi|ilished scholar could scarcely be found. 
.\11 through life the Bible constituted an imix)rtant 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817. Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately ap|X)inted Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, forthe United States. On the 
1 8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight yearsof Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr, .\danis continued Secretary 
of State. 

S<.)nie time before Ihe close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. .\dams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Ad.ams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
se<'en. As there was no choice by the people, the 
<|uestion went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. .Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
;ombined in a venomous and persistent assault \\\>o\\ 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
♦r"". \y\%\ histor)' of our country than the abuse which 



was ix)ured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking nuicli exercise. \\ hen at his homein 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, ligliting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
ixjrtentous magnitude. Mr. .Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." UjX)!! taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his [ilace in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. .Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the tiovernment, was sublime 
in Its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination . 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was conijilete. 

It has been s.iid of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed torei>eat every night, before 
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 1 St of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by ])araly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is Ihe eiui of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, "■ I am conltiit" These were the 
last words of the grand "Old Man Eloquent." 



SEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



^3 




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NDREW JACKSON, the 
seventh President of the 
' United States, was born in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 17C7, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took ui) 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
: in his character, made visible, which was at- 
live. 

/hen only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
s of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
I, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
)risoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
.risoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
: dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 

ow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 

ndrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 

il gashes,^-one on tiie hand and the other u|X)n the 

ead. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 

trith the same demand. He also refused, and re- 

;eived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which quite 

disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 

his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 

were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their 

mother was successful '^w obtaining their exchange. 



and took her sick boys home. After a long iilnjsi; 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother -oon 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i-.h as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was tlien a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew f^ir, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
with the Sharp Knife. 

In 1 7 91, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both [Jarlies, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of tlie divorce had just i)een 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to Ijring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

Daring these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, tlie Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, ihe 
people met in convention at Knoxvillc to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the ele\;n 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the deiega'es. 
The new State was entitled to but one meml er in 
the National House of Representatives. Andre»v Jack^ 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Pliiledelphia, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



icsiij.is, — a dislancc of about eight luindred inilcs. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Oj.r.o- 
cratic (nrty. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Boiuiparie, loved France and hated iMigland. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second tern» of office was then expiring, delivered his 
last siieech lo Congress. A coniniiltee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Wasiiington's adminstration had been 
" wise, fnni and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he lield for si.x years. 

When the war of 1812 witli Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron H.irr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in lire West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred uix)n him. Just at tiiat time Gen. Jackson 
jffeied his services and those of twenty-five luirdred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly e.\pected to make an at- 
tack Ujon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
witii fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ortlered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most jjojiular 
man in the Stale. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
iingering nix)n a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to e.xterminate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary, (ten. Jackson, with* 
his fractured Ixjne just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong forf on 
one of the bendsof theTallaixxjsa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strothcr. 
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of March. i8ia. The bend 



ol the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres ol 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a foiinidable bri-a^t- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

Tl'.e fort was stormed. 'I'he fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of ijuarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those wlio en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
[lower of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia uixjn the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing inarch, Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A ]5rilish fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force ujwn the beach, anchored near the little fori, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous camjiaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numiiered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of aliout 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1S32. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion wiiich has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock ct 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memoral ile 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one parly, 
condemned by the other. No man had more biiier 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died lune 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted C'hristian man. 




7 7 /^W^-^ ^^^Ju^-.^^-^^^ 



EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



4? 












ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
17 82. He died at the same 
place, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about half way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded liy shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought sio battles, engaged 
iu no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy -in 
ixilitical and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among tiie earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary [jiety. 

.fe was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished liis academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he h.ad not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study iu a law-office were reipiired of him 
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
J. lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
sued his studies witli indefatigable industry. After 
spending six years in an ofiice in bis native village, 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted liis 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one yeais ot 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil 
lage. The great conflict between the I'^ederal oi.d 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren was from the beginning a politician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listeniPiig to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently es[)oused the 
cause of State Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, tli, 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tlu- 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve sliorl 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consuuip- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep ovei 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In tSi 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

'iVliile he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



4S 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" whicli admits 
the vile, the degraded, tiie ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while tlie 
path leading to the privilege of voting sliould be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 1 82 I he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous ix)sition as an active and usefullegislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams beirg then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Burcn was re-elected to 
.he Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
:ermined opjx)ser of the Administration, adopting the 
'State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Govemorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Proliably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
\\ was supiKDsed that no one knew so well as he how 
;o touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion; and how to 
organize a j)olitical army which would, secreily and 
rtc^Uhily accomplish tlie most gigantic results. By 
these iwwers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Cl.iy, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When .\ndrcw Jackson was elected President he 
apiK/inted Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
ai)i)ointed Minister to England, wliere he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomin.ition, and he icturned 



home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and 
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which had refused to confinn his nomii.ation 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause. 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to apjwint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in • 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived (piietly u[>on his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal hubits. 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unipicslioncd 
patriotism, and tlie distinguished [Xjsitions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 1841, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lind'-nw.ild, 
he still exerted a [Xjwerful influence ujwn iheiKiiiiics 
of the countrj'. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindcnwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had before 
ex|)erienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life- 




/c/.M^a-i^^ 



NINTH PRESIDENT. 



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ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
/ son, was in comparatively op- 
^ iilent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, w as early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was consijicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
s|)eaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
i William Henry, of course enjoyed 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soor. r.fter the death of his father. He 
Oien repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine undtr 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
lObert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Jpon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the 'emonstrances of his friends, he 
ni)andorcd his medical studies and entered the army, 
. Living obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his comniissioji. He was then ap- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
[wsition. • 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called " The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ajx 
jXDinted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these res|)onsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlementsin that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the tliiid a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrisoi. 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou- 



s* 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year j8o6, two extraordinary iner, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among ihein. Or.e of 
these was called Tccmnseh, or " The Crouching 
I'.mther;" the otlier, OlUivacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecuniseli was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in wiiich he nnght 
engage. He was inspired with the highe:-.l enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

Hut the Prophet was not merely anorator: he was, 
i.i the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the siiperhinnan dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
tiie Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Oov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, bt'it at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. NVhen 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made fora meet- 
ing the next <lay, to agree uiwn terms of peace. 

Mut Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such ])rote.s- 
tations Selecting a favorable sjwt for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were jxjsted in a hollow square, and slept 
uix)n their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids i)y the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
t!ie darkness, the Indians had crept as near as [xissi- 
ble, and j':st then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and [lassion most 
highly inflamed could give, U|x)n tiie left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
lus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubtir.g a 
s|>ecdy and an entire victory. lUit Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovalile as the rocks around tliem 
until day dawned : they then made a sinuiltaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing th"" foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmoit. The British descer.ding from the Can 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rusliiiig like wolves I'roin the 
forest, se.irching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plu idering, scalpi.'.g, torturing, the wide frontier 
was pKi.)ged into a state of consternation whicii even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly cor.ceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated wiili the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances, Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison cominander-in- 
chief of the Nortli-western army, with orders to retake 
D-troit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
(ieneral Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharinp 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, wiiilc 
pursumg the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle Tiiirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he s|)oke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In 18(9, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as oneof the iiresidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nomii;ated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimou.sly nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice Presidency. 
Tiie contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

Tile cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which anv President had ever bei-n 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hoi>es of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
l)leurisv-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of .April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 



\ 



J '■ 



A 




\y 




'VTL- 




TENTH PRKSIDENT. 



55 





OHN TYLER, the tenth 
,>a) I'residentofthe United States. 
Hj was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and liigh social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and p.irtly with Edmund 
Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which he was 
not retained. \\'hen but twenty -one vears of age, he 
was almost unanimously e'ected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
lefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
w.is elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with the Democratic party, opposing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General <njvern- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term hj found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

Jolin Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his op|X)nent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. T\ler was the victor. 

\\\ acccrdance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opjx)sed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all i)rojects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nullifiers, had 
abandoned the piinciples of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a cplit in the Democratic 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him us a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments w\x>\\ him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career liad been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

Ijy the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
'839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine \Vhig, much to the disappointment of 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the Noith: but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In tiS4i, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
Jent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus .;und himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was i)laced in a [Msition of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his longlife he had been 
o|)|>osed tc th.e main principles of the party which had 
brought him into jwwer. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honc:t man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
n.ony with himself, and which would opixjse all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He recconim^nded a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a hill for the 
incorjxiration of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He «ug^ested, however, that he A'ould 



approve Oi" a bill drawn up uixjn such a plan as he 
proiK)sed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
wiih his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
Ic is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Siill the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. \Vebster soon found it necessar)' to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vitu])eration. Whigs 
and 1 )emocra(s alike assailed him. IVIore and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until atthe close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratie candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of oflice, to the regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable relief. His first wife, 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with rnformation from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant jxiwers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own princii)les and 
lX)Iicy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. CaU 
houn had inaugurated. President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 





-^?>^ 






ELEVEyTH PMtESIDES'T 



59 





•^^ 



(^•' 



- •' "* '' K. the deTenth 

r U:ulad Stales, 

ri]enbaig Col, 

... 1795. Hkpar- 

-' vere >aTTiiifl and Jaae 

" V*^^bux) Pol^ tl>e fianBer a son 

of CoL Thooias Polk, who located 

at tbe sUbarrs place, as one of the 

ii3t piooeeis, in 1735. 

In tbe year 1006, with his wife 

and (duldieii, and sood after iA- 

lowedby most of tbe manbeis of 

the Polk famlr, Ssmod Polk 



grated some tvo or three hiiadred 
miles faidier west, to tbe licfa rallej 
crf^tbe Dock Rirer. Here in tbe 
midst of tbe wildeniess, in a regioa 
wfaicb was sobseqaentiy called Mao- 
17 Cou, tbejr leaied tbeir log bats, 
and estaUisbed tbdr hooaes. lotbe 
basdtoflof a new fann in tbe wii- 
deraess, James £. Polk spent tbe 
eailj rears of his rhildhood and 
yootb. His father, ad£ng tbe pnr- 
siBtof a snrrcTortodiataf afaimer, 
gradnally increased in wealth until 
bebecameooeof tbe lea^ng men of thereon. Hts 
■notber was a snpenor woman, of stmng common 
sense and earnest pietj. 

Veij eaily in liiie, James developed a taste ii^ 
reading and expiessed tbe stioi^st d^ie to obtain 
a libefal education. His mother s traimi^ had made 
bim mffhndiral in bis habits, had tan^t him ponct- 
oaEtf aiOd iDdastrr, and had inspired him with loftj 
principles of morabtr- His bealih was ftzil ; and bis 
£atber. fearing dial be m%ht not be able to endure a 



I 



scdemar)' hje, gw a srjaricz jcr r-n rea;od tbe 
coontei, boxtxig to fit hiiii for cosunerciil puxsaiis. 

This was to James a latter disapfointmect. He 
had no taste for these daties. asd his daihr tasks 
were idsome in the extreme. He remained in this 
nnomgenial onmparion bet a lew weeks, when at Us 
earmrst sofidtatioD his father lemored him, and made 
anangements for him to pcosecate his stodies. Soon 
after be sent hba to Moifreesboio Academr. ^Vnh 
aidor wfaidi coold scaicelr be surpassed , he pressed 
fbrwaid in his studies, and in less than twoandahalf 
jeais, in tbe antninn oi ^red tbe aoph uum w e 

class in the Untreistj '. ; J ijolina , at Chapel 

Hin. Here be was one of the most exemplaiT of 
scbolais, ponctnalin every excrdse, never aDcvi^ 
himself 10 be absent fiom a ledtaiioo sx a iHigiows 
seriioe. 

He graduated in i8i£. with the hi^iest honors. b> 
ing deemed tbe best scholar of his dbss, both in 
mathematics and tbe fla<waf^ He was then rrenty- 
three yeais of age. Mi: Polk's bealib was ai this 
tkoe mach impaired by tbe asadidtT with which he 
had pwiwemted his stndies. .-Vner a sboit season of 
relaxatian be went to NashT-lUe, zsA entered the 
office of Felix Grandy, to srody law. Here Mr. Fbft 
renewed his aoqoaintance vnth Aodiew Jadksoo, who 
readed on his plantation, the Hennitage, but a few 
miles ftcsn Xashrille. They had pmbably bees 
slu' billed beKire. 

}>' -dierwas a JeflJersnnian RepnHiran. 

ex^d J:.i=.ts K. Polk ever adhered to tbe same politi- 
cal faitn. He was a popular pclAc speaker, and was 
constantly called upon to address tbe meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was sach that 
be was popolariy called the Napoleon of the stmftp. 
He was a man of nnUemisbed sxcals, gedb) 3r<l 



Oo 



JAMES K. POLK. 



:our:crus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
natu'e ill the jo)s and griefs of others which ever gave 
him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influ.'nce towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackso.i, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
('hildress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
n)enil>er of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinuec- in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of 'I'^nnessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
meinSer, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
alw.-^ys in his seat, always courteous; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
S|)eaker of the House Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Covernor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 1 4th of Octo- 
ber, 1S39, look the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office ex[)ired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of .March, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence uixjn Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature lo a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
^(1 of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the .American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passix)rts and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

!ii his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He vas 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further wesl, to the Kio Grande, 
where lie erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated or 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and wa: 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. Tht 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's adnrinistration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation," then of "occupation," 
then of " in vasion,"was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eigiit hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be add^d to the L^^nion. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, t849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temi)erate in all his habits, 
and his health was good With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ries 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tran([uility and liap])iness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping uj) 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1S49, in the fifiv-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 



63 











ACHARY TAYLOR, twclfih 
I'rcsident of the United States, 
was born on the 24tli of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. }Iis 
father, Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
|^^ tinyiiished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with liis 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentuck)', where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. \\\ this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, yjung Zachary 
could enjoy hut few social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
aianifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
'he Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and lie joined the troops which were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 12, Cajit. Taylor (for he had then been 
liromoted to that rank) was [Hit in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison. on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points uf attack by the Indians, 
;ed by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 18 12, the Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved ujion the fort. Their 
apiiroach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war whoo[i burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and (irolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. Tlie savages suc- 
ceeded in setting lire to one of the block-houses- 
Until si.x o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at every ix)int, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
rank of major liy brevet. 

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done l)ut to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
' employments so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond tlie limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1S36, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississii)pi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
ws.C promised they should do. The services rendered 
he.e secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc he rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was a[)pointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

Afier two years of such wearisome employment 
.Mnidst the everglades of the peninsula, Gen. 'Faylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
;.nd was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
''rom the world, but faitlifuUy discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, (ien. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio (irande, the latter river 
being tlie boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
v/as brought 0:1, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred uix)n Gen. Taylor, and his name 
w,.3 received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
• the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
iimpliLMty, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
\.\\Q sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

Tne tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
■pread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of (ien. Taylor was on every one's li|)s. The 
^Vhig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the uni^olished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at al! qualified for such an 
office. So little interest liad he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
O.iir claims set aside in behalf of one wliose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took jxissession of him, and pre- 
l)ared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. Thepoi)ularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opix>sing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Thougli he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial jxjsition, 
and was, at times, sorely periilexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the iwlitical conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but liitle 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. 1 am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character:—" With a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
(|uence. The frontiers and small military \)osts had 
been his home. Hence he was (piite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
))licity was child-like, and with innumerable ])reju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of" an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side jxjcket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhai)s something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated i)lirase, 
' touch with a pair of tongs.' 

".\ny allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short 
few men have ever had a more comfortan'le, laboi- 
saving contempt for learnirg of every kind." 



/ 




?■ " i' 




l^i^ 






THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



6? 





^■MILLftRn FILLMnHE.'^ 



I 



-^ 






ii® 



@^- 



4^ 





ILLARn FILLMORE, thir- 
¥) tcentli President of the United 
'^' States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the 7th of January, i8oo. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, tlie 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she [wssessed an' intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and ex- 
([uisite sensiliilities. She died in 
1831 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
li-e, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consetjuence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his f;rther, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon Dchools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
:.nd expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 
village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened tha*. 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck nith the prepossessing ap- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acquaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou. 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal' ■ 
»ind then enters a law office, who is by no means as 



08 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he v/as 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industry, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
lie took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in [X)litics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parlies, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degrc e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress He entered that troubled 
arena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two yea^s closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave him stiength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear uiwn the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his [X)j)vilarity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
!.e ^vas elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 1 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be \ 
proclaimed in tiunipet-tones all over the land. But ' 

it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4tli of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opixssition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the .South felt 
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the ix)wer of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his symiiathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a rijie 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 





■y{4^ ,-W?^^ 



FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



7« 







-^ff^^^- ^FRANKLIN PIEHEE.-^ ^m^^^^ 



^pyi?fjfB»^ ..-^^ 





=5«-.. '■^(f'A^l^ 



RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
^ United States, was born in 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate. Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked u{X)n him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, witli a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most jxjpular young men in the college. 
T he purity cf his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. Th« 
eminent social quahties of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced tiie 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest memi)erin 
the Senate. In the year 1834, he married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn ever)- 
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the 



7« 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, u[X)n his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R, I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an imixsrtant part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial supjwrt to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his a[)proval; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
other candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 

country had ever experienced. The controversy be 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching \\% 
culminating jxsint. It became evident that there was 
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the wliole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
tiie South; but it w-as all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ajv 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able accejjtably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slaver)' party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he conttibuted liberally for the al- » 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- j 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. ■, 




d 




7Zyy7ze_J (2 ^u/r^ 



£^Z/Z2€^<^^ 



I'lFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



75 



t m ^c^^^<^<^<^(^£^^^c:^ > •-'»"■ '«' •■ .'■-^.'A' tt'^'^'^tjgi'^tgiit^t^'^'^t^'^^ I^, 





-«»^ 











AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in Franklin Co., Penn., on 
the 23d of Aj)ril, 1791. The place 
wliere the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic sjx)t in a gorjjeof the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
17S3, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantage's. When James was eight years of age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and look his stand among 
the first scliolars in the institution. His application 
to study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1S09, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years ct 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fund of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly lie rose 
in his profession, and at once took midisputed stand 
with the ablest law)ers of the State. When lut 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of liie 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; /li.d 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some imixirtant case. In 1831, lie retired 
altogether from the toils of his profession, having ac- 
quired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, ufMn his elevation to the Piesidenc/, 
ap]X)inted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. T he- 
duties of his mission he jjerformed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster. 
Clay, AVright ai.d Calhoun. He advorated lite meas- 
ures i)roposedby President Jackson, of mil/ng repn- 



76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims ajj.iinst that country; and defended llie coarse 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
renijval from office of those who were not the siip- 
[Xjrters of his administration. U|X)n this question he 
was broLigiit into direct collision with He.iiy Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated ex|)unging 
from thf journal of tlie Senate the vote of censure 
against Oen. Jackson for removing the deiKJsits. 
Earnestly he op|)osed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columliia, and urged tiie prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to i:)etitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated tliat they sliould be respectfully received; and 
that tlie re[)ly should be returned, that Congress had 
no iK)wer to legislate upon the subject. ' Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it now e.xists." 

U|)on Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took liis share of tlie resiwnsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces liy tlie American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our (Government pursued in that 
movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
tiie party devoted to the [lerpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan forthe Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
reived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The [wpular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th. 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
■rears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
.allied in jKjlitical princi|)les and action for years, were 
socking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
Mrildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



cijiL-s, co.isistenlly oppose the .State-rights party in 
tn.ir assumptions. As President of the Uniled States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws 
he could not, without [jerjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repu'u- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. , 

The op[X3nents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
noniinaied Abraham Lincoln as their standard be.ircr 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and ihe con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from theii 
liands, they would secede from the Union, takiiijj 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery- 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention u[X)n the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them tlie active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, the slaveholderu 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no [xjwer to prevent it, one o( 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no [xjwer to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which- 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. Thif 
was not the doctrine of .\ndrew Jackson, when, will, 
his hand ujxjn his sword hilt, he exclaimed. " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sumplci 
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and nrsenaL 
were seized; our deixjls of military stoies were |)lui'- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of ou 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looki li 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide aw. .y 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive lie 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan w.i? 
certainly the most calamitous our counlry lias ex 
perieiiced. His best friends cannot recall it wiih 
pleasure. .\nd still more deplorable it is for his fan.t , 
that in that dreadful conflict wliii h rolled its billow . 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should lrinni)ih over the flag of the reliellio.. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868, 




'^;:5!p| p 





<^7 



e^-'O^^^ 



~Z$i^ 



SIXTEE.VTH PliES/DE[^T. 



79 




^1 < ABRAHAM > ® 



mam^immm^^ 





LINCOLN. 




BRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
sixteenth President of the 
United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
809. About the year 1780, a 
man by the name of Abraham 
Lincobi left Virginia with liis 
family and moved into the then 
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thonnas was 
the father of Abraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth fcever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
(Jf course no record has been kept of the life 
of one«so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the iKjorest of the poor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin ; his food ihe coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and [msh out into the world, a friend- 
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus spent the whole of his youth as a 
*/il)orer in the fields of others. 

When twcnty-eiglit years of age he l)uill a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
tiris sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
" All that I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had a 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. Tho 
books he could obtain vi'ere few ; but these he re;:(l 
and re-read until they were almost committed 10 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys anti 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr, 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in reaiing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at llii> 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and thei'' 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, wl e:i 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education, and was intensely earnest to imjjrove his 
mind to the utmost of his power. He saw the luin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and l/e( ame 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
God's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of th.-^ 
IjOrd thy God in vain ;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them dowr> 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this advcn 



8o 



ABRAFIAM LINCOLN. 



ture liii employers were so well pleased, that uixjii 
his retarii tiiey placed a store and mill under liis care. 

I.I 1832, at tlie outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When tiie Legislature as- 
seml)led he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
o.ie hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to tlie Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he svas 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 llie great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In tlie organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opiX)sition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
■.lavery question, and he took the broad ground of 
;he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded tlie city amounted to twenty- 
five tliousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled tlie land, was the most 
orominent. It was generally supjiosed he would be 
tlie nominee Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in the affections of his countiymen, second 
cnly, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received iSo 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was [xjured ujOTn this good 



and merciful man, esjjecially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than U[K)n any other man ever elected to this 
high iX)sition. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was Irought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States h.id 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afierwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get uj) a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from HarrisL-urg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent ai.y |)ossible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opiwnents before the convention he gave 
important iwsitions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving U[)on the President been so manifold, and 
the resjwnsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, bo'h personal and national Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel cajMtal just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would I.e present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witli his characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disapixjintment if he should fail thera, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John NVilkes Booth 
entered the Ixjx where the President and fiimily were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in thehistory of the world was a nation 
plunged into such dee|) grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will filly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country will 
live with that of Washington's, its fatherf hiscr^'antry- 
men being unable to decide whi. h is tl>e greater 




c 




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>;i^^^t2tijz;?<_^ 



SEVENTEENTH PRESIDEN T. 



S3 





NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
States. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
y was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"l)oor whites " of the South, T.'ere 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education ufxin 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the sjjeeches of distinguished Uritish states- 
men. ,\ndrcw, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to read. 

fie accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner, 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the book 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed 01. 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in ix)litical 
affairs ; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1S40 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thos,. 
of Clen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843,116 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that imi^rtant post for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these res))onsible posi- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abi. 



84 



ANDREW rOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing cl.isses. In tS57, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africp, are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1S50, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the *'ree States of the North should return to the 
oouih persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took piide in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston- Baltimore convention of iSuo, ne 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In i86r, when the purpose of the South- 
ern Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ai)- 
jxjinted him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and uix)n the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The .\merican people must be taught, if 
Jhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter iniMnsistency with, and the most violent 



opixjsition to, the principles laid down in ttiat speech. 

In his loose ixjlicy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everythmg jMssible, to the utmost. In 
the beginniiig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for neariy three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilly 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent'-", 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around tlie name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an e.xciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United Slates Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5 th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasicnally, but finally passed away at 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every demonstration of respect. 





'^-^^. 



z^ 



EIGHTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



87 




)/^^^:i^''\®m^>'^^ 











LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
.^'j eighteenth President of the 
$?» United States, was born on 
tlie 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a iiiunble 
home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In tliis re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as. a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
.ne performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging uiron one 
side of the anir^il, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
prei)aration for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Mulino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
])ultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil .not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, III. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort .Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall ihcrefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volvuiteer organization that was being formed in the 
Stale in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



88 



UL YSSES S. GRA NT. 



]unc, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
ihat he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was jjlaccd in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the moutli 
cf the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
lie was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henrj- 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Mnjor-General, and the military 
jistrict of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
Rushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow whicli the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a .vonderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
;tnd enter \ipon '.'"■ duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge ol 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack ujwn Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there • to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the countr)' brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th' of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1S80 for a re- 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof (irant & Ward. The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suffered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
the illustrious General. 




6- 






^. 



-J 



X. 



NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 
® the nineteenth President of 
~" the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and liad a large following. Misfor- 
. ana cvvKtking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
.and in 1600, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
Oeorge wiu born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his liie. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah L.;e, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until h!s death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythej at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel a;.d grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a fanner, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 181 3, to Sophi? 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side ate traced back tc 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founder? 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a slock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day 
when there were no canals, steamers, not railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



HUTHhJiFORD B. HAYES: 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not exi)ecicJ to hve beyond a )nonth or two at 
most. As the moiulis went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that llie neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to lime " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
iast night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You reed not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. " You 
vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the imiversal predictions of his speedy 
deatli; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he w,;nt to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proiwsed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; bit he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
\Vesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, al the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Tiiomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In I S45, after graduating at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly _ 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law' 
with Ralph V. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a ])0werful influence upon his subse- 
t;uent '-.fe. One of these was his marrage with M'ss 
Lucy Ware \Vebl), daughter of l")r. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members such mei-i as '"hief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman 
hood. Tlie Literary Cluo brought Mr. Haye3 into 
constant association with young men of high char 
acter and noble aims, and lurtd him to display 'he 
(lualities so long hidden by his bashfulneis and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg: of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office o) 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Co'jncii 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 86 1, when the Rebellion broke out, he was ai 
the zenith of his professional lii.. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sunipler found him eager to take -in 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright ai-.d illustrious. In 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenanl-Colonel, and 
in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. .Subsequently, however, li" 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeiling displayed courage and fortitude 
that won .admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from liis regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of \Vinchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-Gener.al. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "forgallant and distinguished services 
during the campaigns of 1864, in AV'est Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times 

In 1864, Cren. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Oiiio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in tiie army ; but he finally declared, '' I 
shall never come to Washington unlil I can conic by 
tlie way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1S66. 

Ip. 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. .Allen G. Thunnan, a jxjpulai Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He w.as elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

]n 1S76 he was the standard leater of the Repub- 
lican P.uty in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President^ and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, h.t wevcr, with satisfaction tc his party, 
but his administration was an average or-.- 



TiVENTIETH PRESIDENT. 



95 







^:^//-\\^.?^: 




AMES A, GARt'IELD, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. ly, 
iSjr, in the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
ents were Abram and Eliza 
(Ballou) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
1, tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born vtras not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
,<:e about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with tlie spaces be- 
-v/een the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
.iard 'vVorking farmer, and he soon had his fields 
.:leared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built, 
fhe household coni|)rised the father and mother and 
-.heir four children^Mehetaliel, Tliomas, Mary and 
Tames. In May, 1823^ the father, from a cold con- 
.racted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
<his time James was about eighteen months old, and 
riiomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
tell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoulHedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
itrs live in .Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, cliopped wood, or did anytliing that 
Would liring in a few dollars to aid his widowed 
mother in he- struggles to keep the little fan ily to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Garfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sure of tlie 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until hi 
was about si.\teen years old was to be a captain oi 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, vvhich his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with th?; 
understanding, however, that he sliould try to obtair 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting willi 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
mained at this work but a short time when he wen 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his wav 
He then became both teacher and jjiipil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams (College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Vale College, says of him in reference to his religion : 



9« 



/AMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my jadgnieiH there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
;luirch of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
'arian cliarity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. 1 1, 185S, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
wiiom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
In Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14, 1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
'Humphrey Marshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. ro, 1862; and as "he had 
heen the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with (ien. liuell's army at Shiloh, 
in itE operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to reixsrt to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." 

The military b'story of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Gew Garfield wa» 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Iflneteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha ^\'hittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not without a straggle tliat he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in thai 
i)ody. Thers; he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of liis labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Sinct 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a (juestion which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before \^ 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to whicl 
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Uixjn Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Ciarfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on tiie eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
jiarty for President at the great Cliicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favo: with the people, and by .the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the deiwt, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but in.licting no further 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the peop'-; 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his ixjwer and hope. Foreighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the countrj' and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Se])t. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, foinid guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he coramitt'^d the foLi: deed. 





*^. 



TWENTY-FIRST PRESIDENT. 



99 



^^ 










HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

twenty-first Presi'^.^iu of the 

United States was born in 

Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 

^ thefifthofOc'ober, 1830, andis 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. AV'illiani 

Arthur, a Baptistd'.,rgyman, who 

emigrated to tb.s country' fro:n 

the county Antrim, Ireland, in 

iiis 18th year, and died in 1S75, in 

Newtonville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and eiitered the office of ex-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
being admitted to thebar he formed 
a partnershif) with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry 1). Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible sit6, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward niMppd the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that oc( a- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur s 
nomination to the Vice Presidency, leaving t«o 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that ]on. 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York wiih 
his slaves, intending to ship them to 'I'exas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the .South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized thi- 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but he too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
.Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



L.cfC. 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed hmi Engineer- 
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor Geiveral, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
lX)litics. He was apixjinted Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthi'.r was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on thecontinent. It 
was comiMsed of the leading iwliticians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, i88r, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — thosf moments of 
anxious susi)ense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored jxssition in the world (vas at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to ;.ssume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New ^'oIk, 
Sept. 20, 1881. The jxjsition was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what i)olicy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many im]X)rtant measures were lobe immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in Ms own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition cf 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administratiun. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before tlie con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would have 
6een selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
r\ing with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, wjiom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 




-?^ 



CyJ^i^rL^:^^ C/-C^.-i^C(L-ty^A 



TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 



i°3 





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coo 



TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LAND, the twenty- second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in the obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the humble birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the " good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supixjrting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayette/ille seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where his father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
llie first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in. 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " 01 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he went with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for twcj 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not hii 



I04 



S. GROVE R CLEVELAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in that name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
Epeak entluisiastically. "What is it you want to do, 
my boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply. "Good gracious!" remarked 
die old gentleman ; " do you, indeed ? What ever put 
that into your head? How much money have you 
got?" "Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
anv. 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while he could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told Ihem what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
g.aged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
he was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
nave the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's 
where they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students,'*as they thought that 
was enough to scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
out in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
eiected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital pw'.Ishment uix)n two 
csiminals. In 1S81 he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of th.it 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time for 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the peopl'; and to worsa 
than squander the people's money." The New York 
Sim afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1882, 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
II, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.: and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub- 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 1885, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 18S5. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts; 
Secretary of the Navy, William C. Whitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, cf 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controver.y be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 





' t;y4 



TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. 



luv 








•.o*o.@^><v5q)"<»*o.. 




NJAMIN HARRISON, the 

twenty-lliird rresident, is 
the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this 
country. The he.id of the 
fninily was a ]M a jor General 
Harrison, one of Oliver 
^' Cromwell's trusted follow- 

ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom- 
well's power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to participate in the trial of 
Charles I, and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this with his life, being 
hung Oct. 13, 16G0. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
family that appears in history is Benja- 
'n Harrison, of Virginia, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, and 
after wbom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
was a member of the Continental Congress during 
the years 1 774-5-6, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
wa.' three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the 



distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- 
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a clean record as Governor of the North- 
western Tcrritorj', was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month after Iiis inauguration. 
President Harrison was born at North Bend, 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. r^O, 1833. His life up to 
the time of his graduation by the Miami University, 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
try lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give hira a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to th:; 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female sclioo 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- 
ter upon the study of the law. He went to Cin 
oinnati and then read law for two years. At the 
expiration of that time young Harrison receivtd tb"; 
only inheritance of his life; his aunt dying left tiin: 
a lot valued at $800. lie regarded this legacy as a 
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taks 
this money and go to some Eastern town an', be- 
gin the practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
the mone}' in his pocket, he started out witu his 
young wife to fight for a place in the world. Ke 



108 



BENJAMIN HARUISON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, which was even at 
Uiat time a town of promise. He met with slight 
iiicouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
Uie first year. He worked diligently, applying him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
pi'actice and took a leading rank in the legal pro- 
I'ession. He is the father of two children. 

In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for tiie 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and t!ien be- 
gan liis experience as a stump speake; He can- 
vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by a 
handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantr}\ and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of materi.al, 
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
m.astering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore came to move toward the East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
'•rilled and organ iy.eil in the army. At Kesaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
rX Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
wmplimcntarj' terms. 

During tlie absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 
lie Supreme Court declared the office of the Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
irg Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864 
lie had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
nominated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirt3'-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Shcr- 
inan, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet 
.ever, and after a most tr^'ing siege made his way 
to the front in time to participate in the closing 
xcidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison dechncd re-election as 
;€porter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 
£e w.as a candidate for Governor. Although de- 
eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
J. National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
peciaLy in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
as usual, he took an active part in the campaign, 
und wr." elected to the United States Senate. Here 
lie served six years, and 77,as known as one of the 
tl)'iest men, best lawyers und strongest debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of the strongest firms ia 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. The ; 
convention which assembled in Chicago in .luno and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican Itartv, was great in every partic- ' 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. This move- 
ment became jiopular, ami from all sections of the 
country societies, clubs and delegations journeyed 
tliitiier to pa}' their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these w.as greatly 
increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke daily all through 
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly' and eloquent were 
his speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On ai'counl of Iiis chxpience as a speaker and his 
power .as a di'b.'itcr. he wa,s called upon .at an un- 
commonly eariy ago to take i)art in the disfussion 
of the great qui'stious that then began to agitate 
the country. He was an nueoni|)romisiug ant! 
slavery man. and was matched against some of tl.e 
most eminent Denn.eratic speakers of his St.ate. 
No man who fell llie touch of his Idadc deiired t< 
be pitted with him again. AVith all his eloii-'cncc 
.as an orator he never spf)k(! for oratoricjiV effect, 
but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
He is jjurely American in his ido:us and is a spler 
did tyiie of the American statesman. (Jifled witl; 
quick perception, a logic.-d mind :iud a iea<ly tongue, 
he is one of the most dislinguislied im|prouip(u 
speakers in the Nation. Alan}- of these speeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Many of liis t<'rso 
statements have already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
yet withal faultless in eUxiuence, he is recognized as 
the sound statesman and briUianl orator o- ta^ day 



f 





"^Ji/y-^^s (2y ^KcUJ^ 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



i°5 



Wm 
Am ^'fri:T3'HEM" ^.. iw — '^^^ 



^9/C* 



STEFHEM T* MiLSOM. ^ 



«"Ctt,ti -V4lll2il'®^^'5~'^'""' 




/F^-^S^5W-S»,^^J;OT<rav-|jiiff 




TEPHEN T. MASON, the 
first Governor of Michigan, was 
^y a son of Gen. John T. Mason, 
of Kentucky, but was born in 
Virginia, in 1812. At the age 
of 19 he was appointed Secre- 
tary of Michigan Territory, and 
served in that capacity during the 
administration of Gov. George B. 
Porter. Upon the death of Gov. 
Porter, which occurred on the 6th of 
July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act- 
ing Governor. In October, 1S35, he 
was elected Governor under the Slate 
organization, and immediately en- 
Si/ tered upon the performance of the 
' duties of the office, although the 
State was not yet admitted into the Union. After 
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor 
Z^Iason was re-elected to the ix)sition, and served with 
credit to himself and to the advantage of the State. 
He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during 
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from 
the disputed southern boundary of the State. 

Michigan claimed for her southern boundary a line 
running east across the peninsula from the extreme 
southern point of Lake Michigan, extending through 
Lake Erie, to the Fenusylvania line. This she 
claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by 
compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, 
the parties to which were the original 13 States, and 
the territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the suc- 
cession of parties under statutory amendments to the 
ordinance and laws of Congress — the United States on 
the one part, and each Territory northwest of the 
Ohio, as far as affected by their jirovisions, on the 



other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the iirior 
grant, or assignation of boundary, 

Ohio, on the otherhand,claimed that the ordinance 
had been superseded by the Constitution of the 
United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- 
late the boundary. It was also claimed that the 
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a 
different line, and Congress having admitted the State 
under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub- 
ject of the line in dispute, Congress had thereby given 
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu- 
tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at 
some periods of the controversy, but at others she ap- 
l)eared to regard the question unsettled, by the fact 
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re- 
gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 
1812, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to 
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people 
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. 
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not 
run till 1818. In 1820, the question in dispute 
underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on 
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously 
urged by her delegation, and as ably opposed by Mr. 
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The 
result was that the committee decided unanimously 
in favor of Michigan ; but, in the hurry of business, 
no action was taken by Congress, and tlie question 
remained open till Michigan organized her State gov- 
ernment. 

The Territory in dispute is about five miles in 
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width 
at the east end, and extends along the whole north- 
ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed 
by Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and 
that claimed by Ohio was known as the" Harris line,' 



io6 



STEPHEN T. MASON. 



-i 



from the names of the surveyors. The territory was 
valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief 
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the 
Maumee River, ivhcre now stands the flourishing city 
of Toledo, was included within its limits The town 
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards 
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo. >^ 

In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed 
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over 
the territory in question; erected townships and 
directed them to hold elections iu April following. It 
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com- 
missioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line ; and 
named the first of April as the day to commence the 
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated 
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent 
a special message to the Legislative Council, appris- 
ing it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme- 
diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract 
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 12th 
of February, the council passed an act making it a 
crimmal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im- 
prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any 
official functions, or accept any office within the juris- 
diction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au- 
tliority not derived from the Territory, or the United 
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote 
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan 
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to 
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was 
made on the part of Ohio to carry out the provisions 
of that act of the Legislature. On the 31st of March, 
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at 
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying 
the Harris line. He was accompanied by General 
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to 
muster a volunteer force of about 600 men. This 
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and 
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort 
Miami, to await the Governor's orders. 

In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General 
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200 
strong, and were in jxissession of Toledo. General 
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of 
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. Ullman, of Con- 
stantine, Quartermaster; William R. Broadman, of 
Detroit, and Alplieus Fekh, of Monroe, Aids-de- 
camp. When Governor Lucas observed the deter- 
mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note 



of tiieir number, he found it convenient to content 
himself for a time with " watching over the border.' 
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ- 
ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his 
mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar- 
rived from Washington on a mission of peace. They » 
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded hini of 
the consequences to himself and his State if he per- 
sisted in his attempt to gain ix)ssessionof the disputed 
territory by force. After several conferences with 
both governors, the commissioners submitted proposi- 
tions for their consideration. 

Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, 
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the 
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and 
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a 
surrender of [xassession and jurisdiction. When Gov- 
ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however. Governor 
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself 
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. 

Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was 
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with- 
out being molested, and ordered the commissioners 
to proceed with their work. 

In the meanrime. Governor Mason kept a watch- 
ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent 
scouts through the woods to watch their movements, 
and report when operations were commenced. When 
tlie surveying jjurty got within the county of Lena- 
wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a 
warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made 
his api^earance, and succeeded in arresting a portion 
of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, 
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis- 
puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol- 
lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and 
reported they had been attacked by an overwhelm- 
ing force of Michigan malitia, under command of 
General Brown. 

This summary breaking up of the sur^'eying party 
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout 
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the 
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference 
to the " war." The question continued for sometime 
to agitate the minds of the opix)sing parties ; and the 
action of Coniiress was im|)atient1y awaited. Michigan 
was admitted into the L^nion on the condition that 
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept 
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. 



i 



SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICH IG AN. 



109 










' <^€-^0LQ2.'iSiC'*«~'^''*-' 







ILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, 
msecond Governor of Michigan, 
was born at Norwich, Conn., 
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at 
Detroit Oct. 20, 1S61. He 
was of a family of three brothers 
and two sisters. His father, 
Dudley VVoodbridge, removed to 
Marietta, Ohio, about 1790. The 
life of Wm. Woodbridge, by Chas. 
Laumaii, from which this skctcli 
i it[ is largely compiled, mentions noth- 
f^' nig concernmg his early education 
beyond the fact that it was such as 
was afforded by the average school 
\J\ of the time, except a year with the 
French colonists at Gallipolis, 
where he acquired a knowledge of 
Jl] the French language. It should 
be borne in- mind, however, that 
home education at that time was 
an indispensable feature in the 
training of the young. To this and 
and to a few studies well mastered, 
is due that strong mental discipline which has served 
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have 
adorned and helped to make our National history. 
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having 
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a 
young man subsecjuently distinguished, but known 
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at 
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of 
nearly three years, and Ijcgan to practice at Marietta 
in 1S06. In June, I cSo6, he married, at Hartford, C"on- 
necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trumbell, a 
distinguished author and judge ; and author of the 



peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of the 
Revolution, wrought such a magic change upon the 
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes ■ 
ticrelations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2,19, i860. 

Our written biographi','s necessarily speak more 
fully of men, because of their active participation in 
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon 
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled 
the influence of good women upon the history of the 
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. 
How much success and renown in life many men owe 
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en- 
joyed the best means of early education that the 
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled 
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side 
by side with the highest type of domestic and social 
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that 
formed the crown of a faultless chaiacter. She was 
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fine 
verses, some of which are preserved in a printed 
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her 
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute 
even in matters of minor importance, to elevate the 
reputation and add to the well being of her husband 
in the various stations he was called upon to fill, gave 
her the highest satisfaction " She was an invalid 
during the latter jxartion of her life, but was patient 
and cheerfulto the end. 

In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the 
General Assembly of Ohio, and in 1809 was elected to 
the Senate, continuing a member by re-election until 
his removal from the State. He also held, by ap- 
pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting 
Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in 
the Legislature, and in 181 2 drew up a declaration and 
resolutions, which passed the two houses unaminously 



lO 



WILL I A M J I'OODBRID GE. 



and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest 
and most emphatic terms, the war measures of Presi- 
dent Madison. Daring the period from 1804 to 1S14 
tlie two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, liad be- 
come widely separated. The latter was Governor of 
the Territory of Miciiigau under the historic "Governor 
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a 
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter jrasition was, 
in 1814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to 
Mr. \V. He accepted the jxjsitiou with some hesita- 
tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could 
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. 
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of 
collectorof customsat the port of Detroit, and during 
tlie frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof 
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent 
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for 
about two years out of the eight years that beheld the 
office of Secretary Under the administration of "Gov- 
ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory 
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time 
after their numbers entitled them to a mure popular 
representative system, they were allowed no delegate 
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of 
the i)eo[)le, by correspondence and also by a visit to 
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand 
for representation by a delegate, that an act was 
passed in Congress in iSigauihorizingone tobechosen. 
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence 
of all jjarties. His first action in Congress was to secure 
the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the 
old French land titles in the Territory according to 
the terms of the treaty of jieace with Great Uritain 
at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the 
construction of a Government road through the "black 
swamps" from the Miami River to Detroit, thus open- 
ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Mich- 
igan. ' He was influential in securing the passage of 
bills for the construction of Government roads from 
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and 
for the improvement of La I'laisance Bay. The ex- 
l)edition for the exploration of the country around 
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis- 
sissippi, projected by Governor Cass, was set on foot 
by means of representations made to the head of the 
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he stren- 
uously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip 
of territorj' now forming the northern boundary of 
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute 
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad- 
mission of the latter into the Union. He served 
but one term as delegate to Congress, de- 
clining further service on account of personal and 
family considerations. Mr. \V. continued to discharge 
the duties of Secretary of the Territory up to the time 
its Government passed into the "second grade." 

In 1824, he was appointed one of a board of 
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in 



the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of 
his profession, having the best law library in the Ter- 
ritory. In 1828, uix)n the recommendation of the 
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the 
President, J. (^. Adams, to succeed Hon. James Wiih- 
erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven- 
tionally called the "Supreme Court" of the Territory. 
This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri- 
torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and 
Judges" system, .\lthough it was supreme in its ju- 
dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and 
duties were of a very general character. 

In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex- 
piring, President Jackson appointed a successor, it is 
supposed on jxjlitical grounds, much to the disappoint- 
ment of the public and the bir of the Territory. The 
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri- 
tory, and its people began to think of assuming the 
dignity of a State government. Party lines becom- 
ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with 
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven- 
tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. 
In 1S37 he was elected a member of tVe Slate Senate. 

This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail 
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, 
because it is closelv identified with the early his- 
tory of the State, and the develojiment of its i)olili- 
cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov- 
ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and 
hence no review of Judge W's career as (lovernor 
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov- 
ernor in 1839, under a ixijnilar im[)ression that the 
affairs of the State had not been prudently adminis- 
tered by the Democrats. He serv'ed as Governor but 
little more than a year, when he was elected to the 
Senate of the United States. 

His term in the Senate practically closed his jwlit- 
ical life, although he was strongly urged by many 
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice 
President in r848. 

Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Gov- 
ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land 
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a 
short distance below what v/as then the corporate lim 
its of Detroit, where he resided during the rem 
of his life. Both in his public papers and pri 
communications, Governor W. shows himself a mas 
ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- 
tion, logical in arrangement, hap[)y in the choice and 
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres- 
sion. Judge W. was a(!!ongregationalist. Hisopinions 
on all subjects were decided ; he was earnest and 
energetic, courteous and dignified, and .it times ex- 
hibited a vein of fine humor that was the more at- 
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the 
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and 
earnest affection not only for his ancestral home, but 
the home of his adoption and for friends and family. 



te lim- 
ainder V/ 
private A 



GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



"3 




«<« 




>»» 



™ tJOHM S. BARRY 











OHN STEWARD BARRY, 

.Governor of Michigan from 
Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846, 
and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 
I, 1852, was born at Amherst, 
N. H., Jan. 29, 1802. His par- 
ents, John and Ellen (Steward) 
IJarry, early removed to Rocking- 
ham, Vt., where he remained until 
he iiecame of age, working on his 
father's farm, and pursuing his 
studies at the same time. He mar- 
ried Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt., 
and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt,, 
where lie had charge of an academy 
for two years, meanwhile studying 
law. He afterward practiced law in 
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some 
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title 
of Governor's Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period 
was Captain of a company of State militia. In 1831 
he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon, 
where he engaged in mercantile business with I. W. 
Willard. 
Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con- 



stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He 
became Justice of the Peace at White Pigeon, Mich.- 
in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835 
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member 
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled 
and flamed the constitution upon which Michigan 
was admitted into the Union. He took an important 
and [jiominent part in the proceedings of that body, 
and showed himself to be a man of far more than 
ordinary ability. 

Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union, 
Mr. Barry was chosen State Senator, and so favorably 
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the 
first session of the Legislature that they looked to him 
as a party leader, and that he should head the State 
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re- 
ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands 
of his party assembled in convention. He was 
elected, and so popular was his administration that, in 
1842, he was again elected. During these years 
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi- 
culties, and it vvas through his wisdom and sound judg- 
ment that the State was finally placed upon a solid 
financial basis. 

During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the 
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception 



JOHN STEWARD BARRY. 



of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan 
Soathcrji railroads were being rapidly constructed, and 
general progress was eveiywhere noticeable. In 1842, 
ihe number ot" pupils reiwried as attending the i)ublic 
schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. \\\ 1843, ^ 
.Slate land oflice was established at Marshall, which 
was invested wi'.li the charge and disposition of all 
liic lands belonging to the Stale In 1S44, the tax- 
able property of tlie Stale was found to be over 
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the 
rate of two mills on the dollar. The ex|)enscs of the 
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the 
income from tlic railroads was nearly three hundred 
thousand dollars. At this time the University of 
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income 
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; 
and the amount of money which the State was able 
to loan the several progressing railroads was one 
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were 
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools 
with good results In r845, when Gov. Barr)''s sec- 
ond term expired, the jjopulation of the State was 
more than th'ee hundred thousand. 

The constitution of the State forbade more than two 
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the 
IKJsition again in 1S50 — the only instance of the kind 
in the history of the State. He was a member of the 
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- 
atives. 

During Mr. Barry s third term as Governor the Nor- 
mal School was established at Yi)silanti, wliicli was 
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board 
of education consisting of six persons. A new con- 
stitution for the government of the State was also 
adopted and the ''Great Railway Conspiracy Case" 
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts 
which had l:ecn committed uixjn the property of the 
Michigan Central R.iilroad Company, along the line 
of their road, and finally the burning of the deix)t 
at Detroit, in 1S50. 

At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, 
April 24, iS5r, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this 
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused 
parties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of 
wliich Warner Wing was resident judge. The Rail- 
road Companv employed ten eminent lawyers, in- 
cluding David Stuart, John Van .\rman, James K. 
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, Alex. D. Fraser, Dan- 
iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were 
represented by six members of the State bar, led by 
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied 
four months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- 
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants 
249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury 
for the prosecution ; William H. Seward for the 
defense. 

The great lawyer was convinced of the innocence 



of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his 
clients were the victims of purchased treachery, 
rather than so many sacrifices to justice. 

The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock 
p. .M., Sept. 25, 185 I. On the 26th the prisoners were 
])ut forward to receive sentence, when many of them 
protested their entire innocence, after which the pre- 
siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the fol- 
lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within 
the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi 
Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; 
.Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight 
years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, 
eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, 
eight years; Lyman Champlin, five years; Willard 
W. Chain[)lin, five years; Erastus Champlin, five 
years; Erastus Smith, five years. 

In r84o. Gov. Barry became deeply interested in 
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Europe 
to obtain inlormalion in reference to its culture. 

He v/as twice Presidential Elector, and his last 
public service was that of a delegate to the National 
Democratic Convention held in Ciiicagoin 1864. 

He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a 
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts 
bestowed ujxan him, whether of a public or a private 
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been 
one of the most efficient and popular Governors the 
Slate has ever had. 

Gov. Barry was a man cf incorruptible integrity. 
His opinions, which he reached by the most thorough 
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- 
victions and outsixsken honesty made it impossible for 
him to take an undefined iX)sition when a princi[ile 
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were 
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his 
administration of public affairs. As a speaker he was 
not rem^irkable. Solidity, rather than brilliancy, char- 
acterized his oratory, which is described as argument- 
ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely 
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- 
quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner 
rather awkward. 

-Vlthough Mr. Barry's educational advantages were 
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered 
both ancient and modern languages, and accpiired a 
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less 
to political iiiliigue as a means of gaining posi- 
tion. He was a true statesman, and gained ))ul>li<: es- 
teem by his solid worlli. His political connections 
were always w.th the Democratic party, and his opin- 
ions were usually extreme. 

Mr. Barry retired to private life after tlie beginning 
of the ascendency of the RepuMican party, and car- 
ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He 
died Jan. 14, 1S70, his wife's death having occurred a 
year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children. 




1%. 



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I 




'^.ouJ^<^ 





GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



"7 








^i 




LPHEUS FELCH, the third 
overiior of Michigan, was 
born in Limerick, Maine, Sep- 
tember 28, 1806. Hisgrand- 
^i, father, Abijah Felch, was a sol- 
dier in the Revolution ; and 
'"' jZs when a young man, having with 
others obtained a grant of land be- 
tween the Great and Little Ossipee 
Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re- 
gion when it was yet a wilderness. 
The father of Mr. Felch embarked in 
mercantile life at Limerick. He was 
the first to engage in that business in 
that section, and continued it until 
his death. The death of the father, 
followed within a year by the death of 
the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three 
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a 
home with his paternal grandfather, where he re- 
mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early 
education in the district school and a neighboring 
academy. In 1821 he became a student at Phillips 
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered Bowdoin 
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at 
once began the study of law and was admitted to 
practice at Uangor, Me., in 1830. 

He began the practice of his profession at Houlton, 
Me , where he remained until 1833. The severity 
of tlie climate impaired his health, never very good, 
and lie found it necessary to seek a change of climate. 
He disposed of his library and started to seek 
a new home. His intention was to join his friend., 




.Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his 
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by 
cholera, and when he liad lecovered sufficiently to 
permit of his traveUng, found that the danger of the 
disease was too great to permit a journey down the 
river. He therefore determined to come to Michi- 
gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon- 
roe, where he continued until 1843, when he removed 
to Ann Arbor. He was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture in 1835, and continued a member of that body 
during the years 1836 and 1837. While he held this 
office, the general banking law of the State was enact- 
ed, and went into operation. After mature delibera- 
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system 
of banking could not prove beneficial to the public 
interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people 
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were 
laboring, it would result in still further embarrass- 
ment. He, therefore, opposed the bill, and pointed 
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, 
were sure to follow its passage. The public mind, 
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure 
that no other member, in either branch of the Legisla- 
ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted witli 
him in opjMsition to the bill. Eariy in 1838, he was 
appointed one of the l?ank Commissioners of the 
State, and held that office for more than a year. Dur- 
ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to 
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. 
Almost every village had its bank. The country was 
flooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex- 
aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to 
light frauds at every point, which were feariessly re 



ii8 



ALPHEUS FELCH. 



ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- 
inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing 
of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- 
fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re- 
signed. The chartered right of almost every liank 
had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and 
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to 
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State. 
In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed 
to the office of .'\uditor General of the State; but 
after holding the office only a few weeks, was com- 
missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- 
nation of Judge Fletcher. In January-, 1843, he was 
elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired 
term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan, 
and entered upon his duties at the commencement of 
1 lie ne.xl year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator 
in Congress for six years; and at once retired from 
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took 
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com- 
menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on 
the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years 
was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position 
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great 
credit to the State of Michigan. 

During Governor Fetch's administration the two 
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private 
corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the 
Southern for $500,000. The exports of the State 
amounted in 1846 to $4,647,608. The total capacity 
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit 
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and 
the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em- 
ployment to iS,ooo seamen. In 1847, there were 39 
counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and 
275 of these townships were supplied with good libra- 
ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. 

At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, 
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of 
the Commissioners to adjust and settle the Spanish 



and Mexican land claims in California, under the 

treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress 
passed for that purpose. He went to California in 
May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis- 
sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- 
l>ortant and delicate character. The interest of the 
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, 
both the native Me.xican population and the recent 
American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to 
their common lands, and of the Catholic Church to 
the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the 
State, — wereinvolved in the adjudicationsof this Com- 
mission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought 
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims 
which were presented. The record of their proceed- 
ings, — the testimony which was given in each case, 
and the decision of the Commissioners thereon, — 
consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited 
in the Department of the Interior at Washington. 

In June of that year, Governor Felch returned to 
.\nn .\rbor, where he has since been engaged piinci- 
pally in legal business. Since his return he has 
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- 
ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court. But 
tlie Democratic parly, to which he has always been 
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- 
tion. In 1873 he withdrew from the active practice 
of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Europe, 
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home 
in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan 
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For 
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan 
University, and in the spring of 1879 was ap|X)inted 
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is 
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from 
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Bank Com- 
missioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor 
General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of 
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme 
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United 
States Senator from the State of Micliii;an. 




left for I?e.ro.t < n P,''"''^ •^'"'"i 

the cirv. Hp n-iii >„~ ■"" ""^ ""ap 
L'eutIemer.wc"J?irivv>, '"''■■ ''"•'• ""' 

i>!&pl-'-j^-'t4\^!^ii 

A Voune Man nio« n..,i 

Aboot 8 o'clock last evening, „■ 
all along the river ucre lined w,r„ 
>ous to sec the display c,n,l^.,^^r 
boon prepared fov ,he c.cam, oX-n 

i'">ki L'fornaJ^a^Z f -Mii«.v„keo 

lilt! ODCniniy «* .K„ '■ '"l^l'-ll I" Wa. 




surfaceat ail' ii'!, ''"^ '"" e.mi- 
«a.s Ka s^";,i,i^" companinns sai.I 
Huron, «Leic Lew. ''"''. V'"' ''^' '■»<•< 
elevMor. U^ {^oviii^ll°'°rV" "'e 
Trunk frei.-irt ho I 1 * " '"fck.r in t 

22 years *Id and 's?n|ie" ""''""■ S''"' ' 
01^ c ^"rviago Licenses. 

Sw";;;^3V':i;;;;f '■-''. *^ Chicago. ,11, 
b"'?'5;^™,'L1 »• "■ '^'^^-- 2.-. Cbicago: E 
K;;rt"2)\';^,"r'''"""'"'''''^-=°- Detroit; 3 
IIa'^J;^!'lr^Ir,.?;!r^f''>1. <-.Dct.oi,: . 



LBerL'in, •.IP, 



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Flint; 




GO VERNORS. 





ILLIAM L. GREENLY 
^Governor of Michigan for the 
year 1847, was born at Hamil- 
ton, Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 
'^>"'"^- ?^ 18, 1813. He graduatedat Un- 
^ ■ / ion College, Schenectady, in 

S.?i, studied law and was ad- 



k '^^ 



milted to the bar in 1834. In 
1836, having removed to Michi- 
^ gan, he settled in Adrian, where 
he has since resided. The year 
following his arrival in Michigan 
!%■) he was elected State Senator and 
'„v served m that capacity until 1839. 
In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Gov- 
ernor and became acting Governor 
by the resignation of Gov. Felch, 
who was elected to the United 
States Senate, 
i The war with Mexico was brought 

to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's 
a.dniinistration. We regret to say that there are only 
few records e.xtant of the action of Michigan troops 
in the Mexican war. That many went there and 
fought well are points conceded; but their names and 
nativity are hidden away in United States archives 



and where it is almost impossible to find them. 

The soldiers of this State deserve much of the 
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K; 3d 
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf 
The two former of these companies, recruited in this 
State, were reduced to one-third their original num- 
ber. 

In May, 1846, the Governor of Michigan was noti- 
fied by the War Department of the United States to 
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi- 
ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum- 
mons 13 independent volunteer companies, 1 1 of 
infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of 
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear- 
ing the lionored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, 
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re- 
mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three, 
St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne 
County an additional company. Of these alone the 
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser- 
vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the 
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing 
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a 
great degree the material of which the first volunteers 
was formed, were not called for until October follow- 
ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pro- 
ceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war. 





-C^-'^OaZ /Z- Ct/^'t,<^0-<^*1^ 



GO VERNORS. 





^ EP^P^^ODITnS PI]S0II]. I 






W^~::::^~^i lenia 



HE HON. EPAPHRODI- 
TUS RANSOM, the Seventh 
Governor of Michigan, was a 
native of Massachusetts. In 
that State he received ^a col- 
legiate education, studied law, 
and was admitted to the bar. 
Removing to Michigan about 
the time of its admission to the 
Union, he took up his residence 
at Kalamazoo. 

Mr. Ransom served with marked 
ability for a number of years in the 
State Legislature, and in 1837 he was appointed As- 
sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1S43 he 
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- 
tained until 1845, when he resigned. 

Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in 
the buildmg of plank roads in the western porlior. of 
the State, and in this business lost the greater jwrtion 
of the property which he had accumulated by years 
of toil and industry. 

Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of 
Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one 
term, performing the duties of the office in a truly 
statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became 
President of the Michigan .Agricultural Society, in 
". hich position he displayed the same ability that 




shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. 
He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer- 
sity several_times, and ever advocated a liberal policy 
in its management. 

Subsequently he was apix)inted receiver of the 
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- 
ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and 
where he died before the e-\]Hration of his ttrm of 
office. 

We sum up tlie events and affairs of the State un- 
der Gov. R.ansom's administration as follows: The 
Asylum for the Insane was establised, as also the 
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of 
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, 
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five 
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and 
dumb and blind amounted to §81,500. On the first 
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com- 
pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis- 
patch transmitted on that day. The following figures 
show the progress in agriculture : The land reported 
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of 
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other 
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 pounds; 
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305 ; cat- 
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while 
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills 
amounted to 730. 1847, an act was passed removing 
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and tempo- 
rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- 
mediately erected, at a cost of $12,450. 







"^•z^ 







GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



129 



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OBERT McClelland, 

(iovernor of Michigan from 
Jan. I, 185 2, to March 8,1853, 
was born at Grcencastle, Frank- 
Ai/^' lir^ ^°' Penn., Aug. i, 1S07. 
0^7 Among his ancestors were several 
officers of rank in the Revolution- 
ary war, and some of his family con- 
nections were distinguished in the 
war of i8t2, and that with Mexico. 
His father was an eminent physician 
and surgeon who studied under Dr. 
Benj Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
practiced his profession successfully 
until six months before his deatli, at 
tlie age of 84 years. Although Mr. 
McClelland 's family had been in good circum- 
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown 
uiJon liisowp resources. After taking the usual pre- 
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the 
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, 
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in 
his class, in 1829. He then resumed teaching, and 
liaving completed the course of study for the legal 
profession, was admitted 10 the bar at Chambersburg, 
Penn., in 1831. Soon afterward he removed to the 
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a 
year. 

In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to. Monroe, in 




the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex- 
amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi- 
gan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of 
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame 
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of 
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He 
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked 
among its ablest debaters. He was ap[X)inted the 
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, 
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalshi)), but 
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his 
professional duties. 

In 1S38, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State 
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished 
as the head of several important committees. Speaker 
J>ro tempore, and as an active, zealous and efficient 
member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for 
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm- 
ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi- 
gan was carried by the Whigs under tlie popular cry 
of " Woodbridge and reform " against tlie Democratic 
liarty. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the 
acknowledged leaders of the latter organization ; was 
elected a member of the State House of Representa- 
tives, and witii others adopted a plan to regain a lost 
authority and prestige. 

This party soon came again into [Kjwer in the State, 
and having been returned to the State Legislature M;. 
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged iiy his 
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives 



I ^o 



ROBERT McClelland 



ill 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- 
tuted one congressional district. The late Hon. Jacob 
M. Howard had been elected against Hon. Alpheus 
Kclchby a strong majority; but, in 1843,50 tiioroughly 
liad the Democratic party recovered from its defeat 
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Con- 
gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 
2,50-0. Mr. McClelland soon toc't a prominent ix>-:i 
lion in Congress among the veteians of that body 
DuVing jiis first term he was placed on Committee on 
Commerce, and organized and carried through what 
vverc known as the " Harbor bills." The continued 
confidence of his constituency was manifested in his 
election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this 
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so 
1?. forably was he known as a parlimentarian that his 
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives He declined t' e offer in favor of J. W. 
Davis, of I.-.diana, who was elected. During this term 
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in 
which position his leiwrts and advocacy of iiniwrlant 
measures at once attracted public attention. The 
members of this committee, as an evidence of the es- 
teem in which they held his services and of their 
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane 
■vhich he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of 
his labors in Congress. 

In 1847, ^f McClelland was re-elected to Con- 
gress, and at the opening of the 3olh Congress be- 
came a member of the Committee on Fore.gn Rela- 
aons. While acting in this capacity, what was known 
as the " French Siwhation Bill" caine und-"r his spe- 
cial charge, and his management of the same was such 
as to commantl universal approbation. While in 
Congress, Mr, McClelland was an advocate of the 
•ight of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams, 
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language 
r.nd presented in the proper manner. This he re- 
•: .irded as the citizensconstitutional right which should 
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe- 
diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- 
dings s bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District 
of Co'umbis Mr. McClelland was one of the few 
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- 
rylvar.ia in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot 
i'roviso,' with a view to prevent further extension of 
slavery in new territory which might be acquired by 
.he United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to- 
gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate 
..nd confidential terms. Mr. McClelland was in sev 
cral National conventions and in the Baltimore con- 
vention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President, 
'.Ti 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec- 
tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving 
Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned lo the 
practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1S50 a 
convenrion of the State of Michigan was called to 
revise the State constitution. He was elected a 



member and was regarded therein as among the ablest 
and most experienced leaders, His clear judgment \ 
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the 
comniitiee room and on the floor, in debate. In 1850, 
he was President of the Democratic State convention 
which adopted resolutions in sup)X3rt of Henry Clay's 
famous compromise measures, of which Mr. ilcClel 
land was a strong advocate. He was a member of 
the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in 
that year in company with Gen Cass and Governo. 
Felch he made a thorough canvass of the State 
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com 
promise measures, and took an active part in the 
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen Pierce 
to the Presidency 

In 185 t, the new Stats constitution took effect an.-) 
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected 
for one year in order to prevent an interregnums and 
to bring the State Government into operatic: under 
the new constitution Mr McClelland was elected 
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for 
a term of two years, from Jan, r, 1853. His admin- 
istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia- 
tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a 
time when party spirit ran high. There was really 
no opiX)sition,and when he resigned, in March, 1853, 
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State 
otherwise prosperous So widely and favorably hac 
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that or. 
the organization of thecabir.et by Pr sident Pierce, in 
March, 1853, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in 
which capacity he served most creditably during four 
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly 
re-or^iai:ized his department and reduced the expend- 
iture. He adopted a course with the Indians which 
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances 
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilizatio" 
among them. During his administration there was 
neither complaint from the tribes nor corruption among 
agents, and he left the department in perfect order 
and sxsteni In 1867, Michigan again called a con 
vention to revise the State constitution. Mr. McClel- 
land was a member and here again his long experi- 
ence made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a 
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was 
terse and pointed m argument, clear, candid and im 
pressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity 
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled 
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective 
advocate. In speaking 'oefore the people on jxjlitical 
subjects he was especially forcible and hapjiy. In 
1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his 
extensive personal acquaintance with European dii>- 
lomateS; he was enabled to enjoy much more than 
most travelers 

Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah 
E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had 
siv children, two of whom now survive. 



; 




GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



133 





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4HPMEiW i^mitMi. 






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NDREW PARSONS, Gover- 
nor of Michigan from Marcli 
8, 1853 to Jan. 3, [855, was 
born in the town of Hoosick, 
ilk County of Rensselaer, and 
'^'^ State of New York, on the 22d 
day of July, 1817, and died June 
6, 1S55, at the early age of 38 
years. He was the son of John 
Parsons, born at Newbiiryport, 
(Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the 
son of Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary 
soldier, who was the son of Phineas 
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, 
a descendant of Walter Parsons, born 
in Ireland in 1290. 
Of this name and family, some one hundred and 
thirty years ago. Bishop Gilson remarked in his edi- 
tion of Camden's Britannia: "The honorable family 
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of 
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." 

The following are descendants of these families : 
Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, was Mayor of Hereford; 
Roliert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near Bridgewater, 
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- 
ford, and was a noted writer and defender of the 
Romish faith. He established an English College at 
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, 
born in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingham; 
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 1618, was another 
noted member of the family. In 1634, Thomas Parsons 
was knighted by Charles i. Joseph and Benjamin, 
brothers, were born in Great Torrington, England, 



« 




and accompanied their father and others to New 
England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis- 
bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in 
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 1736, married 
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Bostor, 
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in 
the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfatherof Mary 
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson 
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set- 
tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous 
race of the name are descended, including two Presi- 
dents of the United States. Tlie Parsons have Ije- 
come very numerous and are found throughout New 
England, and many of the descedants are scattered 
in all parts of the United States, and especially in 
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew 
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at the age of r7 
years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann 
.\rbor, where for a few months he taught school which 
he was compelled to abandon from ill health 

He was one of the laige number of men of sterling 
worth, who came from the East to Micliigan when it 
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming 
the dignity of a State, and who, by tlieir wisdom, 
enterprise and energy, have developed its wondetfu! 
natural resources, until to-day it ranks with the proud- 
est States of the Union. These brave men came to 
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conquest 
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong 
and willing hands. They gloriously conquered, how- 
ever, and to them is due all honor for tlie labors 
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure found.ition 
which they laid of a great Conunonweallh. 



'34 



ANDREW PARSONS 



In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River 
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole length of the river, 
frouvJacksontoLakeMichigan,andspent the following 
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia, 
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he 
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, 
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia- 
wasseCounty.then with Clinton County, and an almost 
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized 
township. In 1837 this territory was organized into 
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (An- 
drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was 
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and 
also in 1S44. In 1846, he was elected to the State 
Senate, was apiwinted Prosecuting Attorney in 184S, 
and elected Regent of the University in 1S51, and 
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, 
in 1853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, 
overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the 
resix)nsibilities of his office and cares of his business, 
retired to his farm, where he died soon after. 

He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well 
calculated to make friends of his acquantances. He 
was always true to his trust, and the whole world 
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con- 
ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most jx)wer- 
ful railroad influence was brought to bear upon him, 
to induce him to call an extra session of tlie Legisla- 
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State 
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions 
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do 
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words. 
In other places the resolutions were of a demanding 
nature, while in others they were threatening beyond 
measure. Fearing that all these influences might 
'ail to induce him to call the extra session, a large 
sum of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten- 
dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of 
the State and call the e.xtra session, but, immovable, 
he returned the money and refused to receive 
any favois, whether from any party who would at- 
tempt to corru'-t 'um by laudations, liberal ofl'ers, or 



by threats, and in a short letter to the people, afier 
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man 
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not 
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. 
This brought down the wrath of various parties ujxsn 
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge 
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of 
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance: 
"though not always coinciding with his views I never 
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times 
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, 
with the dictates of his conscience, and the behests 
ofhisoath." The following eulogium from a [xjlitcalop- 
jxinent is just in its conception and creditable to its 
author: "Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Dem- 
ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fi.xed 
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every 
public and private relation of life. As a ix)litician he 
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- 
ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The 
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is 
to give his just record, — that of being an honest man. 
In the spring of 1854, during the administration of 
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least 
as a Slate organization, was first foniied in the United 
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery 
men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre- 
vailed at this lime, occasioned by the settling of 
Kansas, and the issue thereby brought up, whether 
slavery should exist there. For the purpose of permit- 
ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (whic'i 
limited slavery to the south of 36° 30") was re- 
repealed, under the leadership of Stephen A, Douglas. 
Tliis was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and 
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who 
were opposed to this repeal measure were in sliort 
called " anti-N'ebraska" men. The epithets, "Ne- 
braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temix)rally .em- 
ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery 
parties, jiending the desolution of the old Democratic 
and Whig parties :ind the organization of the new 
Democratic and Republican parties of the present. 




s- 



^ 




•GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



'37 



m. 




m^ 



lg_ KiNSLRY S. BiNQHAM. 



~;y?:'l'<;^l'^^;;^^;;l'^;■l'v^'^'^t^l'^Jl'n^.•^^;^^'J;^'j^x^^^^'^^u^ v. ■ '.•..'.•..'i;.'t'7.'tgi.'t!^-'t^'t^t^ta:^l! 





INSLEY S. BINGHAM, 
Governor of Michigan from 
1855 to 1859, and United 
''fj\ States Senator, was born in 
CamilU'.s, Onondaga Coant)-, 
N. Y., Dec. 16, 1808. His 
father was a farmer, and his own 
early life was consequently de- 
voted to agricultural pursuits, but 
notwithstanding the disadvan- 
tages related to the ac([uisition 
of knowledge in the life of a farmer 
he managed to secure a good aca- 
demic etUication in his native State 
and studied law in the office of 
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of 
Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 
1833, he married an estimable lady 
l'^ who had recently arrived from Scot- 
land, and obeying the impulse of a 
naturally enterprising disposition, 
he emigrated to Michigan and 
■Jr purchased a new farm in company 
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert 
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on 
the border of civilization, buried in the primeval for- 
est, our late student commenced the arduous task of 
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- 
ting up buildings, etc., at such a rate that the land 



chosen was soon reduced to a high state of cultivation. 

Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was 
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Post- 
master imder the Territorial government, and was the 
first Probate Judge in the county. In the year 1836, 
when Michigan 1 ecame a State, he was elected to the 
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and 
Speaker of the House of Representatives three years. 
In 1846 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Re[> 
resentative to Congress, and was the only practical 
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the 
interest of agriculture, and was in particular opposed 
to the introduction of " Wood's Patent Cast Iron 
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re- 
elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he 
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the 
territory of the United Sta'es and was committed to 
and voted for the Wilmot Proviso. 

In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican 
party, in consequence of bis record in Congress as a 
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated 
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in 
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own formei 
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his 
administration, and among other profits of his zeal in 
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the 
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansiiig. 

In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in 
Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- 
pii::n in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit- 



'38 



KINSLEY S. BINGHAM. 



nessed the commencement of the civil war while a 
member of the United States Senate. After a com- 
paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub- 
lic activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died 
suddenly at his residence, in Green Oak, Oct. 5, 1861. 

The most noticable event in Governor Bingham's 
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the 
Falls of St. Mary. In 1S52, Angust 26, an act of 
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich- 
igan seven hundred and filty tliousand acres of land 
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between 
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1 85 3, the Legislature 
accepted the grant, and provided lor the apiwintment 
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to 
arrange for building the canal. A company of enter- 
prising men was formed, and a contract was entered 
into by which it was arranged that the canal should 
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed 
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, ma- 
chinery, working implements and materials, timber 
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and 
supplies, had to be transjwrted to the site of the canal 
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake jxjrts. The 
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall of 
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The 
length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one 
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks 
of solid masonary. In May, 1S55, the work was com- 
pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally 
delivered to the State authorities. 

'i'he disbursements on account of the construction 
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one 
million of dollars ; while the lands which were as- 
signed to the company, and selected through the 
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the 
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the 
Government grant. The opening of the canal was 
an imix)rtant event in the history of the improvement 
of the State. It was a valuable link in liie chain of 
lake commerce, and particularly important to the 
interests of the Upper Peninsula. 

There were several educational, charitable and re- 
formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during 
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan .Ag- 
ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision 
of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says, 
" The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro- 
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school." 
For the pur|)ose of carjing into practice this provision, 
legislation was commenced in 1S55, and the act re- 
quired that the school should be within ten miles of 
Lansing, and that not more than §15 an acre should 
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col- 
lege was opened to students in May, 1857, the firstof 
existing argricultural colleges in the United States 
Until the spring of 1S61, it was under the control 
of the State Board of Education; since that time it 
has been under the management of the State Board 



of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose. 

In its essential features, of combining study and 
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies 
in its course, the college has remained virtually un- 
changed from the first. It has a steady growth in 
number of students, in means of illustration and 
efficiency of instruction. 

The Agricultural College is three miles east of 
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there 
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the 
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled 
green-house, a ver)' large and well-equipped chemical 
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the 
United States, a general museum, a meseum of me- 
chanical inventions, another of vegetable products, 
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for 
the purjxjses designed. The farm consists of 676 
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a 
systematic rotation of croi)s. 

Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan 
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the 
Methodist Ciuirch. The grounds contain about 20 
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom- 
modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875 
was J79; total number of graduates for previous year, 
121 ; ten professors and teachers are enq>loyed. E.\- 
clusive of the endowment fund (§80,000), the assets 
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni- 
ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, 
etc., amount to more than $137,000. 

Hillsdale College was established in 1855 by the 
Free Baptists. 'I'he Michigan Central College, at 
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept 
in operation until it was merged into the present 
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, 
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western 
part of the city of Hillsdale. The large and imjws- 
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire 
ill 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more 
modern style have been erected. They are of brick, 
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides 
of a (piadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80, 
48 by 72, 48 by 72, 80 by 60, 52 by 72, and they con- 
tain one-half more room than the original building. 
The State Reform School. This was established 
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern i«rtionof the 
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of- 
fenders, having about it many, of the features of a 
prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State 
Reform School. The government and dicipline. have 
undergone many and radical changes, until all the 
prison features have been removed except those that 
remain in the walls of the original structure, and 
which remain only as monuments of instructive his- 
tory. No bolts, bars or guards are employed. The 
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of 
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer 
than under the more rigid regime of former days. 



GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



141 







MOSESl WISN^ER 



W:-<. 



& 




OSES WISNER. Governor of 
'^^ Michigan from 185910 1861, 
i>Tv/as born in Springport, Cayu- 
'/ ga Co., N Y., June 3, 1815. 
^ His early education was only 
^^ what could be obtained at a 
scommon school. .^L^ricultural labor 
and frugality of his parents gave 
him a physical constitution of unus- 
ual strength and endurance, which 
^was ever preserved by temperate hab- 
In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- 
S^ gan and purcliased a farm in Lapeer 
Gjunty It was new land and he at 
once set to work to clear it and plant 
crops. He labored diligently at his 
task for two years, when he gave up 
the idea of being a farmer, and removed to Pontiac, 
Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law 
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and 
Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar 
and established himself in his new vocation at the 
village of Lapeer. While there he was appixjinted 
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that 
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well 
and gave promise of that eminence he aftervvard at- 
tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but 
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became 
a member of a firm and entered fully ujxjn the 
practice. 

> In politics he was like his talented brother, a Whig 
of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- 
slaver) bias. His practice becoming extensive, he 




took little part in politics until after the election of 
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an 
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a 
man of great ability, but relied less uixjn mere book 
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal 
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of 
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his 
memory which bore upon the case. He was no friend 
of tricker)- or artificein conducting a case As an ad- 
vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by tlie 
merits of his subject his eloquence was at once grace- 
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most 
original, tl.e most [X)inted illustrations, and his logic 
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the 
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- 
stowed upon him rare qualities, and his [xwers as a 
popular orator were of a high order. 

On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise ando[)ening 
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost 
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He 
actively participated in organizing and consolidating 
the elements opjxised to it in that State, and w is a 
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, 
1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven 
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the 
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of 
the new party consisting of AnU-slavery, Whigs, 
Liberty men. Free Soil Democrats and all others oj)- 
posed to the extension of slavery and favorable to iis 
expulsion from the Territories and the District of 
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to 
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the 



142 



MOSES WISNKR. 



State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- 
inated and at the annual election in November was 
elected by an average majority of nearly 10,000. 
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to 
its sup|X)rt all his personal influence and talents. In 
his views he was bold and radical. He believed from 
the beginning that tlie ix)litical power of the slave- 
holders would have to be overthrown before quiet 
could be secured to the countrj-. In the Presidential 
canvass of 1856 he supported the Fremont, or Re- 
publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 
1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, 
and as such received a very handsome support. 

In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the 
State by the Republican convention that met at De- 
troit, and at the subsequent November election was 
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of 
the election he had addressed the people of almost 
every county and liis majority was greater even than 
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. 
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1859, 
lo Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature 
was an able and statesman-like production, and was 
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake 
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- 
lightened State ixjlicy, that had Us view of the rapid 
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel- 
opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- 
sources. It was a document that reflected the highest 
credit u{X)n the author. 

His term having expired Jan. r, 1861, he returned 
;o his liome in Pontiac, and to the practice of his 
profession. There were those in the State who 
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- 
ference at Washington, but Mr. W. was opposed to all 
such temporizing e.xpedients. His counsel was to 
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight.- 

After Congress had met and passed the necessary 
.egislation he resoUed to take part in the war. In 
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to 
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland 
County, wliere he resided. His regiment, the 22d 
Michigan, was armed and equipi^ed and ready to 
march in September, a regiment whose solid cjuali- 
ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. 
Col. W's. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. 
Before parting with his family he made his will. His 
regiment was sent to Kentucky and quartered at 



Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the 
w;ir turned his attention to military studies and be- 
came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. 
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. 
His treatment of his men was kind, though his disci- 
pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree 
tlie spirit of command, and had he lived he would 
no doubt have distinguished himself as a gootl 
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at 
Jieing kept in Kentucky where there was so little 
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, 
so different from the one he had been leading, ana 
his incessant labors, coupled witli tliat impatience 
which was so natural and so general among the vol- 
unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their 
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with 
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near 
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the 
hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. 
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis- 
ci|)liiiing his men and urging them to be prepared for 
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus- 
tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush - 
"ns the Rebellion. But the source of his most iK>ig- 
nant gnet was the prospect of not being able to come 
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "chivalry." 
He was proud of his regiment, and felt that if it could 
find tlie enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a 
distinction it afterward'obtained, but not until Col W. 
was no more. The malady baffled all medical treat- 
ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1863, he breathed 
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and 
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest 
by the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who re- 
ceived liis mortal wound at the battle of Antietam. 
Coi. \V. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless 
ambitious of military renown and would have striven 
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war 
to defend and uphold the principles he had so much 
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with 
the causes and the underlying principles that led to 
the contest. He left a wife, wlio was a daughter of 
den. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to 
mourn his loss. Toward them lie ever showed the 
tenderest regard. Next to his duty their love and 
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- 
erous and brave, and like thousands of otneis he 
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. 



4^IG 




# 




CLyUT^^ 




GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



'45 




##ifeii- mUSTIW B^miB -"''^■''- 













USTIN 13LAIR, Governor 
of Michigan from Jan. 2, 
iS6i, to Jan. 4, 1865, and 
kown as the War Governor, is 
and illustration of the benifi- 
')/ cent influence of republican in- 
'/ stitutions, having inherited neith- 
|>^[[/fi|l cr fortune nor fame. He was born 
fl in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp- 
kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 18 18. 
His ancestors came from Scot- 
land in the time of George I, and 
for many generations followed the 
Wi^ pursuit of agriculture. His father, 
George Blair, settled in Tompkins 
County in 1809, and felled tlie trees and erected the 
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four- 
score and four years of his life were spent on that 
spot. He married RhodaBlackman,who now sleeps 
with him in the Soil of theold homestead. The first 
17 ) ears of his life were spent there, rendering his 
father what aid he could upon the farm. He then 
spent a year and a half in Cazenovia Seminary ])re- 
p;iring for college; entered Hamilton College, in 
Clinton, prosecuted his studies until the middle of 
ihe junior year, when, attracted by the tame of Dr. 
N'ott, lie clianged to Union College, from which he 
LM'aduated in the class of 1S39. Upon leaving col- 
lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet 
& Davis, Owego, N Y., and wasadmit'ed '.o [iractice 
iij ie>4i, and ihe same year moved to Micjiigan, locat- 




ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in 
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerk of Eaton 
County. At the close of the official term he relumed to 
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously espoused the cause 
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen 
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which 
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he 
rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- 
eral statutes ; also made an able report in favor of 
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- 
tive franchise, and at the same session was active in 
securing the abolition of capital punishment. In 1848 
Mr. Blair refused lunger to affiliate with the Whig 
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention 
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil 
movement, and was a delegate to their convention 
which nominated Van Buren for President that year. 
U]ion the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, 
in 1S54, by the coalition of the Whig and Free-soil 
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the 
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee 
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney 
of Jackson County in 1852 ; was chosen State Senator 
two years later, taking his seat with the incoming Re- 
publican administration of 1S55, and holding the 
IMDsition of parliamentary leader in tlie Senate. He 
was a delegate to the National Convention which 
nominated .•Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair 
was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re- 
elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging 
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo- 



146 



A USTIN BLAIR. 



r.ie tons and stormy period of the N'ation's life. Gov. 
llUiir jicssessed a dear comprehension of the perilous 
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his 
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive 
jwlicy and the administrative ability which charac- 
terized his gubernatorial career. 

Never perhaps in the histor)- of a nation has a 
brighter example been 1 lid down, or a greater sacri- 
fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich- 
igan during the civil war. All, from the " War Gov- 
ernor," down to the poorest citizen of the State, were 
animated with a patriotic ardor at once magnificiently 
sublime and wisely directed. 

Very early in 1S61 the coming struggle cast its 
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes- 
sage to the Legislature in Januarj- of that year, dwelt 
very forcibly ujwn the sad prospects of civil war; and 
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles 
of the Republic. After a review of the conditions 
of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the 
relations between the free and slave Stales of the 
Republic, saying: " While we arecitizensof the State 
of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in- 
terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We 
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By 
this title we are known among the nations of the earth. 
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of 
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic, 
the banner of the stars and strii^es, honor and protect 
her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the 
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Govern- 
ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich- 
igan are loyal to that Government — faithful to its con- 
stitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace 
and prosperity ; and under it they mean to abide to 
the end. Feeling a just pride in the glorious history 
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo- 
rious hopes of the future. But they will rally around 
the standards of the Nation and defend its integrity 
and its consritution, with fidelity." The final para- 
graph being: 
*' I recommend you at an early day to make mani- 



fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the 
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that 
Michigan is loyal <o the Union, the Constitution, and 
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost ; and 
to proffer to the President of the United States, the 
whole military power of the State for that puri»se. 
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a 
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous 
storm ! Let us hope that w^e will find him on the 4th 
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our 
fathers — ' Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, 
now and forever.' " 

How this stirring appeal was responded to by the 
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement 
that the State furnished SS,i II men during the war. 
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun- 
dantly supplied by this State during all these years of 
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter 
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen- 
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any 
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal 
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism 
manifested in its defense. 

Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the 
Fortieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty- 
first and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis- 
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body he 
was a strong supporter of reconstruction measures, 
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His 
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the 
floor of the House March 2 c, 186S, was a clear and 
convincing argument. Since his retirement from Con- 
gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied with his ex- 
tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. 
Ford, of Seneca County X. Y., in February, 1849. 

Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a postal 
clerk in the railway mail service; Charles A., partner 
with his father, Fred. J. and Austin T., at home. 

Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and 
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1S83, Gov. Blair 
was nominated for Justice of the Supreme Co:!rT 
of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated. 




^s^.<^- 



GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



1 4V 



«^l. 



til. 



•^ 






HENRY H, CBAPO 



■-^-^ 




aw 




ENRY ROWLAND CRAPO, 

Governor of Michigan from 
1865 to 1869, "-as L)orn May 
24, 1804, al Dartnioutli, Bris- 
tol Co , Mass., and diud at 
Flint, Micii,, July 22, 1869. 
He was the eldest son of Jesse 
and Piia-be (Howland) Crapo. 
His father was of French descent 
and was very poor, sustaining his 
> family liy the cultivation of a farm in 
Dartmouth township, which yielded 
I nothing beyond a mere livelihood. 
His early life was consequently one 
of toil and devoid of advantages for 
intellectual culture, but his desire for 
m education seemed to know no bounds. The in- 
cessant toil for a mere subsistence upon a compara- 
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing 
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for 
them in an education. His struggles to secure tliis 
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would 
JKi'^e discouraged any but the most courageous and 
pjr:>evering. He became an ardent student and 
worker from his boyhood, though the means of carry- 
i;ig on his studies were exceedingly limited. He 
sorely felt the need of a dictionary; and, neither iiaving 
money wherewith to \)urchase it, nor being able to 
])rocure one in his neighljorhood, he set out to compile 
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of 
the English language, he copied into a book every 
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and 
upoii meeting the same word again in the newspapers 
.-.•id '.).)ok;, which came into his hands, from the 



context, would then record the definition. Whenever 
unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word 
in which he had become interested he would walk 
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that purpose 
alone, and after referring to the books at the library 
and satisfymg himself thoroughly as to its definition, 
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles- 
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. 
Under such difficulties and in this manner he com ■ 
piled ([uite an extensive dictionary in manuscrip*^ 
which is believed to be still in existence. 

Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained posses- 
sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself 
diligently to its study became familiar with this art, 
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The 
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was 
called upon, but had no compass and no money with 
which to purchase one. A compass, however, he 
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shop 
near at hand, upon the forge, with such tools as he 
could find in the shop, while the smith was at dinner, 
he constructed the compass and commenced life as a 
surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him- 
self for teaching, and took charge of the village school 
at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- 
der the pressure of law, a high school was to be 
opened, he passed a successful examination for its 
principalship and received the appointment. To do 
this was no small task. The law required a rigid 
examination in various subjects, which necessitated 
days and nights of study. One evening, after con- 
cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot 
to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called 
upon the preceptor of Friend's .'\cademy and passed 



'5° 



HENR Y HO IVLA ND CRAPO. 



:i suvcrc examination. Receiving a certificate that 
ho w.ii ([iialified, he walked back to his home the 
sa.no nijiht, highly elated in being possessed of the 
acq lire'.nents and requiiements of a master of the 
high school. 

la 1S32, at the age of 2S years, ho left his native 
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he 
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- 
casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom- 
i.ig a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, 
Treasurer, andC'ollectorof ta.xes, which office he held 
until the municipal government was changed, — about 
fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city 
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector 
of ta.xes, a position which he held two or three years. 
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. 
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford; was 
Chairman of Council Committee on Education, and 
a; such prepared a reijort upon which was based the 
order for the establishment of the free Public Library 
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crape was 
cho.ien a member of the Board of Trustees. This 
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if 
not in the world. The Boston Free Librarj' was es- 
tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident 
i 1 New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul- 
ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carrj'ing out 
his ideas, he drained and reclaimed several acres of 
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here 
he staited a nursery, which he filled with almost every 
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, 
flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took 
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New 
Kngland Horticultural Journal, a position he filled 
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica- 
tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field 
of lalwr, it may be mentioned that jifter his death an 
affecting eulogy to hts memory was pronounced by the 
President of the National Horticultural Society at its 
meeting in Philadelphia, in 1869. During his resi- 
dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged 
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart- 
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named the 
■'H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him. 

Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for 
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of 
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol 
County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary- of 
ihe Bedford Commercial Insurance Company in New 
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- 
ernmenthecompiled and published, between the years 
1.^36 and 1845, fi^'^ numbers of the New Bedford 
Directory the first work of the kind ever jiublished 
there. 

Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been 
induced to do so by investments made principally in 
pine lands, first in 1837 and subsequently in 185C. 
He took u[) his residence in the city of Flint, and en- 



gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber 
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming 
one of the largest and most successful business men 
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the 
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was 
President of that corporation nniil its consolidatiop 
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. 
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been 
a resident of the i)lace only five tr six years. In 
1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 
1864 he received the nomination on the Republican 
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected by a 
large majority. He was re elected in 1866, holding 
the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, 
having given the greatest satisfaction to all j)arties. 

While serving his last term he was attacked with a 
disease which terminated his life within one year 
afterwards. During much of this time he was dn in- 
tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his 
attention to public matters. A few weeks previou.s 
to his death a successful surgical operation was per- 
formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he 
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion 
in business matters and State affairs suffered a relapse 
frj'.n which there was no rebound, and he died July 
17,. 1869. 

In the early part of his life. Gov. Crapo affiliated 
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active 
member of the Republican party after its organization. 
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called 
the Disciiilos') Church, and took great interest in its 
welfare and prosperity. 

Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary A. Slocum, 
of Dartmouth. -His marriage took place soon after 
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles 
with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- 
ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great 
strength of character and possessed of courage, ho[)e- 
fulness and devotion, (jualities which sustained and 
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of 
his early years. For several years after his marriage 
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living 
with her parents at the time, at whose home his two 
older children were born. While thus situated lie 
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see 
his family, returning on Sunday in order to be ready 
for school Monday morning. As the walk for a good 
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident 
tliat at that period of his life no common obstacles 
deterred him from performing what he regarded 
as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- 
entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities 
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully 
iu the performance of all her duties. They had 
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, 
Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an 
honored Representative to Congress from the First 
Congressional District of Massachusetts. 




^, 



<?^-«-2^ 



^ ^c^oC^y-^L 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



ibi 











ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- 
ernor of Michigan from Tan. 
15 4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, 'S a 
lineal descendant of Nathan- 
3a iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- 
inghamshire, England, who set- 
tled at Milibrd, Conn., in 1639. 
His father was John Baldwin, 
a graduate of Uartmouth Col- 
lege. He died at North Provi- 
dence, R. I., in 1826. His 
paternal grandfather was Rev. 
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of 
Princeton College, in 1757, and the 
first who received collegiate hon- 
ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died 
at Parma, Mass., in i8r3, where for more than 50 
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. 
On his mother's side Governor B. is descended from 
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox- 
bury. Mass,, about 1638. His mother was a daughter 
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard 
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where 
lor 2 1 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist 
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at 
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New 
England common-school education until the age of 
12 }c,irs, when, both his parents having died, he be- 
came a clerk in a mercantile establishment'. He re- 
mained there, employing his leisure hours in study, 
until 20 years of age. 

At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on 
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in 
1837, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in the 
spring of 1858. Here he established a mercantile 
house which has been successfully conducted until 
the present time. Although he successfully conducted 



a large business, he has ever taken a deep interest in 
all things affecting the prosi:erity of the city and 
State of his adoption. He was for several years a 
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's 
Society, an institution with a large library designed 
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. 
An Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been 
prominent in home matters connected with that de- 
nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. 
John, Detroit, originated with Governor Baldwin, who 
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and 
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their 
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in 
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has 
always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- 
ious enterprises whether connected with his own 
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few- 
public and social improvements of Detroit during the 
past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not 
in some way connected. He was a director in the 
Michigan State l!ank until the expiration of its char- 
ter, and has been President of the Second National 
Bank since its organization. 

In 1860, Mr. Baldwin was elected to the State 
Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of i86'i-'2 he 
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a 
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations 
Chairman of the Select Joint Committee of the two 
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- 
ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of 
the letting of the contract for the improvement of 
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected 
Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving 
from iS6g to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved 
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es- 
timating the necessary means to an end — the knowing 
of how much effort or attention to bestow upon the 
thing in hand, has been the secret of the uniform 



ira 



HENR Y P. BALD WIN. 



success that has attended his efforts in all relations 
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- 
tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was 
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the 
State, and while his influence appears in all things 
with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in 
the most prominent position to which he was called. 
With rare exceptions the important commendations 
of Governor R. received the sanction of the Legislat- 
ure. During his administration marked improve- 
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- 
tory institutions of the State. The State Public School 
for dependent children was founded and a permanent 
commission for the supervision of the several State 
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of 
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board 
of Health were recommended by Governor K in his 
message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes 
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection 
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract 
for the entire work let under this administration. 
Governor B. also apix)inted the commissioners under 
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in 
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State. 
He advised and earnestly urged at different times 
such amendments of the constitution as would jier- 
mit a more e<iuitable compensation to State officers 
and judges. Thelawof 1S69, and prior also, permitting 
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- 
tion of railroads was, in 1S70, declared unconstitu- 
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the. munici- 
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their 
bonds in good faith, Governor B. felt that the honor 
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense 
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the 
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a 
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment 
of such bonds as were already in the hands of Iwia- 
fiiie holders. In his special message he says : "The 
credit of no State stands higher than that of Michigan, 
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not 
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- 
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- 
cial session was called in March, 1872, principally for 
the division of the State into congressional districts. 
A number of other important suggestions were made, 
however, ard as an evidence of the Governor's la- 
borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition 



of the Slate, a series of tables was prepared and sub- 
mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, 
e.xpenditures and appropriations for the years 1S72 to 
1878, inclusive. Memorable of GovernarB.'s admin- 
istr:,tion were the devastating firts which swcjA over 
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 187: 
\ large part of the city of Chicago having been re- 
duced to ashes. Governor B. promptly issued a jjroc- 
lamation calling u[)on the people of Michigan for 
liberal aid in behalf of the afflit ted city. Scarcely had 
this been issued when several counties in his State 
were laid waste by the same destroying element. 
A second call was made asking assistance for the suf- 
fering people of Michigan. The contributions for 
these oljjects were prompt and most liberal, more thar 
$700,000 having been received in money and s\ipplies 
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were 
these contributions during the short period of abou' 
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation 
e.xpressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- 
ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further 
aid was unnecessary. 

Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own 
country and has also made several visits to Europe 
and other portions of the Old World. He was a i)as- 
senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 
bonded in tlie Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by 
Ca[)t. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- 
-count of the transaction. The following estimate of 
Governor W. on his retirement from office, by a leading 
newspajier, is not overdrawn: "The retiiing message 
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is 
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid 
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, whicli 
have been marked features of all preceding documents 
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private 
life after four years of unusually successful adminis- 
tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the 
State. For many years eminent and capable men 
have fiiled the executive chair of this State, but in 
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine 
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical 
capacity, Henr)' P. Baldwin has shown himself to be 
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- 
usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State 
admir.istration has fully kei)t pace with the needs of 
the times. The retiring Governor has fully earned 
the public gratitude and confidence which he to-day 
possesses to such remarkable degree. ' 




,\ ■ ■mm 



V; 




CL^^O-L^ 



GO V.ERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



'57 






'>,%0 





OHN JUDSON BAGLEY, 
? Governor of Michigan from 
^' 1873 to 1877, was born in 
Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
July 24, 1832. His father, John 
Bagley, was a native of New 
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. 
Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- 
tended the district school of Lock- 
' w port, N. Y., until he was eight years 
old, at which time his father moved 
to Constantine, Mich., and he at- 
tended the common schools of that 
village. His early experience was 
like that of many country boys whose 
parents removed from Eastern States 
to the newer portion of the West. 
His father being in very poor circum- 
JT] stance'-., Mr. B. was obliged to work 
as soon as he was able to do so. 
Leaving school when 13 years of a'ge 
he entered a country store in Constan- 
tine as clerk. His father then re- 
moved toOwosso, Mich.,and he again 
engaged as clerk in a store. From 
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading 
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of 
such books, papers and periodicals as came within 
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he 
secured employment in a tobacco manufactory and 
remained in this position for about five years. 

In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- 
ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become 



one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. 
has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- 
ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- 
surance corporations. He was President of the 
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one 
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual I,ife Insur- 
ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 
1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- 
ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- 
holder and director in various other cor^wrations. 
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two 
years, and of the Detroit Common Council the same 
length of time. In 1865 he was ap[X)intcd by Gover- 
nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the ' 
Metropolitian police force of the city of Detroit, serv- 
ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected 
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- 
elected to the same ofl^ice, retiring in January, 1877. 
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and 
for many years was Chairman of the Republican 
State Central conmiittee. 

Governor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious 
views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. 
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new 
thought, from whatever source it may come, but was not 
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held 
in respect all religious opinions, believing that noone 
can be injured by a firm adherence to a faith or de- 
nomination. He was married at Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 
16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. 
Samuel Newberry, a pioneer missionary of Michigan, 
who took an active part in the eariy educational mat- 
ters of the State and in the establishment of its ex- 
cellent system of education. It was principally 



158 



JOHN J. BAGLEY. 



t'.-.roLigh his exertions that the State University was 
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. 

As Governor his administration was charac- 
terized by several important features, chief among 
which were his efforts to improve and make popular 
the educational agencies of the State by increasing 
the faculty of the University for more thorough in- 
struction in technical studieSjby strengthening the hold 
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will 
and making the general change which has manifested 
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among 
others were an almost complete revolution in the 
management of the penal and charitable institutions 
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking 
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- 
lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- 
ers through county agents, which has piovud of great 
good in turning the young back from crime and plac- 
ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- 
curing for the militia the first time in the history of 
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- 
able fooling. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. 
in the earlier part of his administration that the law 
creating the State Board of Health, and also the law 
creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the 
State, were passed, both of which have proved of great 
benefit to the State. The successful representation 
■of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an 
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- 
tration. 

As Governor, he felt that he represented the State 
— not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in tlie same 
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- 
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the 
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- 
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of 
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious — 
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind 
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- 
ever strong the mind and powerful the will, if there 
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to 
the fact that the more we have the more is required 
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He 
had great hopes for his State and his country. He had 
his ideas of what they should be. With a heart as 
broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and 
cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he 
asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to 
labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. 



His whole life was a battle for others; and he entered 
the conflict eagerly and hopefully. 

His State papeis were models of compact, busi- 
ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of 
practical suggestions, and his administrations will long 
be considered as among the ablest in this or any 
other State. 

His noble, generous nature made his innumerable 
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- 
ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to 
receive." 

His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- 
fort and hai)[)iness of others. Not a tithe of his char- 
ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even 
to his family. Many .a needy one has been the recipi- 
ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew 
the hand that gave. 

At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- 
sponse to some charitable request, and said to him : 
"Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; aboW. 
how much does your charities amount to in a year?' 
He turned at once and said : " I do not know, sir ; I 
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more 
this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more 
next year than I have this." This expressed his idea 
of charity, that the giving should at all times be free 
and spontaneous. 

During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- 
cially during the last few years, he devoted much time 
to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- 
rajjhy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life 
and Woik of John Adams," in ten volumes. 

In all questions of business or public affairs he 
seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of 
tlie nut in the least ixissible time. In reading he 
would spend scarcely more time with a volume than 
most persons would devote to a chapter. After what 
seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value 
the book contained. Rarely do we see a business 
man so familiar with the Ijest English authors. He 
was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and 
liis elegant home w.is a study and a pleasure 
to his many friends, who always found there a 
hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend 
days doing the work of Santa C'laus. Every Christmas 
eve he gathered his children about him and, taking 
the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, 
closing the entertainment with " The Night Before 
Chrislmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." 







f<;>-<-^^ 









GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



i6i 






^^® ■ — 







HARLES M. CROSWELL, 

.Governor of Michigan from 

j^Jan. 3, 1S77 to Jan. i, 1881, 

was born at Newburg, Orange 

m-'^^^^ County, N. Y, Oct. 31, 1825. 

Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His 
father, who was of Scotch-Irish 
extraction, was a paper-maker, 
and carried on business in New 
York Ci'ty. His ancestors on 
his mother's side were of Knicker- 
bocker descent. The Croswell 
family may be found connected 
with prominent events, in New York 
and Connecticut, in the early exis- 
tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- 
well, during the administration of 
President Jefferson, published a pa- 
per called the Balance, and was 
prosecuted for libeling the President 
under the obnoxious Sedition Law. 
He was defended by the celebrated 
Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- 
iof. jf the case establised the important ruling that 
the truth might be shown in cases of libel. Another 
member of the family was Edwin Croswell, the fam- 
ous editor of the Albany Aigiis ; also. Rev. William 
Croswell, noted as a divine and poet. 

When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, 
his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson 
River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced- 
ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, — 
thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the 
family, without fortune or means. Upon the death 



of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. At 
sixteen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- 
penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for 
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his sjiaie 
lime to reading and the acquirement of knowledge. 
In 1S46, he began the study of law, and was ap- 
pointed Deputy Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- 
ties of this office he performed four years, when he 
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected 
in 1852. In 1854, hetook part in the first movements 
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a 
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- 
son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- 
publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he 
formed a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- 
tice Cooley, which continued until the removed of 
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. 

In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney 
of Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city 
in the spring of the same year ; and in the fall was 
chosen to represent Lenawee County in the State 
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, 
and again in 1866, during each term filling the posi- 
tions above mentioned. Among various reports made 
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the 
death penalty, and another against a jjroposition Id 
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, 
which then commanded a very large premium, may 
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying th.e 
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first 
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. 
In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- 
livered an elaborate speech in favor of the Proclama- 



I 62 



CHARLES M. CROSW'ELL 



tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, 
and of his general policy in the prosecution of the 
war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- 
ates, was afterwards published. In 1S67, he was 
elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, 
and chosen its presiding officer. This convention 
was composed of an able body of men ; and though, 
in the general distrust of constitutional changes 
which for some years had been taking possession of 
the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- 
ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- 
tion they pro[)Osed had been prepared with great care 
and skill. 

In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on 
the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was 
elected a Representative to the State Legislature 
from Lenawee County, and was chosen Speaker of 
the House of Representatives. At the close of the 
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, 
and the fairness of his rulings were freely and form- 
ally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- 
sented with a superb collection of their portraits 
handsomely framed. He was, also, for several years. 
Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- 
ion of the charitable and penal institutions of Michi- 
gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel- 
ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the 
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- 
nevolence of his nature, and the practical character 
of his mind. 

In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of 
the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their choice for 
Governor; and, at the State Convention of the party 
in August of the same year, he was put in nomination 
by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At 
tiie election in November following, he was chosen to 
the liigh position for which he had been nominated, 
by a very large majority over all opjwsing candidates. 
His inaugural message was received with general 
favor; and his career as Governor was marked with 
the same qualities of head and heart that h ive ever 
distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. 



Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- 
dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, 
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- 
livery impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many 
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in 
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He 
has always manifested a deep interest in educational 
matttrs, and was foryears a member and Secretary of 
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal 
opening of the Central School building in that city, 
on the 24th day of April, i86g, he gave, in a public 
address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public 
Schools." 

In his private life, Governor Croswell has been as 
exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- 
cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- 
ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, 
a lady of many amiable and sunny qualities. She 
suddenly died, March 19, 1868, leaving two daugh- 
ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member 
of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- 
byterian Church. He pursues the profession of law, 
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his 
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in 
business difficulties, for which bis unfailing pru- 
dence and sound judgment eminently fit him. Gov- 
ernor Croswell is truly popular, not only with those of 
like political faith with himself, but with those who 
differ frcm him in this regard. 

During Gov. Croswell's administration the public 
debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring 
the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- 
pro|)riations; laws enacted to provide more effectually 
for the punishment of corruption and bribrery in elec- 
tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac were opened 
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and 
occupied. The first act of his second term was to pre- 
side at the dedication of this building The great riot 
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it 
was only bv his promptness that great distruction of 
both life and property was prevented at that time. 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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DAVID H. JEROME, Govcr- 
Sfeiior of from Jan. i, i88i, to 
Jan. I, 1883, was born at De- 
troit, Midi., Nov. 17, 1829. 
His parents emigrated' to 
Y^ Michigan from Trumansburg, 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, 
locating at Detroit. His father 
died March 30, 1831, leaving 
nine children. He had been 
"^ twice married, and four of the 
children living at the time of his 
death were grown up sons, the off- 
spring of his first union. Of the 
five children by his second marriage, David H. was 
tlie youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his 
widow moved back to New York and settled in 
( )nondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained 
until the fall of 1834, llie four sons by the first wife 
continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall 
of 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, 
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the 
Ciovcrnor formed tliose habits of industry and ster- 
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of the 
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the 
district school, and in the acciuisition of the funda- 
mental l>ranches of learning he displayed a precocity 
and an application which won for him the admiration 
of his teachers, and always placed him at the head 
of his classes. In the meantime he did chores on 
the farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart 
and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. The 
heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two 



older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 
years of age David received his mother's permission to 
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- 
ing there he hved with Marcus H. Miles, now de- 
ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following 
winter performed the same service for James Ogden, 
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome 
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the purjrose of 
continuing her son in school. \Vhile attending said 
academy one of his associate students was Sena- 
tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate 
before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He 
completed his education in the fall of his i6th year, 
and the following winter assisted his brother Timoliiy 
m hauling logs in the pir.e woods. The next sunnner 
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. 

In iS47,M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. Clair Coun- 
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds, David 
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, leniainiiig 
as such during i848-'49, and receiving much praise 
from his employers and the people in general for the 
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He 
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board 
the lake vessels. 

In i849-'5o, he abandoned office work, and for the 
proper development of his physical system spent 
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, 
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the steamer 
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" became her mas- 
ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged 
in the passenger and freight traffic between Poit 
Huron and Detroit, but during the Litter part was 
used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious 
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair 
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which 



r66 



DA VI D II. JEROME. 



vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. 
Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels 
from one lake to the other, and put his plan into 
operation. Through the influence of practical men, — 
among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress 
removed the obstruction above referred to, and now 
vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or 80,000 
bushels of grain. 

During the season, the two brothers succeeded 
in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- 
mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract 
to raise the "(ien. Scott," a vessel that had sunk in 
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, 
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the 
spring of 185 i, he was clerk and acting master of the 
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- 
tween Detroit and Port Huron and Goderich. The 
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- 
ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo. 

In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, 
ny way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary 
success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- 
tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- 
mained there during the summer, and located the 
Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded 
millions to its owners, and is still a [)aying investment. 
He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into tlie mine, 
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry 
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for 
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, 
about a year after his departure. During his absence 
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, ana in 
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations 
in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- 
mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, 
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management 
of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- 
tensively engaged in lumbering operations. 

Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated 
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a vising 
young man, of strong Democratic principles. The 
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was 
elected by a handsome majority. AVhen the Repub- 
lican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. 
Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, 
one of its "charter members.'' In 1862, he was com- 
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the 



six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. 
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held 
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm 
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a 
feeling of patriotic interest in the breasts of many 
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d 
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was jilaced 
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a bril- 
liant record. 

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by 
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th 
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- 
ponent. Tlie contest was very exciting, and resulted 
in the triuni[)hant election of Mr. Jerome. He was 
twice renominated and elected both times by in- 
creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay. 
Ci'ty, and Dr. Cheseman, of Gratiot County. On tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate, he was apjxjinted Chair- 
man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- 
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. 
He held the same position during his three terms of 
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' 
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit. 

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, 
and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State 
Military Board, and served as its President for eight 
consecutive years. In 1873, he was appointed by 
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare 
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the 
Committee on Finance. 

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was apjx)inted a member of 
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In IS76 he was 
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, IJic 
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement 
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to 
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, 
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. 

At the Republican State Convention, convened at 
Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in 
tlie field for nomination, and on the 5th day of the 
month received the highest honor the convention 
could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- 
ick M. Holloway, of Hillsdale County, who was sui>- 
ix)rted by the Democratic and Greenback parlies. 
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, 
and when the polls were closed on the evening of 
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome had 
been selected by the voters of the Wolverine State to 
occupy the highest position within their gift. 




^c:/-^-^t5u^^ ^ -G^^^<>-t^ 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN 



169 









OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the 
present (1883), Governor of 
Michigan was born in Living- 
ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, 
1815. His ancestors were of 
French descent, and settled at 
-J' an early period in the State of 
Maiyland. His grandfather, Capt. 
,^i Bolles, of that State, was an offi- 
hWi) cer in the American army during 



^ IV the war of the Revolution. About 
f J 
\ iM the beginning of the present cent- 
ury both his grandparents, having 
.)ccome dissatisfied with the insti- 
tution of slavery, although slave- 
holders themselves, emigrated to 
Livingston County, N. Y., then 
a new country, taking with them a 
number of their former slaves, who 
volunteered to accompany them. 
His father was an officer in the 
American army, and served during 
the war of 1S12. 
Yx. B. received his early education in a log school- 
hou,e, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill 
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being the eldest of a 
family of ten children, whose parents were in moder- 
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early 
taught habits of industry, and when 2 r years of age, 
being ambitious to better his condition in life, he re- 
solved to seek his fortune in the far West, as it was 



then called. In August, 1836, he left the parental 
roof to seek a home in the Territory of Michigan 
then an almost unbroken wilderness. He settled in 
Genesee County, and aided with his own hands in 
building some of the early residences in what is now 
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or 
five houses where this flourishing city now stands 
when he selected it as his home. 

.In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Harriet A. 
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one, 
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en- 
joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned com- 
petence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in 
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced 
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse- 
verance and energy, he soon established a good home, 
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a 
well improved farm of five hundred acres. 

Mr. Begole being an anti-slavery man, became a 
member of the Republican party at its organization. 
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was 
in 1856, elected County Treasurer, which office ho 
held for eight years. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not 
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will 
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting 
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking 
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The 
death of his eldest son near Atlanta, Ga., by a Confed- 
rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. 
When a few years later he was a member in Congress 



170 



JOSIAH W. BEGOLE. 



Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' 
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the 
soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and 
who should fare equally with him who came in at the 
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House 
on account of the large appropriation that would be 
required to pay the same. 

In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama- 
tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a 
large majority. In that body he served on the Com- 
mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman 
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and 
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- 
spirited view of the importance of a new capitol 
building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- 
ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the 
same He was a delegate to the National Republi- 
can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1S72, and 
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to 
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator 
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that 
convention that, by the express wish of his many 
friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- 
didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- 
gress, in which he was successful, after competing for 
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able 
and experienced men in the Sixth Congressional Dis- 
trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In 
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on 
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of 
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active 
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- 
pointed by that committee to draft the most impor- 
tant report made by that committee, and upon the 
only subject recommended by the President in his 
message, which he did and the report was printed in 
records of Congress ; he took an efficient though an 
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings. 

He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of 
.silver, and other financial measures, many of which, 
though defeated then, have since become the settled 
policy of the country. Owing to the position which 
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a 
"Greenbacker." 

In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole 
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- 
ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, 
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, 



receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering 
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit 
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair 
to make his administration both successful and pop- 
ular. 

The very best indications of what a man is, is what 
his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol- 
lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re- 
publican paper m Gov. Begole's own county, and it, 
too, written during the heat of a political campaign, 
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster- 
ling worth : 

"So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the 
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to 
his character that can be alleged against him. He 
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for 
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness ofhispur^ 
pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He 
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- 
terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous 
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in 
tiie bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much 
civen to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- 
icant of a man's character than words. There are 
many scores of men in all parts of the State where 
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical 
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to 
step outside of party lines to show that they do not 
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he 
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a 
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan 
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- 
crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so 
good a man as Mr. Begole." 

This sketch would be imperfect without referring 
to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity 
that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern 
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties 
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations 
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. 
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were 
quarrehng over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole 
wrote to an agent in the "jbumt district" a letter, from 
which we make an extract of but a single sentence : 
"Until the differences between the two committees 
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies 
from them, draw on me. Let no man suffer while I 
have money." This displays his true character. 




vIuA^A-jM 




J2/f^^ 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



173 











-^ OO P 

IK/ USSELL A.ALGER,Goveinor 



of Michigan for the term coni- 
luenciny Jan. 1, 1885, was 
boni ill Lafaj't'ttc Township, 
Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 27, 
1836. Having lived a tem- 
perate life, he is a comparative 
young man in appearance, and pos- 
sesses those mental faculties that are 
the distinguishing characteristics of 
robust, mature and educated man- 
hood. When 1 1 years of age both 
his parents died, leaving him .vitha 
younger brother and sister to sup- 
port and without any of the substan- 
tial means of existence. Lacking the opportunity of 
better employment, he worked on a farm in Richfield, 
Ohio, for the greater part of each of the succeeding 
seven years, saving money enough to defray his ex- 
penses at Richfield Academy during the winter 
terms. He obtained a very good English education, 
and was enabled to teach school for .several subse- 
quent winters. In 1857 he commenced the study of 
law in the ollices of "Wolcott & Upson at Akron, re- 
maining until March, 1859, when he was .admitted 
to the bar by the Ohio Rupreiuc Court. He then 
removed to Cleveland, and entered the law ollico of 
Otis it Codlnbury, where he remained several 
montiis. Here he continueil his studies with in- 
creased zeal, and did much general reading. Hard 
stud^' and dose confinemcntto office work, however, 
began to toll on his constitution, and failing health 
warned him that he must seek other occupation. 



He therefore reluctantly abandoned the law and re- 
moved to Graixl Rapids, Mich., to engage in the 
lumber business. 

When Michigan was called upon to furnish troops 
for the war, Mr. Alger enlisted in the Second Jlicli. 
Cav. and was mustered into the service of the 
United States as Captain of Co. C. His record as 
a cavalry officer was brilliant and honorable to 
himself and his companJ^ He participated in some 
of the fiercest contests of the rebellion and wa.« 
twice wounded. His first injury was received ir. 
the battle of Booneville, Miss., July 2, 1862. 
His conduct in this engagement was so distin- 
guished that he was promoted to the rauk o( 
lilajor. On the same occasion his Colonel, the 
gallant Phil. Sheridan, was advanced to the rank 
of Brigadier General. A few months later, on the 
IGth of October, Major Alger became Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the Sixth Mich. Cav., and was ordered 
with his regiment to the Array of the Potomac. 
After marked service in the early campaign of 1863, 
he was again .advanced, and on June 2 received his 
commission as Colonel of the Fifth Mich. Cav. His 
regiment at this time was in Custer's famous Michi- 
gan cavalry brigade. On the 6th of July occurred 
the battle of Boouesboro, Md. In this conflict he 
was again wounded. His health received a more 
than tempor.iry impairment, and in October, 1864, 
he w.as obliged to retire from the service. His 
career .as a soldier included inany of the most cele- 
brated contests of the war. He was an active charac- 
ter in all the battles fought by the Army of the 



174 



RUSSELL A. ALGER. 



l^otouiac, from tljc lime of the invasion of Mar3'- 
laml by Gen. Loe iu 18G3, up to the date of his 
retirement, witli the exception of those engagements 
which oecuiTed while he was al)sent from duty on 
account of wounds. In all he took part in GO bat- 
tles and skirmishes. At the close he was breveted 
Brigadier General and Major General for "gallant 
and meritorious services in the field." 

Aside from regular dutj', Gen. Alger was on 
private service during the winter of 1863-4, receiv- 
ing orders personally from President Lincoln and 
visiting nearly all the armies in the field. 

Gen. Alger came to Detroit iu 1865, and since 
that time has been extensively engaged in the pine 
timber business and in dealing in pine lands. He 
was a member of the w^ell-known firm of Moore & 
Alger until its dissolution, when he became head of 
the firm of R. A. Alger <fe Co., the most extensive 
pine timber operators in the West. Gen. Alger is 
now president of the corporation of Alger, Smith & 
Co., which succeeded E. A. Alger & Co. lie is also 
president of the Manistique Lumbering Company 
and president of the Detroit, Ba3- Cit}' ik Alpena 
Railroad Company, besides being a stockholder and 
director of the Detroit National Bank, the Peninsu- 
lar Car Company and several other large corpor- 
ations. 

While always an active and influential Republi- 
can, Gen. Alger has never sought nor held a sal- 
aried office. He was a delegate from the First Dis- 
trict to the last Republican National Convention, 
but aside from this his connection with politics has 
not extended beyond the duties of every good cit- 
izen to his part}- and his country'. 

Gen. Alger is now forty-nine years of age, an 
active, handsome gentleman six feet tall, living 
the life of a busj- man of affairs. His military 
bearing at once indicates his army life, and although 
slenderlj' built, his square shoulders and erect 
carriage give the casual observer the impression 
that his weight is inWy 180 pounds. He is a firm, 
yet a most decidedly pleasant-appearing man, with 
a fine forehead, rather a prominent nose, an iron- 
gray moustache and chin whiskers and a full head 
of black hair sprinkled with gray. He is usually 
attired in the prevailing st^de of business suits. His 
favorite dress has been a high buttoned cutaway 



frock coat, with the predominating cut of vest and 
trousers, made of firm gray suiting. A high collar, 
small cravat, easy shoes and white plug hat com- 
plete his personal apparel. He is very particular 
as to his appearance, and alwaj's wears neat clothes 
of the best goods, but shuns any display of jewelr}' 
or extravagant en;l)ellishment. He is one of the 
most approachable men imaginable. No matter 
how bus}' he may bo, he alwaj-s leaves his desk to 
extend a cordial welcome to every visitor, be he of 
high or low situation. His affable manners delight 
his guests, while his pleasing face and bright, dark 
eyes always animate his hearers. 

Gen. Alger is a hard worker. He is always at his 
office promptly in the morning and stays as long as 
anything remains that demands his attention. In 
business matters he is always decided, and is never 
shaken or disturbed liv any reverses. He has the 
confidence of his associates to a high degree, and al. 
his business relations are tempered with those little 
kindnesses that relieve the tedium of routine office 
life. Although deeply engrossed iu various busi- 
ness pursuits, Gen. Alger has yat found time for 
general culture. He owns a large library and his 
stock of general information is as complete as it is 
reliable. His collection of paintings has been se- 
lected with rare good taste, and contains some of 
the finest productions of modern artists. His team 
of l)ays ai'c perhaps the handsomest that grace the 
roads of Detroit, and usuall}' lead the other outfits 
when their owner holds the reins. 

Gen. Alger has an interesting family. His wife 
was Annette H. Henry, the daughter of W. G. 
Ilenr}', of Grand Rapids, to whom he was marriet' 
April 2, 1861. .She is a slender woman of fair com- 
plexion, bright and attractive, and a charming host- 
ess. She is gifted with many accfimplishments and 
appears quite j'oung. There are six children. Fa}', 
a lively brunette, and Caroline A., who is rather tali 
and resembles her mother, have completed r. course 
at an Eastern seminary, and during the past year 
traveled in Europe. The remaining members of 
the family are Frances, aged 13; Russell A., Jr., 
aged 1 1 ; Fred, aged 9, and Allan, aged 3. All are 
bright and promising children. Gen. Alger makes 
his home at his handsome and large new residence on 
Fort street, at the corner of First street, Detroit. 



GOVERNORS OF M WHIG AN. 



177 




— -<^ g„^;<.»;:i^.^- ^^ i i - 





YRUS GRAY LUCE, the 
present Governor of Michi- 
gan, combines in his charac- 
ter the substantial traits of 
, the New England ancestry 
of his father, and the chival- 
rous and hospitable elements 
^W'tK-'W'^ peculiar to the Southerners, which 
•^^•^^•'iiiy came to him from liis mother's side of 
the house. Tlie New Englanders, act- 
ive in the cause of American lilierty, 
after this desired result was accom- 
plished, turned tlioir attention to tlio 
growth and development of tiie 
country which their noble daring had 
constitutca independent of foreign rule. The pri- 
vations they endured and the struggles from which 
they had acliicved victory built up in them those 
qualities which in the very nature of events could 
not be otherwise tlian transmitted to their posterity, 
and tiiis posterity comprises a large number of the 
men who to-day, lilce the subject of this history, 
are making a record of which their descendants will 
be equally proud. 

Gov. Luce was l)orn in "Windsor, Aslitabula Co., 
Ohio, July 2, 1824. His father was a native of 
Tolland, Conn., served as a soldier in the War of 
1812, and soon after its close emigrated from New 
England and settled on the Western Reserve in 
Northern Ohio. His mother, who in her girlhood 
was i\liss JLary Gray, was born in ^Vinchester, Va. 
Iler father, tinctured witli Abolitionism, found his 
home in the Olil Dominion becoming uncomforta- 
ble .as an al)iding-place at that time, and accord- 
ingly, with his wife and family of young children. 



he also migrated, in 1815, to the wilds of Northern 
Ohio. There the parents of our subject, in 1811t, 
were united in marri.nge, and continued residents of 
Ashtaliula County until 183G. There also were 
born to them six sons, Cyrus G. of this sketch being 
the second. 

The incidents in the early life of Gov. Luce were 
not materially different from those of other boys 
living on the farms in that new country. lie was 
taught to work at anything necessary for him to do 
and to make himself useful around the pioneer 
homestead. When twelve years of age his )jarenls 
removed further West, this time locating in Steu- 
ben County, Lid. This section of country was still 
newer and more thinly settled, and without recount- 
ing the particular hardships and privations which the 
family experienced, it is sufficient to say that but few 
enjoyed or suffered a greater variety. INLukets were 
distant and difficult of access, the comforts of life 
scarce, and sickness universal. Young Luce, in com- 
mon with other boys, attended school winters in the 
stereotyped log school-house, and in summer as- 
sisted "in clearing away the forests, fencing the 
fields and raising crops after the land was improved. 
He attended three terms an academy hjcalcd at On- 
tario, Ind., and his habit of reading and oliservation 
added essentially to his limited school privileges. 
AVhon seventeen years of age the father of our 
subject erected a cloth-dressing and wool-carding 
estalilishment. where C'yrus Vr. acquiied a full 
knowledge of this business and subsequently had 
charge of the factory for a period of seven years. 
Li tlie meantime he had become interested in local 
politics, in which he displayed rare judgment and 
sound common sense, and on account of which, in 
1848, he was nominated. by the Whigs in a district 
composed of the counties of DeKalb and Steuben 
for Representative in the State Legislature. He 
made a vigorous canvass bat was defeated by eleven 
majority. This incident was but a transient bub- 
ble on the stream of his life, and that same year 



178 



CYRUS OR AT LUCE. 



Rlr. Luce purchased eighty acres of wild laud near 
r;ilo.id. Branch Co., Mich., tlie improvement of 
which he at once entered upon, clearing, away the 
trees and otherwise making arrangements for the 
cstablisliment of a homestead. In August, 1849, he 
was united in marriage with IMiss Julia A. Dickinson, 
of Gilead, and the .young people immediately com- 
menced housekeeping in a modest dwelling on the 
new farm. Here thcj^ resided until the death of the 
wife, which took place in August, 1882. Mrs. 
Luce was the daughter of Obed and Experience 
Dickinson, well-to-rlo and highly respected residents 
of Gilead. Of her union with our subject there 
were born five children, one now deceased. 

Li November, 1883, Gov. Luce contracted a sec- 
ond marriage, with Mrs. Mary Thompson, of Brou- 
sun, this State. He continued on the same farm, 
which, however, by subsequent purchase had been 
considerably extended, until after his election to the 
oflice of which he is now the incumbent. In the 
meantime he has had a wide and varied experience 
in public life. In 1852 he was elected to represent his 
township in the County Board of Supervisors, and 
two years later, in 1 854, was elected Representative to 
the first Republican Legislature convened in the State 
of Slichigan. He served his township altogether 
elp vcn j'cars as a member of the Board of Supervisors. 
In 1858 he was elected Count}' Treasurer of Branch 
County and re-elected in 1860. In 1864 he was 
given a scat in the State Senate and re-elected in 
18G6. In the spring of 1867 he was made a member of 
the Constitutional Convention to revise the Consti- 
tution of the State of Michigan, and in all of the 
positions to which he has been called has evidenced 
a realization of the sober responsibilities committed 
to his care. To the duties of each he gave the most 
conscientious care, and has great reason to feel pride 
and satisfaction in the fact that during his service 
in both Houses of the Legislature his name appears 
upon every roll-call, he never having been absent 
from his post a da}-. 

In July, 1879, Mr. Luce was ai)pointed State Oil 
Inspector by Gov. Croswell, and re-appointed by 
Gov. Jerome in 1881, serving in this capacitj' three 
and one-half years. In the management of the 
duties of this office he is entitled to great credit. 
The office was not sought liy him. but the Governor 



urged him to accept it, claiming that the office was 
the most difficult he had to fill, and was one which 
required first-class executive abilit}'. He organized 
the State into districts, appointed an adequate force 
of deputies and no more, secured a reduction of the 
fees by nearly one-half, and in ever}' way managed 
the affairs of the office so efficiently and satisfac- 
torilj' that above all expenses he was enabled to 
pay into the State Treasury during his management 
$32,000.49. 

In August of the year 1880 Mr. Luce was nom- 
inated by the Republicans in convention assembled 
at Grand Rapids, for the office of Governor o^ 
Michigan bj' acclamation, and on the 2d of Novem- 
ber following was elected by a majoritj' of 7,432 
over his chief competitor, George L. Yaple. In 
1874 he became an active membet of the farm- 
ers' organization known as the Grange. Believing 
as he does that agriculture furnishes the basis of 
National prosperity, he was anxious to contribute to 
the oducatio'i and elevation of the farming com- 
munity, and thus availed himself of the opportuni- 
ties offered b}' this organization to aid in accom- 
plishing this result. For a period of seven j-ears he 
was Master of the State Grange but resigned the 
position last November. Fidelity to convictions, 
close application to business, whether agricultural or 
affairs of State, coupled with untiring industry, arc 
his chief characteristics. As a farmer, legislator, 
executive officer, and manager of county as well as 
State affairs, as a private as well as a public citizen, 
his career has all along been marked with success. 
No one can point to a spot reflecting discredit in 
his public career or private life. He is a man of 
the people, and self-made in the strictest sense. His 
whole life has been among the people, in full sym- 
pathy with them, and in their special confidence and 
esteem. 

Personally, Gov. Cyrus G. Luce is high-minded, 
intellectual and affable, the object of many 
and warm friendships, and a man in all respects 
above reproach. To the duties of his high position 
he has brought a fitting dignit}', and in all the re- 
lations of life that conscientious regard to duty of 
which we often read but which is too seldom seen, 
especially among those having within their hands 
the interests of State mid Nation. 




C^c^t-uyv^-^ /j^ /a^ 



'^^'Z.^i-j'-i-tf 



GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



i8i 




-^h<^ 



a!^tsa^t^(^t^^ts>^v.^'^^^ ,^':,^^:i^l<a'■^VJ■^;.':g<;.';:|■a^?^t^^^'g^.l.;l^;'.^;:^^t^'^ 





Wm ^ir '^^ ^^^ W' 






h^-l- 



EDWIN B. WINANS, 
who began his duties as 
Governor of Michigan, 
January 1, 1891, is a son 
KK;;^»^^iv-i of the Empire Slate, of 
^-^'^^r" wliich his parents also were 
natives. From German ancestry on 
the father's side, lie derives the in- 
stincts of frugality and careful con- 
sideration of ways and- means, and 
these are strengthened by the sub- 
stantial traits of the Puritan fore- 
fathers of his mother. Both lines 
have transmitted to him the love 
of country and home that has led 
tbonsands into untrodden wilds where thej' might 
secure that which would be for tlie future good of 
tiiemselves and posterity. 

John and Eliza (Way) Winans removed from 
New York to this State in 1834, and settled on a 
farm in Livingston Count}-, where the boyhood of 
Gov. Winans was passed. He was about eight 
years old at the time of the removal, having been 
born at Avon, Livingston County, N. Y., May 16, 
1826. Up to the age of eighteen years he attended 
the district school, and he then entered Albion 
College, from which he was graduated in 1850. 
The excitement attendant upon the discovery of 



gold in California had not died out, and young 
Winans felt a strong desire to visit the coast and 
try his fortune in the mines. He decided in favor 
of the overland route, crossed the plains in safety, 
and spent the ensuing eight years in seeking the 
precious metal — a quest that was fairly successful. 

Returning to Livingston County, this State, Mr. 
Winans bought land and engaged in general farm- 
ing. He has retained the farm as his home through 
all the changes various official positions have 
brought him, and joj-fully returned to it wlicnever 
his faithful discharge of public duty would allow. 
His estate now includes four hundred acres of land 
under a high state of cultivation and improved 
with buildings of the best construction and modern 
design. In connection with general farming Gov. 
Winans has given considerable attention to raising 
stock of high grades, and his understanding of 
agriculture in its various departments is broad and 
deep. He believes that his success in political life 
is largely due to his thorough identification with 
the agricultural interests of the State and no doubt 
he is right. 

The public career of Gov. Winans began in 1860, 
when he was elected to represent his county in the 
State Legislature. He served two consecutive 
terms, covering the period from 1860 to 1865. In 
1867 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- 



£2 



EDWIN B WINAIVS. 



vention of the State, and in 1876 he was elected 
Probate Judge of Livingston County for a term 
of four 5^ears. The next important position occu- 
pied hy Gov. Winans was that of Congressman dur- 
ing the Forty-eighth and Fortj'-ninth Congresses, 
representing tiie Sixth District. It was always his 
lot to be nominated for office when the Democratic 
party was decidedlj' in the minority, but such v/ere 
his personal characteristics and his reputation as 
one interesierl in the welfare of that great class, 
the farmers, that in every case he made a successful 
race. When he was put up for Congress the oppo- 
sition had a majority in the district of three thou- 
sand votes, but he was elected by a plurality of 
thirty. While in Congress he took an active part 
in all measures tending to the public good and 
served on the Committees on Agriculture and Pen- 
sions. In the fall of 1891 his name headed the 
Democratic ticket and he was elected Governor of 
the State. 

In bis private life Gov. Winans has been as ex- 
em|)lary as in his public career he has been useful 
and influential. He is a consistent member of the 
Episcopal Ciuirch and in his religious faith and 
practice has the close sympathy of his wife, who 
belongs to the same society. His marriage was 
solemnized in Hamburg, Livingston County, in 
1855, his bride being Miss Elizabeth Galloway, who 



was born and reared on the farm she still calls home, 
as it was bought of her father by Gov. Winans. 
She is a daughter of George and Susan (Haight) 
Galloway, who are numbered among the carlj- 
settlers of Livingston County, whither thej' came 
from New York. She is an educated, refined woman, 
whose mental attainments and social qualities fit 
her for the position which she occupies as hostess 
of the Gubernatorial mansion. Governor and Mrs. 
Winans have two sons, George G , who is now act- 
ing as his father's private secretary, and Edwin B., 
Jr., a graduate of West Point. 

Gov. Winans has in former years shown himself 
capable of close application to the duties which lay 
before him, and his judicious decisions and wise 
course when attempting to bring about a worthy 
object, are well known to those who are acquainted 
with the history of the State. Although it is often 
said that it is scarcelj' safe to judge of a man until 
his career is closed, yet Gov. Winans has acted his 
part so well thus far in life that he is confidently 
expected to add to the credit that already belongs 
to the great commonwealth of Michigan, and which 
to a certain extent lies in the hands of those who 
have been and are its chief executives. Among his 
personal characteristics are those of a love of truth, 
justice and progress, and a cordial, kindl}- s)iirit 
wliicli makes warm friends and stanch adherents. 








amam 



\ouni 



^^^mhigauo 









INTRODUCTORY. 





y.^^-^BK-JexS^ 







SHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate the names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their jirime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days 
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
Th-; pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for tl:e same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great acliievements and carry them down tlie ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and ciiarac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity ; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, iiowever, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of tlie admirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, ihougl 
he has not achieved what the woild calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his histoiy, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The moniuneiit wliich his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his 
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of tlieir history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, a? we speak only truth of tliem, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone; to do this we are ashamed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose livei' 
are unworthy of public record. 



^?5lfe;. 



^ 




,tl 








e. 



V 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



191 







OBSS^^^^^—f- 












=>^l?^=v 



UGUSTUS C. BALDWIN. 
There is in tlie anxious and 
laborious acquisition of an 
lionorable competence and 
the solid career of tlic Imsi- 
't'^ ness or professional man, liglil- 
iiig the ever^'daj- battle of life, 
l)ut little to attract tlio idle read- 
er in search of a sensational clia])- 
ter. But for a mind thoroughly 
awake to the reality and mean- 
ing of human existence, there are 
noble and immortal lessons in the 
Ihfe of tiie man who, without other 
means than a clear iiead, a strong 
arm and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toil- 
ing on tlirough the work-a-day years of a long and 
arduous career, sits down at the evening of his life 
with a good name. Such a man is the subject of 
this sketch, and it is to those who appreciate tlic 
value and would emulate the excellence of such 
lives, that the writer addresses the remarks which 
here follow. 

Augustus Car|)enter Baldwin was born at Salina, 
Onondaga County, N. Y., Di'ceinber 21, 1817. lie 
is the seventh in lineal descent from Henry Bald- 
win, of Woburn, Mass., who, according to tlu^ 
earliest records of the family, came from Devon- 
shire, luigland, and settled in Woburn shortly be- 
fore IG.^0. The father of .\ugustus C. was .Jonathan 
Baldwin, born in Canterbur}', Conn., and his mother 



was Mary Carpenter, whose faniil}' name he bears. 
He was the eldest child and only son in a family of 
three ciiildren — Augustus C, Pamelia and Mary. 
His father was engaged in the mercantile business, 
out, like many of the pioneer settlers of Western 
New York, possessed slender capital, so that at his 
death, which occurred in Salina in 1822, his family 
were left in somewhat straitened circumstances — 
the children being allj-oung, and the husband and 
father their only slay and provider. 

Thus left an or))han in his lifth year, the boy 
Augustus was committed to the care of an uncle, a 
former partner with his father. From the time of 
the death of his father he resided with his paternal 
relatives until 1828, when he went to Lancaster, N. 
Y., to live witii his mother's relatives. After that he 
had to care for himself, and devoted his time to the 
performance of such duties as offered to a boy, 
attending school and |)iirsuing each elementary 
studies as his age and means permitted, andrapidl3' 
acquiring the fundamental principles of an Englisii 
education. In the fall of 1830 he went from Erie 
County, N. Y., to visit his father's relatives in 
Connecticut, where he taught school during the 
ensuing winter. For a short time he attended the 
Academy at Plainfield, Conn. The limited advan- 
tages offered to young men of energy in the Eastern 
States, caused him to turn his eyes toward new and 
wider fields. In the fall of 18;57 he set out for the 
great AVest. On November 12, of that year, he 
arrived in Oakland County, in the then newly- 



19-2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



admitted Stat* of IMichigan, and during the ensuing 
winter taught a public school in Southfield. For 
the next five years he taught and studied by turns, 
delving all the while as deeply into history and 
standard literature as tiie lime and books at his 
command would allow. 

Having determined upon the law as his profes- 
sion, oiir subject began reading under the tuition 
of John P. Richardson, Esq., of Pontiac, Mich., in 
1839. During this time lie took advantage also, 
of the facilities afforded by the branch of the Slate 
University, then located at Ponliae. for higher ad- 
vancement in his pcadeiiiic studies. Subsequently 
he entered the law office of the Hon. O. D. Rich- 
ardson, at Pontiac, and there continued until his 
admission to the bar in 1842. In June, 1842, he 
settled and began practice at Milford, in Oakland 
County, Mich. It was during his nearly seven 
3-ears' residence liere that he won to himself that 
solid business confidence, and established those 
habits of close application, temperance and strict 
economj', which lie at the foundation of his excei)- 
tional success. It was at Milford that lie faced 
and overcame those two mighty obstacles wliich 
lie in the ])atliwa\' of almost every young law^-er — 
poverty and obscurity — and there he made the 
])roverbial first thousand. 

But the demands of his growing practice made 
his presence at the count}' seat more and more 
necessary, and in 1849 he removed to Pontiac, 
where with the exception of two years' residence 
upon a farm which he owned in Commerce, ids 
home has ever since been. Since tliis, his last .and 
permanent location, his career has been that of a 
busy and successful lawyer — eminent, trusted and 
honored — with such interspersions of official station 
and public duty as naturally fall to a man of supe- 
rior intelligence and high character. He has |)ar- 
ticipated in man}' of the capital cases that have 
bten tried in Oakland, Lapeer and other counties 
since he came to the bar, and the records of the 
courts bear his name as counsel through a greater 
variety and extentof litigation than, probably, anj- 
other attorney of Oakland County. For the last 
thirty-five years Judge Baldwin has not only been 
an acknowledged leader at the bar, but has also 
stood as on*- <Jf the ablest counselors and most 



courageous champions of the great Democratic 
pirt)', of which he lias from the attainment of his 
majority been an active member. He has been an 
efficient and influential coadjutor with the best men 
of Michigan in improving and perfecting the gov- 
ernment of the State in all of its institutions and 
departments; as well as in the upbuilding of his 
profession and the strengthening of his part}-, as 
great instruments of justice and of good within 
the commonwealth. 

A brief outline of his official and public record, 
aside from his professional and private employ- 
ments, will serve to siiow the esteem in which he 
has been and is still held li}' his compeers, and in 
some degree the extent of his services and useful- 
ness. The first public office ever held by him was 
that of iSchool Inspector for Bloomfield Township, 
Oakland County, to which he was elected in 1840. 
He was elected to the House of Representatives in 
the Michigan Legislature in 1843 and 1845, serv- 
ing during the sessions of 1844 and 184G. He was 
appointed Brigadier-General of the Fifth Brigade 
of the State militia in 1846. and continued such 
until 1802, when the militia system as then exist- 
ing was abrogated b}' law. He was Prosecuting 
Attorney of Oakland County during 1853 and 
1854. 

In 18G2 Judge Baldwin was elected a member 
of the Thirt3'-eiglith Congress from the Fifth Dis- 
trict of IMichigan over R. E. Trowbridge, Republi- 
I can, serving on the Committee on Agriculture, and 
I Expenditures in the Interior Department. In the 
issue which arose during this Congress concerning 
the Thirteenth Amendment to the Cf>nstitution of 
the United States, abolishing slaver}', he voted in 
' support of the amendment, i. e., in favor of its 
submission to the Stales for their approval. He 
wsjs nominated for re election by his party in 1864 
with ^Ir. Trowbridge again as his opponent. The 
State had in the meantime enacted a statute author- 
izing Michigan soldiers in the army to vote in the 
field. The Su()reme Court of the State, upon a 
test case, declared the statute unconstitutional. 
Judge Baldwin received a clear majority of the 
lawful home vote. Nevertheless, the House of 
Representatives, upon a strictlj' partj- contest, 
gave the seat in Congress to Mr. Trowbridge, in 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



-193 



direct; defiance of the decision of Michigan's own 
Supreme Court. 

.ludge r>aldwin w.as Mayor of Pontiac in 1871, 
and for eighteen years — I86.S to 188G — he was a 
member of the Board of Education of thai cily. 
During lliis period very important ini|irovcnient,s 
in the local school system have been maiie, largely- 
through liis intluence, and the present tine sciiool 
buildings have been erected. lie was active in se- 
curing the location of the Eastern Asylum for tlie 
Insane at Pontiac, and lias been for many years and 
still is one of its Boaril of Trustees — a .Stale a|)- 
pointment. That noble institution, the iMichigan 
Military Academy, at Orchard Lake, four miles 
from Ponti.ac, also owes much to him for its remark- 
able success. He has for several j'ears been one of its 
Trustees, and is now its President. He was fur many 
years President of the Oakland County Agricul- 
tural Society', and is now President of the Pioneer 
Association of the County. In 1 875 he was elected 
.Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Michigan for 
the ensuing full term of six years. He [jresided 
upon the bencli over four years of his term with 
the ability vvlucli his eminent legal attainments 
would indicate, wiien the utter inadequacy of the 
salary ( which the State refused to increase by the 
requisite constitulitmal amendment) caused him to 
resign the ermine and return to the regular ])rac- 
tice at the bar. 

Besides having been during the past forty years 
a fiequent member and officer of .Slate and local 
|)olilical conventions. Judge Baldwin was a dele- 
gate to the National Democratic Conventions at 
Charleston and Baltimore in 18G0; delegate at 
large to the National Convention at Chicago in 
1801; (leleg.ite to the National Peace Convention 
at Philadelphia in 18(56, and at different times a 
member of the National and State Central Com- 
mittees. Prom earl^' manhood he has been a mein- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity', and is Past Eminent 
Commander of Pontiac Commandery, No. 2, of 
Knights Templar. 

The Judge is slightly above medium stature, 
standing five feet eleven inches, tips the scales at 
about one hundred and eighty-five pounds, and is 
naturally of a strong constitution and robust phys- 
i(.'al frame. The line portrait which .accompanies 



this sketch, is a life-like presentment of his earnest, 
thoughtful face. By temperate and prudent habits 
of life his powers have been well preserved, and he 
is still active and strong for one of his years. He 
still applies himself diligently to his business, being 
at the present time solicitor for the Pontiac, Ox- 
ford & Northern Railroad. 

This record would he incomplete, especially for 
those by whom its subject is lield personally in 
highest esteem, if some reference were not made to 
tlie individual qualities of mind and heart, and 
the modes of life and action, belonging to the 
man who for more than a generation has been so 
intimately identified with the affairs of his city, 
county and Slate. 

The most prominent traits in Judge Baldwin's 
character are industry, strong common sense, and 
that kind of moral courage which [leople call deci- 
sion of character. In financial affairs he is [irudent 
and cautious, but just; thrifty, but not miserly. 
When he gives he gives generously, but not to 
every petitioner. His industry is unceasing. He 
is never idle except when asleep, and then he is 
very liosy resting. His mind is clear and accurate, 
rather than brilliant. He does not reach a conclu- 
sion at a flash. He acquires with deliberation, but 
a suliject once mastered is mastered forever. His 
power as an advocate lies in clear, straightforward 
reasoning upon the facts of his case. His argu- 
ments are severely practical. He is not magnetic 
as an orator, nor classically brilliant, but he drives 
home facts and figures with merciless force. He 
loves poetry but deals in hard, plain prose. Per- 
sons who do not know him thoroughly sometimes 
accuse him of a lack of warm, human s3-mi)alhy, 
but this is unjust. He is positive in his resent- 
ments; he cannot tolerate a mean action; he is 
sometimes harsh in his denunciation of wrong and 
wrongdoers; but his heart is warm, and he is true 
in his attachments. He is a steadfast friend, 
though the act which betokens his friendship may 
be performed with few words. 

His style of living, dress, etc., is characterized 
by a plain, rich abundance — nothing for mere dis- 
pla3', but a generous regard for comfort and good 
taste. Having amassed a comfortable fortune, he 
has invested quite extensively in farming lands, 



1!)4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and indulges a natiira,! fancy for nice stock, poultry, 
fruits, flowPis and raie plants. But liis ruling 
taste is for hooks; and his especial deligtit. apart 
from devotion to tiie learning and literature of his 
profession, is bis private library of general litera- 
ture and miscellaneous works. This collection 
comprises manj- thousand volumes, and is kept 
at his residence. It has steadily grown under 
his fostering care through all the years of a long 
and laborious life — his pet, his entertainer, his 
counselor, his philosopher and friend — u.atil it has 
become part of his being. lie turns to it when 
the day's tasks are completed, as to a sort of soul's 
rest. In the departments of history, poeliy and 
the drama, .Judge Baldwin's library is probably un- 
suipassed by any in the State, exce|)t, perhaps, the 
Slate library at Lansing and that of the University 
at Ann Ai bor. So constantly has he associated 
with these thousands of silent friends, that each 
one has become to him a personal and familiar ac- 
quaintance, lie loves pictures and has some line 
ones; but they by no means equal his literary- 
treasures. His wife, whom he married in 1842, 
and who is still living, was Isabella Churchill, of 
Pontiac, Mich. They have one daughter. 

While another of a different miml, [jcculiarl^' 
endowed, might bear a vast assembly upon the 
loftiest wave of impassioned eloquence, or weave 
over millions of hearts the raptures of an immor- 
tal poem, yet in all that goes to benefit practically 
the common mass of men, :ind to bear societj- for- 
ward in all that is meant b^- th.at expressive term 
civilization, but few men in .Michigan, thus far. 
can with justice be assigned a place co-equal with 
Augustus C. Baldwin. 



^^ EORGE W. WILLIAMS. A good position 
(l( ^t' a™ong tl'e farmers and stock-raisers of 
^^^ Waterford Township is occupied by the 
gentleman above named, whose well-regulated es- 
tate consists of two hundred and thirty-five acres 
on sections 12 and 13. The success which he has 
met with has been the result of his personal ef- 
forts, aided by the good management of a prudent 



wife, and his career may well be taken as an ex- 
aroi)le worthy of consideration by those who begin 
in life w^ithout worldly means. He was denied the 
educational advantages which boys of the present 
day enjoy, his earl3- life having been passed in this 
county when it wasyet considered a frontier region. 
In later life, however, he endeavored to supply by 
judicious reading and accurate observation the de- 
ficiences of his mental training, and has succeeded 
in becoming ver^- well posted upon all topics of 
general interest. 

George W. Williams, Sr., father of our subject, 
was born in New York in 1794, and was well 
educated in his youth. Upon attaining manhood 
he studied medicine and became a successful prac- 
ticing physician. In 1829 he came to this State, 
and in 1830 was united in marriage with Miss 
Lois Francis, who was born in Massachusetts 
in 1808. She came to this Slate with her parents 
in 1829. Immediatelj- after their marriage the 
j-oung couple located in Auburn, this county-, 
where the husband practiced medicine anil kept an 
hotel until 1835, when, Pontiac becoming the 
county-seat, he removed thither, lie engaged in 
various pursuits, was president of a local bank, 
speculated in laud, built mills at Clintonville and 
the village of Waterford, and became very closely 
identified with the progress of the county. Toward 
the close of his life he bought a farm in Water- 
ford Township, to which he devoted considerable 
attention. Mis death, in 1845, removed an hon- 
ored and will-known citizen from the community. 
Of the five children born to Dr. Williams 
and his wife, onl^' two now survive, our sub- 
ject and his brother, Charles F., who lives iu 
I California. The mother passed from earth in 
] 1879. George W., of this sketch, was born in 
I Pontiac, March 11, 183G, and was reared to man- 
, hood in that city, where he attended the High 
School, making his home with his uncle. Three 
3'ears after his father's death he removed to the 
farm, and here he has since lived, making his home 
with his mother. In connection with farming he 
very soon began dealing in stock and grain, and 
has become a very successful stock-dealer. .So 
great!}' has his reputation extended that he has fre- 
quently been offered a large salary- by Eastern 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



195 



stockmen if he would give his whole time to the 

business foi' tliein, but he prefois to worii for him- 
self. During the late war he bought a large num- 
ber of iuuses for the Government. 

Ill 1882 Mr. Williams was united in marriage 
witii Alice, daughter of James and Ann (Ainslie) 
Young, natives of Scotland and New York respec- 
tively. Mrs. Williams received an excellent edu- 
cation at Hannil)al. Mo., and of her liappy wedded 
life one child has been born, a son — George Roy, 
now seven years old. In the exercise of his calling 
Mr. Williams has acquired a handsome competence 
and now has as coz}' and attractive a home as may 
be found in the township. His personal worth and 
kindly manners have gained him a high place in 
tlie regard of the whole communitv. 



UILLIAM SOULTS is the son of Alexander 
t>oults,and the grandson of Ephraim Soults, 
\)^^^ who were all natives of County Down, Ire- 
land. Our subject was born in that count}', Feb- 
ruary 23, 1832. AVhen fifteen years old he came 
to .\mcrica wiih his parents, landing in New York 
City. From there he went to Detroit, and thence 
to Royal Oak Townshii), where, on Jul}- 3, 1857, he 
was united in marriage with Susan Bell. Her fa- 
ther, William Bell, was also from County Down, 
Ireland, where he was born in 1795. He was a 
farmer b}' occupation, and a Protestant in religion, 
and was for many years an Elder in the United 
Presbyterian Church. He and his good wife, Eliza- 
beth (McBride) Bell, were the parents of two sons 
and eight daughters, of whom Susan was the young- 
est, being born June 9, 1839. She ciime with her 
parents to America in 1849, and resided with thcni 
in Royal Oak Township. 

William and Susan Soults are the parents of ten in- 
teresting children, all but two of whom have grown 
to the estate of manhood and womanhood. They are 
by name, Joseph E., born August 15, 1858; Samuel 
A., Augu.st 16, I8U0; John B., Sci)tember 21, 1.SC2; 
William A., June 5, 1865; Eliza A., March 27, 
1867; Charles R., .January 9. 1869; Mattic J., Feb- 
ruary 10, 1873; Ilattie M., March 12, 1876; Susie 



B., .September 19, 1878; Cora E., February 23, 
1882. Samuel and Eliza were both early called 
away from earth; Joseph E. was married to Cora 
Saunders, October 9, 1882, and is engaged in the 
newspaper business at Islipeming and Jlenoniineo 
Mich. The\ are the parents of two children, only 
one of whom is living. John was married on Clirist- 
mss day, 1889, to Adelaide A. Brown. 

Mr. Soults remained at home until he was about 
twenty-three years of age, when he began for him- 
self on a rented farm. A little later he bought 
twenty acres on section 7, Royal Oak Township, 
and then went to section 5, and bought eighty 
acres and remained there for five or six years. 
From there he came to the place where he now re- 
sides. He has one hundred acres mostly im- 
proved and worth fully $100 per acre. Mr. Soults 
has made his own fortune, and he has a handsome 
property and a pleasant home, where he and his 
delightful family dispense hospitality and give a 
cordial welcome to their friends. He is a member 
of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has 
been an Elder for many 3'ears. He has been School 
Treasurer for eighteen years, and other offices have 
been tendered him but he lias always declined. 
The history of his ancestry will be found more 
fully in the sketch of his brother, Alexander Solts, 
of this township. This latter gentleman has dropped 
from his name .as superlluous the silent 'Hi," and 
spells his name in a more simple fashion. 



RASTUS H. SIPPERLHY. One of the 
most attractive farms in Avon Township is 
owned and occupied by this gentleman. The 
home place consists of one hundred acres, whicli 
are cultivated in a careful and intelligent manner 
and have their fertilit}' kept at par l)y a judicious 
rotation of crops and tlie use of drainage or fertil- 
izing agencies when necessary. A complete line of 
farm buildings stand U|)on the estate, modern ma- 
chinery- is in use during the season of planting and 
reaping, and stock of high grades grazes in the 
I pastures. The dwelling is of unusually pleasing 
I design, is a model of neatness and comfort, and in 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



its surroundings gives evidence of tlie refined taste 
of the family. It was built in 1885. 

The Sippcrloys have hcen in America about two 
luindred years ami the family was cslablisheil here 
l)y natives of Holland. The parents of our subject 
were .John and Ellzal)otli (Wood) Sipporley, botli 
of wliom were born in the En)pire .State. They 
brought tlieir family to Michigan in 1835 and lo- 
cated in Troy, this county, where their son Erastus 
was born February 2;», 1836. He is one of the 
five members of the parental family now living, 
four having died. The father passed away August 
27, 18G'.t,wiien nearly Ihrec-icore and ten yeais old. 
Tlie mother breathed her l.a.st November 8, 1885, 
at the age of seventy-nine years. 

The subject of this sketch lived with his father 
until he was twenty -six years of age, puisuing the 
usual course in life, giving his early days to study 
and other preparation for the battle of life. The 
war having broken out he felt a desire to aid in 
the defense of the Union, and August 11, 18G2, 
became a private in Company IJ, Twenty-second 
Michigan Infantry, lie was sent to Covington, 
Ky., and with his comrades followed the rebel 
Gen. IJragg to Nashville and .Johnston to Atlanta, 
taking part in numerous skirmishes and the various 
duties to which the regiment was assigned. The 
Twenty-second was badly cut ui) at Chickamauga, 
but Mr. Sipperley escaped harm <ui that occDsion, 
as he was unfit for duty and was in the hospital. 
He did his duly as a brave man should until after 
the war closed, and was mustered out June 26, 
1865. 

Mr. Si|)perley returned home in .Inly after his dis- 
charge and at once went to work on the home fiH-m. 
He continued his labors there till after his marriage, 
then began housekcei>iug on the farm he now oc- 
cupies. His wedding d.ay was February 9. 1870, 
and his bri<le, Annette Everett, daughter of An- 
drew and Prudence (Wells) Everett. This lady 
was born in Macomb County, this State, and is ed- 
ucated and refined. She is a model housekeeper, 
and takes great priilc and delight in tloricullure 
and keeps a great variety of hot-liouse plants. 
Music and fiowers make the home .attractive, and 
the life of the family- is one to which all can look 
back with pleasure when the members shall have 



been separated by the circumstances of life. Mr. 
and Jlrs. Sipperlej' have had eight children, but 
two are deceased. The living arc Florence E., 
Charles Herbert, Homer Van, Hattie Agnes, Alice 
May and Zay. The deceased — George Elmer, who 
died May 3, 1879, and Eddie, who passed away 
September 9. 1889. 

While slavery w.as in the land Mr. Sipperley was 
classed among the Abolitionists, and for j-ears past 
he luas been a strong Republican. His connection 
with the Union Army is commemorated b}' mem- 
bership in the Grand Armj^ of tlie Republic, and 
he takes a comrade's interest in the ''b03's in blue." 
His religious membership is in the Congregational 
Church and his reputation that of a consistent 
Christian. 



♦^^= 



,^^ ETII FRANCIS. Many pleasant hoEcs 
'^^ may be seen throughout tliis county and 
\^ff^ some of more than ordinarj^ beauty, either 
in architectural design or surroundings. 
Among those in Oxford Township that are com- 
modious and set in the midst of broad fields is the 
farm of Seth Francis, which comprises two hun- 
dred and fourteen acres. The tract is well located 
and bears the improvements usually made by a 
man who desires to keep up with the times and sur- 
round himself with the conveniences of modern 
rural life. Honest and persistent effort on bis part 
has been crowned bv success, and to-day he ranks 
am(mg the prosperous citizens of the community. 
William Francis, father of our subject, was born 
in 1807 in Ontario County, N. Y., and there grew 
to a stalwart manhood. In the fall of 1833 became 
to Macomb County, Mich., where he pre-empted 
Government land and became an early settler. 
Ami<l those pioneer surroundings he remaineil until 
1858, when he removed to Brandon Township and 
there passed tiie remainder of his life. He attained 
to the ripe old age of four score and one years, 
and passed quietly away .July 9. 1888. Upright 
and industrious, he became very prominent in local 
affairs and held various township otiices including 
Supervisor while a resident of Macomli County. Of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALP.OM. 



197 



very peaceable disposition, he never sued a man 
(huiiig liis entire business career nor was !ie ever 
sued. In liis religious belief he was a Universaiist. 
lie was a strictly moral man, courteous and con- 
siderate in liis treatment of all with whom he came 
in contact. 

The parental family included four children, all 
of whom are now living and occupying honorable 
[lositions in life. The mother, Martha (Everitt) 
Francis, was a native of Ontario County', N. Y., 
and died in 1845. Our subject is a native of this 
State, born in Macomb County, June 3, 1838. He 
was reared to the pursuits of agriculture. In 185U 
he joined a company and went to Pike's Peak in 
quest of gold. After a long and fatiguing journey 
the desired place was reached, and Mr. Francis 
located a claim, but after working it one season, he 
returned home. The same claim was afterward 
"jumped" by another and was at one time valued 
at a half-million. 

We should be doing but scant justice to our sub- 
ject did we not refer to his worthy record as a 
soldier. He showed his loyalty- to his country b}'^ 
enlisting to help suppress the Rebellion that tlireat- 
encd the destruction of the Union. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Company G, First Michigan Cavalry, 
u'lder Col. Broadhead. He participated in the 
battle of Winchester, the second battle of Bull 
Run, ti>e three da3s' battle of Gettysburg and at 
Falling Waters. In the latter engagement, Scptem- 
b(!r 22, 18G3, he was severely wounded in the left 
arm and vvas soon afterward taken prisoner. After 
being conOned in Libby Prison three da3's he was 
taken to Belle Isle, where he remained a prisoner 
until Fel)iuary 21, liSiJI. He was next taken to 
Andersonville where he passed about six montlis, 
in the meantime suffering intensely from his 
wounded arm. After a year of prison life he was 
exchanged and sent home on a furlough to await 
orders from the Adjutant-General of the State to 
come to Detroit and be discharged. 

When Mr. Francis had suHieienlly recovered his 
health he engaged for two years in lumbering in 
Lapeer Count}- and in 18G7 purchased his present 
farm on section G. This tract of land he improved 
with substantial buildings and proper cultivation 
until it took rank among the finest farms of Oxford 



Township. In 1874 he removed to Tliomas Sta- 
tion in the same township and together with his 
brother built a large grain elevator, bought prop- 
erty, and carried on business as a lumber merchant 
for five years. The linn handled a large amount 
of grain and lumber, and did'an extensive business 
until our suljjoctsold out his interest and returned 
to his farm. 

In 1866 Mr. Francis was united in marriage with 
Miss Lucina A. Campbell, a native of this town- 
ship, and their happy union has l)cen blest to them 
by the birth of four children— Arthur, i\Iilton, 
Mabel and Porter. Mrs. Francis is a lady of cult- 
ure, and her unremitting care for the welfare of her 
husband and children entitles her to consideration, 
while her neighbors speak well of her social and 
kindly qualities. Mr. Francis is quite influential 
in local politics and is a stanch Republican. He is 
a member of the Order of Maccabees and of the 
Grand Army of the Republic. Jlrs. Francis is a 
consistent memberof the Congregational Church, to 
the support of which Mr. Francis contributes 
liberally. He is a typical self-made man, having had 
no one to start him in life, but having been obli<^ed 
to make his way in the world the best ke could. That 
he has succeeded in his worthy enterprises is shown 
by a glance at his fine esLate, and by an interview 
with the owner thereof it will be readily' perceived 
by what means he has reached his present substan- 
tial standing. 



-^—^r—~h 



-gEORGE REN WICK is one of those men 
who have achieved success in the vocati«n 

A] of a farmer. His home is in Lyon Town- 
ship, and he has a fine farm of one hundred and 
eighty acres on section 8, one and a half miles west 
of New Hudson. It is amply sn|)plied with build- 
ings, including barns, sheds, ice house, and shop, 
and a dwelling both handsome and convenient. 
For a few years i)ast Mr. Penwick has been making 
his home with his son Albert and wife, and his 
daughter Ada, who occupy the homestead with him. 
While giving his first attention to his personal af- 
fairs, Mr. Renwick has always shown an interest in 



198 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



public improvements and those matters which tend 
to advance the [jrosperity of the people witli whom 
he has cast liis lot. 

The father of George Hen wick was John, who 
was born at Gorhani, N. Y., May 2, 1803. In 1823 
that gentleman married Eiiza Pratt, who was born 
in Burlington, Vt., in 1804, and was the second 
daughter and child of Isaac Pratt. Four years af- 
ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rcnwiclv came to 
Salem, this .State, and settle<l upon a farm of one 
liundred and sixty acres bought by them. Two 
years later they sold it and went to NorthBeld, 
Washtenaw County, where tiiey purchased two hun- 
dred acres. There the father died, September 24, 
1866. He held the oUice of .Supervisor and Town- 
ship Clerk several j'ears, and represented Washte- 
naw County in the Legislature for two terms, from 
1850 to 1853. He was a Whig and was a great ad- 
mirer of Henry Clay. He was elected Captain of 
the first company organized iu Northfield Town- 
shii) at the time of the Toledo AYar, and went with 
it to Ann Arbor to await orders. 

The family of John and Eliza (Pratt) Ren wick 
included one daughter and three sons, and our sub- 
ject was the first-born. His natal day was June 4, 
1825, and his birthplace Greece, Monroe Count}-, 
N. Y. He was scarcely more than an infant when 
he came to this State, and lie grew to manhood 
amid circumstances and surroundings very differ- 
ent from those of the present time. He remained 
with his father until 181;), then married and estab- 
lished his own home, settling in Ada, Kent County, 
soon afterward. He built a log house in the wild- 
erness, a mile from the public road and ihe nearest 
neighbor, and there he remained thirteen j'ears, 
clearing and improving a farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres. In 1863 he sold the property and 
bought part of the homestead in Northfield Town- 
ship, Washtenaw County. His fine residence there 
was destroyed by a tornado in 1865. He sold the 
farm in 1880, came to Lyon and bouglit the place 
on which he has since made his home. U[)on this 
lie has made improvements, so that it is now one 
of the most attractive pieces of propert}' in the 
township. 

The lady to whom Mr. Renwick was married in 
1849, was Emily Walker, of .Salem, this State. She 



ENXl.S GLASPIE is one of the enterpris- 
jY ing farmers of Oxford Township, occnpy- 
ing a valuable |)roperty on sections 25 and 
36. The estate consists of one hundred 
and forty-two acres, most of which is under culti- 
vation, and considerable attention is paid to breed- 
ing horses. The farm borders on Hansom Lake, 
and is a fertile tract, whose natural productiveness 
has been retained b}' skillful management. The 
residence now occupied by Mr. Glaspie was built 
by himself, and it is accompanied by necessary and 
convenient farm buildings. 

William (ihispic, the father of our subject, was 
born near Syracuse, N. Y., May 26, 1816, and came 
to this State when about twenty- years old. He soi- 
led a mile north of Oxford, removed thence to 
Washington Township, Macomb County, but re- 



bore her part in bringing about their prosperity 
and making their home attractive, until 1873, when 
she died of consumption. Of the union there have 
been born seven cliildren: George W., a professor 
of music, living in Muskegon; Eliza J., who died 
in infanc}'; Abby, who died iu 1879, at the age of 
twenty-four jears; Jane, who died in 1863, when 
seventeen mouths old; Alien, who died iu iufanc}-; 
Albert, who occu|)ie8 the homestead; and Ada 
Ma}-, who is with her father. Both George and 
Albert are married, and each has two children. In 
1874 Mr. Renwick made a second marriage, his 
bride being Mrs. Luc} Busenbark. This lad}- died 
in 1886. 

The first )3olitical alliliatiou of Mr. Renwick was 
with the Whig element, and his first vote was cast 
for Zachary Taylor. He was afterwaril a Rei)ubli. 
can, and finally joined the Democratic part}-. He 
has been a delegate to county and .State conven- 
tions, and was always considered oue of the work- 
ing members of the political organization. He has 
served his fellow-citizens iu the capacity of Town- 
ship Supervisor. He is an ardent lover of the pis- 
catorial art, and is the champion fisherman of his 
neighborhood, and the chief authority on subjects 
connected with that sport. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



199 



turning to Oxford, bought another Government 
farm, built a log house and cleared the land. He 
lived to see great changes in the country, passing 
away IVIay 22, 1888. He was Treasurer of Oxford 
three j'ears. He voted with the Republican party 
and was a member of the Baptist Church. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Deborah Dennison 
and she too was born near Sj'racuse, N. Y. She 
died November 14, 1884. The parental family con- 
sists of Myra, wife of W. G. Hinraan; Lucy A., 
wife of Lewis L. Parker; Elizabeth, wife of S. P. 
Hovey; Elva, wife of Xorman Goodridge; Dennis; 
Charles H., who married Minnie Snyder; and Kber, 
whose wife was formerly' Alpha Mills. 

The sul)ject of this notice was born in Macomb 
County, July 31, 1848, and reared in Oxford Town- 
ship, this county. His education was obtained in 
the district school. He was married March 28, 
1872, to Sarah E. Gordon, and has three children, 
named respectively, Cora D., Freddie D. and Lewis 
L. He is a believer in the principles laid down in 
the Republican platform and votes with that partj'. 
The only public position he has held is that of 
Highway Commissioner, in which capacity' he served 
one year. 




=^EORGE GREER. One of the citizens of 
AVest Bloom field Township, who ii.as grown 
to manhood and usefulness within its bounds, 
and who has devoteVl liisJife to the cultivation of 
its soil and the best interests of its people, is George 
Greer, the Supervisor of West Bloomfield Town 
ship. He was born in lUirton, Genesee County, 
Mich., August 30, 1851. He is the son of .Tames 
and Mary M. (Jlosier) Greer. His father was born 
in England, and came with his parents to America 
when a young child. The}' made their home at first 
in Canada, lint when he was sixteen years old they 
removed to the Empire State. While yet a young 
man, our suliject's father came to the Wolverine 
Stale and Ijought a small tract of land in Genesee 
County. In 1854 he came to C)akland County and 
settled in West Bloomfield Township, where he 
spent the remainder of his life. He started in life 
empty-handed, and left an estate worth 115,000. 



His political views were in accordance with the 
principles of the Republican party. He and his 
good wife who still survives him, were the parents 
of eight children, namely: Achsa, Robert, George, 
Mar}' J., Ida C, Clara C, James M. and Lillian. 

George Greer has made his home in West Bloom- 
field Township since he was a two-year-old boy. 
He received a common-school education and de- 
voted himself to farming, remaining at homo and 
working for his father until he was nineteen 3'ears 
of age. After this be began working the home 
farm on shares. He now owns one hundred and 
seventy-eight acres which is part of the old home- 
stead. He is interested in the advancement of the 
Republican party, and in 1889 he was elected Su- 
pervisor of West Bloomfield Township, to which 
position he has been re-elected each succeeding 
year. He is an active member of the Patrons of 
Industry. 

Miss Lucy Cantrell became the wife of George 
Greer, November 17, 1880. This lady was a resi- 
dent of White Lake Township, but Waterford 
Township was her native home. Her parents, Isaac 
and Betsey (Chcals) Cantrell, were natives of Great 
Britian, her father having been born in Ireland, and 
her mother in England. One child only has bright- 
ened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Greer, a son, Leon 
J., about whose future cluster the dearest hopes of 
the admirable couple. 



■:j^->- 



^ULHTS F. RUNDKL, who was formerly en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, is now 
located in Birmingham and dealing in real 
estate. He owns some of the most desir- 
able property in the town and handles other lands. 
He lived on his farm until the spring of 1890, when 
he moved into Birmingham and built the fine res- 
idence he now occupies. He still owns outlying 
property two miles west of Bloomfield, where two 
hundred acres are devoted to stock-raising. 
Blooded sheep and horses are the most conspicuous 
animals- there and Mr. Rundel derives a good in- 



200 



PORTRAIT A^'D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



come from their sale. He also buys wool. He 
imports Shroi^shire sheep from Eugland. 

W-irreu aiui Emily E. ( Button i Rundel, natives 
of Massachusell*. removeil to ConnecticuU thence 
to Penusvlvani-t and thence to this State, making 
their final home in West Bloomfield. this county. 
The husband took up a tract of wild land, from 
which he remove<i the forest growth, and on which 
ho lilKM the soil until his death. He was a hard- 
working man and gave all his attention to agri- 
cultiv - ts :uui the care of his large family. 

He w .- . toward his family, and as his chil- 

dren grew up and miuxievl, he hel|>ed them to start 
in life, and so was in but mo<Ierate circumstances 
when he diixl. He owne»l eighty acres of land. 

The sentleman whose name introduces these 
1 ~ - " a on the homestead in West 

i, , ,ip. January 26. IS44. and is the 

youngest of the seven surviving children in a fam- 
ily of nine. The others are — Myroa. Cynthia. Levi. 
Cbesier. H.-»lsie and Louisa. He was reareii on the 
farm and reccivetl a common-school eilucation and 
av.-quirea :\ " '- ■' af- 

fairs, in ^^ - - - _ ;.- in- 

tervals of study and after his course was finished. 
He o' " - ■■.■-■ until he was of 

ag^, l e stock business, 

which he followed about twenty years. He had 
a small capital but he has eserciseti goo^i judg- 
ment and been a careful manager and thus gained 
a competency. In tlie stock business and in speca- 
laiing he has v - noney. Like his father be- 

fore him he v., . .vopublican ticket. He does 

nut care for public honors and the only official 
■•.1 he has held was that of Supervisor, in which 
. , ..uv he served one term. His shrewdness and 
foresight are acknowledged by those with whom 
hehasdti - - future of this 

section is . _ . - i. 

Tbe ladj who presides over the beautiful home 

• '■' "> wife December 57. 

- >..e was known as Miss 

Julia C. Adams^ She was bom in SonthSeld, to 

Reul>en and Emily r<? natives 

of New York and . .y. Mr. 

and Mrs. Rundel have two children, a son and 
daughter. Morgan W. is living in Bktom field 



Township on his father's homestead, being happily 
m.trried to Miss Matilda Thurlby. Estella E.. a 
well-bred and educate! yoang lady, is a graduate 
of the Birmingham High School, and is still at 
home with her parents. 



y 



ILLIAM STURMAK. In the death of this 
gentleman the county lost one who had 
been a familiar figure here for about a 
quarter of a century. His life aifords an example 
of what may be accomplished mentally , financially 
and morally, by one who is determined to build up 
his character and his fortune, and is worthy the 
consideration of all who. like him. be^n life with 
little means. He was born in Crick, Xorlhampton- 
shite. England. May 7. 1S22, being a son of Sam- 
uel Sturman. In 1S44 he married Mar>- Ann 
Baker, and in ISoO they emigrated to America. 

I They made their home in Detroit until 1856. and 
there Mr. Sturman learned the plasterer's trade, at 

I which he worked more or less during the reroain- 

> der of his life. 

Mr. Sturman was poor when he landed on Amer- 
ican shores, but he and his wife were prudent and 
anxious to have a home of their own. and ttiey 

' managed to save, so that within a few years they 

, owneil some properly. In 18o6 it was exchanges! 
for a farm in Southfield Township, this county, 
and after three moves th^v settled on a farm where 
ihey resided until October. IS89. Owing to ill 

! health Mr. Sturman then sold out and removetl to 

I Birmingham, where his death took place December 
2?. 1S1K». So well had he maiiage<i and so indus- 
triously bad he worked ib&t be was able to leave 
an estate of considerable value. He was a well- 
educated man and was regarded as one of the most 
intellectual persons in the community. He was a 
Republican but took no active part in political af- 

,_ fairs. He was much interested in tbe cause of 
Christianity and worked for the Church, giving 
time and money to advance its interests. He and 
his wife were reared under the teachings of tbe 

' Church of Eoglaad but in 1865 both united with 

i tiie Methodist Episcopal Church in Sonthfidd. 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



201 



Mrs. Sturman was born in Warwickshire, Eng-- 
land, on llie 4tli of January-, 1819, .lud is now liv- 
ing in r.iriningliam. this county. She is a daugliter 
of Willliam and Mary (Warick) Baker, and traces 
her ancestry tli rough generations of honorable 
Eiiglisli men and women. Siie and lier liusbaud 
hud four children, only one now living — Mary A. 
William died when six years old and Gcorgiana 
when twenty -seven. Mary is now Ihe wife of Al- 
fred Adams, of Detroit, and their family consists of 
four children, viz: Ella B., JManiic iS., Alfred 
AVillie and Anna Gracie. Mrs. Sturman has 
been faithful in the <lischargc of the duties she 
owed to her family and to society, and has many 
friends aiul well-wishers. 



r' AMES T. IIADDUILL is a native of Orion 
Townshi|), iii which he resides, having been 
boi'n Seiitember 21, 184G. in a log house, 
which was built by his father on the farm 
where he now lives. lie is a son of Isaac Haddrill. 
who was born in I'.ngland in 1812, and about 1840 
he came to America and made his liouie in Orion 
Township. He w.as a drover in England. lie had se- 
rious misadventures in crossing the ocean, being 
shipwrecked, and undergoing great hardships. He 
bought forty acres of Government land on section 
21. and here made his home. lie was very fond of 
hunting and fishing, and frequently killed bears 
and shot scores of deer. He probably caught as 
many fish as any man in Oakland County. The 
Indians were all around his early home, and they 
camped on the shores of the beautiful lakes near 
which he lived. He found an Indian burying 
ground on his farm, and has i)lovved up (piite a 
collection of flint arrows, skull bones and all sorts 
of Indian relics, lie served as Treasurer of Orion 
Township at two different times. He now lives in 
Lapeer County in the enjoyment of good health. 
His wife, Elizabeth Turk, was born in Englanii in 
1812, and died in 1880. Of their seven children, 
five still survive. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood 
on the farm which he helped his father to clear. 



Many a day he drove three yokes of cattle in the 
breaking plow. At the age of twenty-one years 
he rented a portion of the old homestead, and 
began farming for himself. In 1870 he purchased 
one hundred acres on section 21, and he has also 
bought forty acres adjoining the old homestead, 
which he has acquired from his father by purchase. 

New Year's day, 1874, was a date of great im 
port in the life of our subject, as he was then mar- 
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza 
Ann (Berkman) I'eacock. Mrs. Haddrill was born 
in Pontine in the year 1817. Her i)arents came 
here at a very early day and settled on a farm in 
Pontiac Township. The father died in June, 18'.)0, 
and the nnjther passed away some years previously, 
having died in 1881. They were both consistent 
members of the I'.aptist Church. 

The four children of our subject are Roy, born 
October 14, 1875; Maud, Slay 2G, 1877; Blanche, 
November 1, 1878; and Stewart, August 7, 1884. 
Mr. Haddrill is a Democrat in his political views. 
He is the happy possessor of three hundred and 
forty acres of fine land, and raises all kinds of 
stock, but takes [)ride in breeding standard horses, 
and has sold several line step|)crs at fancy prices. 
He began life with very limited means, and by in- 
dustry and energy, combined with fiugidity and 
enterprise, has gained for himself and family :>. fine 
pro|)erl}'. 



— i^m- 



'fF^ L! II. IIOLTSE. One of the lincst farms in 
Us] Milford Township is that on section 7, which 
/IL^ has been the home of Mr. House for more 
than half a century. The property bears a sub- 
stantial residence, ample barns, granaries and sheds, 
and is well regulated in every respect, and well 
stocked both with domestic animals and machinery. 
There are one hundred and seventj'-one acres in the 
farm and ninety under the plow. Notwithstand- 
ing the fact that Mr. Houise is somewhat advanced 
in years, be is still actively carryimg on the work 
of a general farmer, and is a fine S|)ecimen of ro- 
bustness and vigor. He and his faithful wife 
worked hard to make a good home and are now 
situated so that they can enjoy all the comforts 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of life and many of its Uixurics. They are among 
the number from whom much information regard- 
ing the ii|)building of this section can be gleaned, 
and their reminiscences are both entertaining and 
instructive. 

The parents of our subject were Allen and Edilha 
(Bigelow) House, each of whom was born in Con- 
necticut in 1791. They were married in their na- 
tive Slate and removed thence to Yates County', 
N. Y., where they sojourned afew3'ears, then went 
to Seneca County. Thonce they came to this 
State in 1835, and Mr. House worked during one 
season in a mill on the site of Fosterville. He then 
settled in this county, talving up Government land 
on secUon 7, Milford Township. His claim was 
ninety-one acres in extent, and wlien it was se- 
cured he had just fourteen shillings left, wiiich he 
expended in the purchase of a large kettle. Hav- 
ing a knowledge of the trade of a miller and wool- 
carder, he secured work in a mill at ^20 per month, 
housing his family in an old schoolhouse until lie 
could build a log cabin. The family subsisted upon 
potatoes, butter and milk, almost entirely, for some 
time. In those early days Mr. House sold eggs at 
six cents per dozen, and paid ten cents per pound 
for brown sugar. He cleared fifty acres of his 
land and had built a good barn before he departed 
tliis life September 1, 1845. His widow survived a 
score of years, dying October 20, 1865. Three of 
their children are now living, namely: Florus A., 
whose home is in Ohio; Eli H., and Abigail, wife of 
H. Leland, living in Genesee County. Both par- 
ents belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and the father was a strong Jacksonian Democrat. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a 
member of the Light Infantry Militia of New 
York. 

The subject of this notice was born in Hamilton 
Township, Yates Countj', N. Y., February IG, 1824, 
and was nearly eleven j'ears old when he came to 
Michigan. He attended the pioneer schools of this 
section, continuing the studies that had been be- 
gun in the East. After the death of his father lie 
took charge of the farm which he has now lived 
upon fifty-four j'cars. He was married April 25, 
1847, to Miranda Conklin, a native of New York, 
but at that time residing in Tyrone, Livingston 



County, this State. Her parents were early settlers 
in this State. She was born Januar}' 25, 1824, 
?,nd died on the 25th of October, 1876, at the age of 
fifty-two years and nine months. She belonged to 
the Methodist Episcopal Ch\irch and was a good 
friend, devoted mother and efficient companion. 

The children of this marriage were eight in num- 
ber and seven still survive. William A. and Eliza- 
beth were born January SI, 1848. William mar- 
ried Mary Judson, by whom he has three children, 
and he has one by a former marriage; Elizabeth is 
the wife of Alonzo Dean, has^five children and 
lives in Highland Township. Emily E. and Eliza 
were born March 8, 1850. Emil}' is the wife of 
John Grierson, has four children, and her home is 
in Brighton Township. Eliza married Ira Lyon, 
has one child and lives in Clyde. Albert B. was 
born December 18, 1852; he married Cora Hop- 
kins and lives in Highland Township; the}- have 
no children. Charles E. was born May 19, 1857, 
and married Poll}' House; thej- have four children 
and their home is in Gray County, Kan. Alfred 
H. was bora November 11, 1870, and is still sin- 
gle. 

A second marriage was made by Mr. House Jan- 
uary 29, 1878, his bride on this occasion being 
Mrs. Caroline Dean, neo Hunnewell. Her parents 
were Joseph and Sarah O. (Mann) Hunnewell, na- 
tives of New Jersey and New York respective!)', 
who came hither in 1847, and located in Milford 
Township. Her father improved the old Mann 
farm which had been located on section 5. early in 
the '30s, by John Mann, his father-in-law. Mr. 
Hunnewell died about thirty-two years ago and 
his wife breathed her last in 1888, aged eighty-three 
years. Their sons, three in number, went into 
the I'nion array and George R. died in Anderson- 
ville. John M. served in the Eighth Michigan 
Cavalry and Lemuel D. in the Twentieth Infan- 
try. The Hunnewell family comprised six sons 
and daughters, four of whom are living. The 
mother vras a Christian, belonging to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Caroline House was 
born June 21, 1830. in Luzerne County, Pa., and 
attended the district schools and acquired as good 
an education as the privileges of the day gave op- 
portuuit}' for. She was first married to Hiram 





cj~e^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



205 



Uean, wlio was killed by being riiii over bj' a team. 
Slie is a woman of good mental capacity' and much 
sroneral iiifoi-raation and she has a kind heart a.id 
pleasant ways. 

Mr. House has always taken an intelligent inter- 
est in political affairs and exercised the right of 
suffrage as a Democrat until 1865, since which he 
has been a Republican. He is a strong temperance 
man but does not advocate the third party meas- 
ures, but Mrs. House, were she able to vote, would 
cast a ballot for them. Both belong to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church and take an interest in Sun- 
day-school work as well as in other projects which 
aid the cause of Christianity. Mr. House is 
widely known and his manj' good qualities are ap- 
preciated by his acquaintances. 



-»!»e»'^»fi>i^^?<5c^«C5«f* 



EN. SALMON S. MATTHEWS. The re- 
cord of the life of this gentleman, whose 
J portrait appears on the opposite page, af- 
fords a striking illustration of the results of force 
and decision of purpose in a man, as well as of the 
power which an energetic and honorable character 
exercises upon the lives of others. From boyhood 
he has unceasingly applied himself to the develop- 
ment of the nobler qualities of heart and mind, and 
as a consequence, wields a large influence. Well 
dowered with stability and firmness, these attri- 
butes, together with forethought and persistent 
labor, have been instrumental in bringing about his 
present prosperous circumstances. Chief among 
his characteristics is his patriotism, which led him 
to offer his services to his loved country in her 
hour of need, and made him deem no sacrifice too 
great when in her behalf. 

A native of this county, Gen. Matthews was 
born in Troy Township, September 5, 1H37, and is 
the jounger son of Salmon J. Matthews, a native 
of Livingston County, N. Y., where he was born 
in 1799. The father removed in 1822 to Oakland 
County, Mich., and purchasing a farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres in Tro}' Township, erected 
thereon good buildings and carried on general 




farming. A public-spirited man, he was widely 
known and universally respected, while his death in 
1850 was felt to be a loss to the community. The 
grandfather of our subject, Salmon Matthews, came 
to Michigan late in life, and died in this county. 
His remains were interred at Auburn. 

The mother of Gen. Matthews was Susan Whit- 
ney, a native of New York State, and the daughter 
of Parker Whitney. She died in Troy Township 
in 1864. She was tiie mother of nine children, 
eight of whom lived to maturity, and seven of 
whom are still living, five being residents of Oak- 
land County. At fifteen years of age 30ung Sal- 
mon S. began to clerk in a store at Oxford, for Joel 
P. 'J'oms. Later he clerked for G. H. Emmons, 
and two years later became a partner in the store. 
In 1859 Mr. Matthews sold out to his partner, and 
in the same winter he became clerk in the store of 
Isaac Butlerfield, of Pontiac. In April, 1861, he 
enlisted and in June, 1861. was commissioned as 
First Lieutenant of Company D, Fifth Michigan 
Infantry, Col. H. D. Terry, and in September 
joined the Army of the Potomac. 

The regiment fought in the battles of Pohick 
Church, Williamsburg, Fairoaks, Glendale, Malvern 
Hill, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
North Anna, Tolopotomoy, Cold Harbor, Peters- 
burg, Strawberry Plains, Bo3^dton Plankroads, 
Hatchies Run, Fall of Petersburg, and Sailors' 
Creek. In all of these engagements Gen. Matthews 
participated, with the exception of those occurring 
when he was confined in Libby Prison, or suffering 
from wounds or sickness. 

At the Battle of the Wildernesi the General was 
shot through the right shoulder, the bullet passing 
downward, coming out just below the scapula. He 
also received a flesh wound in his leg in the battle 
of Gettysburg. He was wounded at Gletidale June 
30, 1862, being shot in the left leg below the knee. 
He Lay on the battlefield two weeks, having been 
taken prisoner, was removed to Libby Piison July 
14, and after being kept there a short time, was 
paroled, and exchanged in September. He was 
finally sent to Baltimore and spent some time in 
the hos|)ital before going home. 

His wound continued verj' troublesome, the bone 



206 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



being badly shattered, but in December, 1862, he 
rejoined his regiment near Bell Plains, Va., and 
assumed command of his company. His brave con- 
duct during the npxt two years promoted him to a 
Major's commission, and in 1 863 he was made Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel. On March 13, 1865, for merito- 
rious service at the battles of Glendale and the 
Wilderness, he was brevetted Colonel and Brigadier- 
General. He was mustered out of service on a 
surgeon's certificate of disability December 21, 
1864. The Fifth Regiment sustained the heaviest 
losses of any Michigan regiment, and fourth in tlie 
United States. 

Gen. Matthews now returned to Pontiac, but it 
was years before he recovered his health suffi- 
ciently to engage very assiduously in business. In 
June. 1866, he received an appointment of Post- 
master from President Andrew .Tohnson, and held 
this office for nine years. He then engaged in busi- 
ness at Detroit, residing however in Pontiac. He 
was then appointed Quartermaster-General of Mich- 
igan on the staff of Gov. John J. B:igley, for a 
term of two years, and was re appointed to the same 
position by Gov. Croswell, which position he re- 
signed upon being appointed United States Marshal 
for the Eastern District of Michigan, by President 
Hayes. That office he held for nine years, having 
been re-appointed by President Grant. 

In 1886 Gen. Matthews was elected Sheriff of 
Oakland County, serving for two years and declin 
ino- a renomination. His official life was marked 
by a high order of executive ability, and his ster- 
ling honesty gave him the confidence of the people 
and an extended popularity. He was married 
May 29, 1877, to Miss Anna E. Hill, of Pontiac, 
daughter of Harvey N. Hill. They have one son. 
Charlie S., now ten years old. Gen. Matthews was 
Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of 
Michigan, and member of the Dick Richardson 
Post No. 147, G. A. R., also of the Loyal Legion, 
of Michigan. He with his wife and son are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he is the pres- 
ent Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is 
recognized as one of the stanch and representative 
Republicans of the State, and was tendered the 
nomination for Congress from this district, but 
declined on account of the pressure of other duties. 



His elegant residence on Clark Street is an ornament 
to the cit}-, and beneath its hospitable roof the Gen- 
eral and his estimable wife are wont to entertain 
their many friends. 



\TjrLIAN A. BUEL, M. D. Among the pro- 
fessional men of the county, mentioned 
should be made of Dr. Buel, wiio has been 
in active practice in Franklin since 1866. 
He had the advantage of thorough medical instruc- 
tion, being a graduate of one of the schools of best 
repute in our country, and furthermore, is the son 
of a physician wlio was well and widely known, and 
b}' whose example and teaching his own knowledge 
W.1S well founded and strengthened. The father 
was Dr. Henry S. Buel, who was born in Castleton, 
Vt., in 1825, and located in Franklin in 1842. Here 
he carried on his professional work until his de- 
cease in 1891. Few physicians have so long a 
record in one place as ha<l the late Dr. Buel. His 
wife was a native of New York, born in 1825. but 
from her early childhood her home was in this 
county. She bore the maiden name of Electa M. 
Frost, and at the time of her marriage was residing 
in Pontiac. 

Dr. J. A. Buel is the eldest child and only son of 
his parents, whose family also included two daugh- 
ters. He was born in Milford, this county, Jan- 
uary 26, 1840, and his first schooling was received 
in tiie town that is now his home, his father liaving 
removed here during his early childhood. He took 
up higher brandies in Pontiac, and after such read- 
ing and study as were deemed expedient, he en- 
tered the medical department of the State Univer- 
sity at Ann Arbor, and continued his pursuit of 
professional knowledge until he was graduated. 
Returning to his home, he took up the duties of his 
profession, following the example of his respected 
father, and winning a similar regard from the 
people. 

In 1864 Dr. Buel was married to Malintha Dur- 
kee, who w.is born in Bloomfield Townsliip, this 
county, in 1813. She is the third child of Stephen 
F. Durkee, one of the oldest settlers in the State, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



207 



who came to tins county in 1825. Docloi' and Mrs. 
Buel have one child, a daughter, who was born in 
1866, and is now the wife of Samuel I. .Slade, a 
lawyer of Detroit. The young couple have a little 
boy, who is named Samuel Buel. Dr. Buel is a 
Mason, enrolled in the Blue Lodge at Farmington 
and Chapter at Birmingham. With his estimable 
wife he is received in good society, and both are 
duly respected for their intelligence and worth of 
character. 



^ <yy> 



1 



OHN .S. HEWITT. One of the best slocked 
and most attractive business houses in Mil- 
ford is that of Mr. Hewitt, where a full line 
of drugs is kept on sale, together with a 
well-selected slock of books and stationery, paints 
and oils. The business ia the most extensive of 
the kind in the town, and a brick store two stories 
high with a basement, is the site. The edifice was 
built for his own use bj' Mr. Hewitt a few years 
after opening up in business here. He has made 
a studi' of the drug trade and is careful in his 
selection, receiving goods from only the best and 
most reliable wholesalers, and he also exercises 
great care in the compounding of prescriptions. 

The father of our subject was Benjamin Hewitt, 
a native of Willimanlic, Conn., who was reared on 
a farm, but in early manhood engaged in the 
grocery business. About 1832 he came to this 
county and beginning with an eighty -acre tract, 
improved propertj- at Highland Corners and en- 
gaged in general farming and stock-raising. At 
the time of his decease he owned one hundred acres 
of improved land and his properly covered three 
corners. He died in 1880 at the venerable age of 
eighty-two years. He was a Democrat in politics 
and a Baptist in religion. He married Ann Perr3', 
who was born in the same vicinity as himself and 
whose father was a cousin of the renowned C'ommo- i 
dore Perry. They were of English descent. Mrs. 
Hewitt lived to the age of eighty-one years. She 
had six children — George J., who died at thirtj-- 
six years of age; Mary A., whose home is in High- 
land; Elizabeth J., formerl}' the wife of Judge 
Giles T.Brown, who died in Ithica; Windham W., 



an old soldier, now living on the old homestead; 
John S., subject of this sketch; and Olive E., who 
died when nineteen years old. 

At Highland, J.iuuary 4, 1843, our subject was 
born, and there he grew to the age of seventeen 
years. He had the district school privileges and 
learned considerable of agricultural affairs. At the 
age mentioned he began clerking in a general store 
at Harlland, Livingston County, and acting as As- 
sistant Postmaster, but the next year he returned 
home and took charge of his father's farm while 
his brother Windham served his country on South- 
ern battlefields. A few years later he took charge 
of his brother's store and in 1865 he began the 
study of dental surgery at Fenton with E. G. 
Miles, D. S. He also made some study of medicine 
and more of the nature of drugs, under Miles & 
Dunlap, and liking the drug business, soon gave it 
his entire attention and abandoned dentistry'. In 
1869 he located in Milford, renting a new store 
into which he put a new slock of drugs. About 
three years later he built the brick in which he now 
carries on business. 

If Mr. Hewitt can be said to have a hobby it is 
certainly fine horses. He has raised standard-bred 
equines of the Morgan and Hambletonian strains 
and now owns some very fine animals. One is 
"Fellow-craft," a Morgan, bred in Kentucky, which 
has taken several first premiums. It is a noble 
animal of a fine chestnut color, well proportioned 
and graceful in action. Another of Mr. Hewitt's 
horses is "Myrtie P," a Morgan filly, bred in Ken- 
lucky, and '"Kitty Wood," a fine roadster who has 
taken several first premiums. Mr. Hewitt has car- 
ried away the blue ribbon from various fairs, and 
to see him spinning down the street behind one of 
his thoroughbreds is a sight to rejoice the hearts 
of all horse lovers. Mr. Hewitt owns five acres 
wilhiu the corporation and has a handsome resi- 
dence. 

In Corfu, jS'. Y., in 1870, Mr. Hewitt was mar- 
ried to Miss Eunice Hills, a native of Akron, thai 
Stale. She was a graduate of Alexandre Seminary 
in Albany, and was a teacher of the first grade. 
Her father, James Hills, a farmer, made an early 
sellleraenl in this State, but after some years sold 
his property and returned East. Mrs. Hewitt died 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Milford leaving one ehilrt. Herbert W.,who is now 
attending the High School in the class of '93. July 
13, 1882. Mr. Hewitt was again married, theceremony 
being performed in Milford, and the bride, Miss 
Adelia Greig. This union has residted in the 
birth of one child — Lulu B. 

Mrs. Hewitt is the eldest of the eiglit children of 
William and Mary (TascoU) Greig, and was born 
in Detroit February 23, 1854. She lived in that city 
several years, then in Dearborn, and was sixteen 
years old when she came to Milford. She finished 
her education in the Union School here. Her father 
was born in Scotland, and after he became a man, 
emigrated and located in Detroit. There he worked 
as a contractor and builder, and after his removal 
to Milford he took up the manufacture of sash, 
doors and blinds. Thence he went to South Lyon, 
where he had large interests in church and school 
furniture. Mrs. Greig was born in Detroit and was 
tlie daughter of one of its early settlers. Both par- 
ents belonged to tiie Presbyterian Church and their 
daughter is an equally consistent member and con- 
nected with the Home Mission Society. 

Mr. Hewitt was Secretary of the Milford Agri- 
cultural .Society two years and Treasurer one year, 
and is still a stockholder. He helped organize the 
association and was an officer until care for his 
health compelled him to resign. He is a deraitted 
member of the Odd Fellows and belongs to 
Liberty Lodge of the Michigan United Friends. 
He is a member of the Michigan State Pharma- 
ceutical Society. Politically he is a Republican. 



_^^@ 
"^^s 



3E_„_ 







ALEB J. SPRAGUE, one of the most nota- 
ble and progressive farmers and stock-rais- 
ers of Farmington Township, was born in 
Walworth Township. Ontario County, N. Y., July 
8, 1832. His father Caleb Sprague was born and 
educated in Providence, R. I. His natal day was 
January 17, 1789. When a young man he went 
to New York and located in Ontario County, 
where he followed his trade of milling. Here he 
married L3'dia Aldrich, who became the mother of 
our subject. 
The father of our subject came to Michigan in 



1834, traveling by team to Buffalo, thence to De- 
troit by boat, whence they teamed it again to 
Farmington Townsliip. He found a log house al- 
ready- on the place which he purchased, a fine tract 
of one hundred and ninety acres which was partly 
cultivated. He was a AVhig in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church in which he served many 
years as a Deacon. Both he and his good wife 
lived to the age of sixty-eight j'ears, and now lie 
side by side in their long sleep in the Knapp ceme- 
tery in Novi Township. They were the parents 
of two daughters and four sons, and they had the 
happiness of seeing all except one grow to man- 
hood and womanhood. The four now surviving 
are — Alonzo, Lorenzo, Caleb and Jonathan. 

Our subject was but a little fellow of three 
years when he came to Michigan, and he took his 
first schooling in Farmington Township and com- 
pleted it at Northville. He remained at home with 
his parents until his marriage, April 24, 1857. His 
bride was Mary E., daughter of Joshua and Han- 
nah (McCumber) Simmons, natives of Massachu- 
setts, and who located land in Wayne County, this 
State, in 1824. Mrs. Sprague was born in Waj'ne 
County, this State, November 8, 1835. After their 
marriage, the young couple located on a farm of 
eightj' acres near the village of Farmington, where 
they remained until he bought the place where he 
now resides. 

Mr. Sprague has one of the finest farms and one 
of the handsomest residences in the county. It 
was in 1863 that he purchased this farm of one 
hundred and eighty acres, and in 1875 he erected 
his fine residence at a cost of $5,000. He takes a 
justifiable pride in having everything about his 
home in the best shape and most beautifully ar- 
ranged, and among other attractions has a lovely 
fountain. He built a reservoir in his house which 
furnishes water to every room and supplies force 
for that used in his grounds. A large wind-mill 
on the premises gives the propelling power. He 
has been one of the best farmers in the county, and 
has raised some extraordinary cattle. Among 
these were two pairs of twin steers of remarkable 
beautj- and build. He has taken them to all the 
fairs, and in every case they look the prize, and 
have been the talk of the count}-. One pair weighed 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



209 



seventy-four hundred pounds, and the otber sixty- 
eight liundred they were graded Durham. He 
has a handsome oil painting of them which he nat- 
urally takes great delight in showing. He at one 
time kept flne wool sheep, and it has always been 
his pride to excel his neighbors in the line of 
graded stock. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sprague were never blessed with 
any children, but they adopted one daugliter Let- 
tie, who married Byron Pearce, for whom Mr. 
Sprague built a neat and pretty home in Farming- 
ton. They were bereaved by the death of this 
daughter in 1886. Mr. Sprague is a Mason, be- 
longing to Blue Lodge No. 151, of Farmington, 
also to the Royal Arch and Commandery at Norlh- 
ville. In all of them he has been placed in re- 
sponsible offices as he is looked upon as a leading 
member. In his religious views he is a Universal- 
ist. He is widely known throughout the county 
and adjoining country as a man of liberal views 
and honorable dealings, and he has the good word 
of all who know him. 



-^ 



¥ 



<^ )>;ILLIAM AITCHESON, M. D., a successful 
physician and business man of Ortonvilie 
was born in Puris, Canada, April 18, 1846. 
His father, AVilliani, was born in Scotland, and 
came to Canada in 1840. He followed the trade 
of a tailor until about 1850, and then began farm- 
ing. He is now a man of seventy years, and re- 
sides at Seaforth, Canada. His wife, Jane, was born 
near the city of Glasgow, Scotland, and died in 
1884. They were both earnest and consistent 
members of the Presbyterian Church, and were the 
parents of three children. 

Dr. Aitcheson was the only son of his parents. 
He received a common-school education, and in 
1867 entered the Collegiate Institute in Gait, On- 
tario. He spent two years in this school working 
his way by his unaided efforts. In 1869 he malri 
culated in the university at Toronto. Before tak- 
ing this step he had taught for some five years, and 
he continued later to leach. In 1871 he entered 
the medical department of the Michigan University 



at Ann Arbor, and graduated from there in 1873. 

Ortonvilie was the spot which the young Doctor 
chose as his field of labors, and he has remained 
there almost continually since he took his diploma. 
He has built up an extensive and lucrative practice 
and has made for himself a splendid reputation. 
Some unusually dith'cult cases in surgery which he 
conducted successfully have added materially to 
to his repute. His marriage in 1875 to Isabel Mur- 
die, was an event of great importance in the life of 
the young man. This Lady was born in Seaforth, 
Canada in 1854, and is the daughter of Andrew and 
Mary Murdie, both natives of Scotland, who came 
to Canada about the year 1840. The mother is 
still living, but the father ended his days in 1890. 

Dr. Aitcheson was independent in politics up to 
1844, but since that time has been an earnest Pro- 
hibitionists, and takes an active part in political 
movements. In 1888 he was a candidate for County 
Clerk. For sixteen years he has been identified 
with the Masonic order, and is a member of the 
Knights of the Maccabees. His wife is active in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the past 
nine years the Doctor has had considerable deal- 
ings in real estate in Tuscola County, handlinir 
farms mainly. When he came to Ortonvilie, his 
purse and his assets amounted to $2.50, and his suc- 
cess in life has been great as he has risen by his 
own unaided efforts. 



♦^^ 



E^^ 




YLVESTER HAZELTON, a cooper in Ox- 
ford, was born in Ingham County, Mich., 
July 28, 1846. He is the son of Ransom 
and Polly (Whiting) Hazelton, both natives 
of New York State. The father was a farmer and 
he is still living in Washington, JlcComb County, 
having reached the ripe ol<l age of four- score years 
and four. His good wife was snatched from his 
side by death in 1850. To them were born (^ight 
children. The family is of mixed Scotch and En- 
glish descent. 

Sylvester Hazelton w.as brought up to farming 
pursuits, but he learned the cooper's trade and in 
1874 opened a, cooper's shop in Oxford. This work 



210 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he did not continue very long, but returned to the 
farm in 1878 and engajjed for a year or more in 
farming, but he finally regretted this step and in 
1880 he returned to coopering, and still carries on 
quite an extensive business in this line. He con- 
tinually employs as many as ten hands and often 
increases the number to twenty. He has an output 
jof about seventy -five thousand barrels per year. 
He has associated with him Ralph C. Miller under 
the firm name of Hnzelton & Miller. 

Mr. Hazelton was married November 30, 1868, to 
Lydia Ingoldsby, who became the mother of one 
child, Delia, who is now the wife of Ralph Miller, 
her father's partner. Mr. Hazelton is a member of 
several of the social orders, belonging to the Knights 
of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen of Amer- 
ica and the Grand Army of the Republic. 

The subject of this skeich is one of the veterans 
of the Civil War. He enlisted September 6, 1864, 
in Company G, Third Michigan Infantry. He saw 
service with the Army of the Cumberland and was 
in several skirmishes and at the battle of Murficcs- 
boro. His regiment was sent to Texas about the 
time the war closed, to guard Government prop- 
erty, and their discharge was granted them at Vic- 
toria, Tex. He would have been glad to go into 
the army at the breaking out of the war and en- 
listed in 18G2, but was sent back home on account 
of his extreme youth. His political affiliations are 
with the Republican party. 



\f7 EVI F. STOCKWELL. 
11 {© gentleman is on sect 
Jj --^ Township, and his pr( 



STOCKWELL. The home of this 
section 27, White Lake 
iroperty there consists 
of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, on 
which he has put the various buildings which be- 
long to every well-regulated farm. His first pur- 
cliase here was of eighty acres, on which the only 
improvement in the way of buildings was a log 
house. After a time he added to the extent of his 
farm and the most of the quarter section has been 
cleared by himself anil he likewise broke about 
two-thirds of it. He has given his attention chieHy 
to his personal affairs and the pleasures of social 



and domestic life, but he has borne some part in 
civic matters and fraternal institutions. 

Mr. Stock well is a son of Levi and Catherine 
(Barrows) Stockwell, of whom mention is made 
elsewhere in this volume. He was born August 
16, 1822, in New York, and at the age of twelve 
years came to this State with his parents. He has 
since lived in this county and as bov and man he 
has been closelj' identified with its agricultural in- 
terests. He remained with his parents until he 
became of age and then began working by the 
month as a farm hand. He subsequent!}' cultivated 
land on shares and when about twent3'-eiglit years 
of age made his first purchase, where he is now 
living. 

The first wife of Mr. Stockwell bore the maiden 
name of Angeline Terry, and was a daughter of 
Nathan Terry, a native of Pennsylvania, who came 
to this county many years ago. She was married 
to our subject in the village of Rochester. Their 
son Nathan is married and lives in Rochester, 
where he is a clerk in a store and hotel. Mr. 
Stockwell was a second time married, choosing as 
his wife Miss Nancy t^uick. the daughter of .John 
(Juick. of Pennsylvania; and their union was blest 
by the birth of the following children: Bert who 
is carrying on agricultural work in this township, 
and has a home of his own ; John, a farmer living in 
White Lake Township; Zora and Ora, who are still 
at home. The faithful wife and mother passed 
away June 3, 1889. 

Mr. Stockwell is a Master Mason, connected 
with Commerce Lodge, No. 121. When he first 
studied political issues he decided to cast his vote 
with the Democratic party and he has always been 
faithful to his first decision. He is now serving 
as Highway Commissioner, a position in which he 
has done good work for the people in times i)asl. 
He is a good farmer, a reputable citizen and a man 
who enjoys the respect of his associates. 



^^EORGE H. MITCHELL, of the firm of 
Vl ^-. Whitehead & Mitchell, is one of the leading 
^5^4 men of Birmingham, and, like his partner, 
is still a young man going up the hill of life. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



211 



was born in Birmingbam, May 28, 1854, and is the 
second child of Robert J. and Emeliue (Holly) 
Mitchell. His parents were born in Westmoreland 
County, N. Y., and came to this State a number 
of years ago, making their flrst settlement in Ma- 
comb County. The grandparents of our subject, 
Joseph and Clarissa (Cone) Mitchell, natives of 
Connecticut, also came West, and they died in 
that county. About 1847 Robert J. Mitchell came 
to Birmingham and carried on a mercantile busi- 
ness here during the rest of bis active life. He and 
his wife died here, leaving three children — Frank 
H., George H., and John U. 

The subject of this notice received but a com- 
mon-school education, and began his business 
life as a clerk for J. A. Bigelow, with whom he 
remained two years. At the expiration of that 
period he began clerking and telegraphing for 
F. Hagerman, in whose employ he remained some 
eight years. About the 1st of April, 1881, he 
formed a partnership with A. Whitehead and 
started in the drug and grocery business on a 
small scale. Neither of the partners had any great 
means, as they had been obliged to work for them- 
selves, and their parents were not in a condition 
to supply them with large sums of money. Good 
business ability and close appMcation have accom- 
plished what even wealth could not have done, and 
the firm has a solid reputation. 

The young gentleman began the publication of 
the Birmingham Eccentric, an independent local 
newspaper, in the spring of 1878, the first number 
having been issued Ma}' 1. They are still carry- 
ing on that sheet, the editorial work on which is 
chiefly in the hands of Mr. Mitchell. His language 
is terse and comprehensive, his utterances forcible 
and to the point, and the courage of Ids convictions 
gives him influence over the minds of his readers. 
The firm of Whitehead it Mitchell carry on tlie 
Exchange Bank and have control of the telephone 
exchange, so that they have various interests to 
look after, but they seem quite capable of manag- 
ing them all. 

Miss Hannah F. Corey became the wife of Mr. 
Mitchell September 26, 1877. The bride was born 
in Macomb County and is a daughter of George 
W. and Narcissa (Mitchell) Corey. The happy 



uiiion has been blest by the birth of two children 
— Can ie E. and Eugene C, but the parents mourn 
the loss of their son. Mr. Mitchell is a Mason 
and has risen to the third degree, and is also con- 
nected with the Ancient Order of Foresters. His 
political affiliation is with the Democratic party, 
as be is a firm believer in its principles of govern- 
mental policy. He has been Township Treasurer and 
Village Clerk. In social, as in business life, Mr. 
Mitchell is one of the leading men of Birmingham 
and his career so far gives promise of his acquir- 
ing wealth and great influence. 



^OHN BRAID, of Oakland Township, was 
born July 5, 1828, on the Isle of Man, 
which is situated in the Irish Sea. His 
father who also bore the name of John, was 
a farmer who lived upon this island to the age of 
seventj' years and there ended his days. His grand- 
father, Archibald, was a native of the same isle. 
He was a finely self-educated gentleman and was 
author of the Manx Dictionary, which was used 
very generally in early days. The language now 
is becoming somewhat obsolete. The mother was 
also a native of this isle and died a short time pre- 
vious to the decease of her husband at the age of 
seventj' j'ears. Of her twelve children, seven are 
still living. 

Mr. Braid was born and reared upon a farm 
and received a very limited education. He has 
always pursued a course of self-education which 
has largely overcome the early deprivation and he 
has drawn from all sources for his own informa- 
tion. He has given his children excellent advan- 
tages and has followed them or accompanied them 
in their studies, thus gaining with them an educa- 
tion quite thorough and comprehensive. He began 
life for himself at about twenty-four years of age. 
In 1852 Mr. Braid went to Countj' Cumberland, 
England, where he worked by the year receiving 
from twelve to twenty pounds a year for wages. 
In 1857 he returned to his native isle and was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Leece. He 
then sailed for AiP?rica and w^s nine days and ten 



212 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bours on the way to Quebec. lie went to King- 
ston and hired liimself out for a month, and wlis so 
well satisfied tiiat he continued working there for 
eighteen months. In 1860 he emigrated to St. 
Clair County, Mich., and located near Smith's 
Corners, where he rented a farm and lived for 
three years. In 1863 he removed to Macomb 
Count}', and rented a farm near Washington. The 
next year he took a farm near Stony Creek. In 
1865 he removed to Oakland County and located in 
Oakland Township. 

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Braid rented a farm 
which he afterward purchased and on whicli he 
now resides. He borrowed $50 with which to 
make the first payment, and was able in time to 
make good the borrowed money and to make his 
payments. He has greatly improved this farm, 
cleared and drained it and added substantial build- 
ings. Six cliildren have blessed his liome, Francos 
A., William E. (deceased), Edward, Eva, Emma and 
John. To each he has given an excellent educa- 
tion. He is a Democrat in iiis politics and is often 
a delegate to county conventions. His wife is an 
earnest and active member of the Protestant Meth- 
odist Church. 

In 1881 Mr. Braid paid a visit to his native 
country and found many changes. He owns his 
farm of two hundred and twent}' acres besides 
sixty acres in Adrian Township. He makes a 
specialty of rutab.agas and potatoes and raises an 
excellent grade of stock. 



^^^^^" 




AJH'EL IMILLER, one of the wealthiest 
citizens of Springfield Township, as sliown 
by the tax list, has made liis fortune by 
industry, enterprise and an unusual desiree 
of acumen. He was born in Monroe County, N. 
Y., October 12, 1826. His father, George Miller, 
was the son of Joseph Miller, of Irish descent. His 
.ancestors in this country resided in New Jcrsej-. 
His grandmother, Mary Miller, lived to a good old 
ago, having been the motiier of three children. The 
father of our subject was reared upon the home farm 
and came to Monroe County, N. Y., when eight 



years old. It was a new country and here he grew 
to manhood. After his marriage he settled on a 
farm of sixty acres. 

In April, 1837, George Miller came to this State, 
walking the entire distance from his home to Lock- 
port, N. Y., where he took the canal boat to Buf- 
falo, and the steamer to Detroit. He then resumed 
his journey on foot to his new home in Independ- 
ence Township. Here he bought one hundred and 
twenty acres and made a home out of a log house 
which had been used as a stable. He then sent for 
his wife and six children and founded a home in j 
the wilderness. Indians were numerous, but no' ' 
other settlers, and the little children were very 
homesick and timid. Three hundred Indians with 
seventy-five ponies camped near the farm. Mr. 
Miller was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and 
at his death M.ay 9, 1882, he was the possessor of 
three hundred acres of finely improved land. He 
was first a Democrat, later a Whig, but upon the 
organization of the Republican party, identified 
himself therewith. His religious belief was that if 
a man lived an upright life he would go to heaven. 

The wife of George Miller bore the maiden name | 
of Pollj' Smith. She Was born in New Jersej', April ' 
16, 1803, and saw some hard times here in the early 
daj'S. Her children were named Hannah, .Samuel, ( 
Anna, Mar}', Dave and George. Her religious be- 
lief accorded with that of her husband. Her father, 
David Smith, was a soldier in the War of 1812, 
and having been wounded in the arm, he became 
a pensioner of the Government. George Miller 
was for a long time Road Commissioner a..d helped 
to la}' out many of the roads in Independence 
Township. 

The subject of this sketch was seven years old 
when he came to this county. The rate bill system 
was then in vogue in the district where he lived, 
and his father paid the tuition of many a poor boy, 
who otherwise would have been deprived of edu- 
cational advaut.ages. At that lime Indians were 
more plentiful than white men and our subject 
often attended Indian pow-wows. He used to sleep 
up in the garret of the log house and could look 
out and see the wolves, twenty or thirty in a drove. 
He. lived with his father and worked the home 
farm until he was twenty-eight years old. When 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



215 



he started out in life for liimself he bought one 
huiulrcfl and twenty acres adjoining his father's 
land, but traded it in 1863 for the same amount of 
laud in tins townsliip. 

The marriage of our subject toolc i)lace July 4, 
1854. His wife, Catherine llonser, a native of New 
York, died two years after marriage at the earl3- 
age of nineteen. She liad one child whieli died 
when two and one-lialf months old. Mi-. jMiller's 
second marriage toolv place March 29, 1863. Ills 
wife was Elsie Mesurall, a native of Independence 
Township, and born November 22, 1841. Her par- 
ents came hither in territorial days, and passed the 
remainder of their lives in this community. To our 
subject and his estimable wife five cliildren liave 
been born, four of whom still remain to cheer the 
liearls of their parents. They were named Sidney 
I., Charles G., Thaddeus, Benjamin and David C. 
The latter is deceased. 

Mr. Miller owns five hundred and fifty acres all 
in one body, four hundred and twenty -five of which 
are cleared. He keeps between four hundred and 
one thousand head of sheep, and breeds Shropshire 
fine wool sheep, as well as large numbers of other 
stock. His large brick mansion was erected in 
1877, and his fine barns in 1880 and 1883. In pol- 
itics he is a Republican and has served as Road 
Commissioner and in school offices. His home is 
pleasantly situated three miles from Clarkston and 
is one of the most attractive in the community. 
For many years Mr. Miller ran a threshing machine 
and found the business quite lucrative. A man of 
remarkable ability and good judgment, he is highly- 
esteemed by his neighbors. 



-^^ 



(|(_^ ON. JOHN D. NORTON. Among the 
prominent citizens of Pontiac, whose su- 
perior abilities and splendid reputation en- 
1/ hanccd the fame of this beautiful city, may 
well be mentioned the gentleman whose name heads 
this sketch. His record as a banker in Pontiac, 
and as a progressive and aetiye promoter of all 
the best interests of the county, is worthy of note. 
He was born December 18, 1843, at Van IJuren, 




Onondaga Count}', N. Y., and is the youngest of 
four children. His father, Dudley Dorman Norton, 
w-as born in Hebron, Conn., in 1799, and removed 
lo Onondaga County in 1822, where he married, 
January 24, 1824, Margaret F. Farrington. He 
followed the occupation of farming for forty 
years. His death occurred in 1870, and that of 
his widow in 1875. They were prominent mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church for a number of 
years. 

Mr. Norton passed the first twelve years of his 
life on a farm, and in 1854 removed to the village 
of Baldwinsville, N. Y., where he remained until 
1867. His early education was obtained in the 
village schools. He prepared for college at the 
P^lbridge (New York) Academy, and at Cortland 
Academy, in Homer, and entered Hamilton College, 
at Clinton, N. Y., in 1863, where he was graduated 
in 1867. He was an active member of the college 
secret society known as "Chi Psi." 

After leaving college Mr. Norton started West, 
settling in St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged in the 
real-estate business, and remained about three 
mouths. In 1868 he became largely interested in 
pine lands in the western part of ftlichigan, and 
since that time has made the State his home. In 
1874 he was elected from Oakland County in the 
Third Representative District, to the Michigan Leg- 
islature, and was re-elected in 1876, serving upon 
the Committees of Ways and Means, Railroads, 
■and Education. He was a delegate to the National 
Democratic Convention, held at St. Louis in June, 
1876, and was the member of that convention 
from Michigan upon Rules and Permanent Organ- 
ization. His political views are in strict accord- 
ance with those of the Democratic party, of which 
he has ever been an active member. 

Mr. Norton was one of the charter members of 
the present organization of the First National 
Bank, of Pontiac, and its Cashier for a period of 
ten j'ears, and was elected President of the Bank, 
January 1, 1887. He was one of the organizers, 
and is a Director of the Second National Bank, of 
Owosso, Mich., and is a stockholder in both banks, 
being the largest in the First National of I'ontiac ; 
he is also a stockholder in the Third National 
, Bank of Detroit. Since 1883 he has held the 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



office of Treasurer of the Michigan AsyUim for 
the Insane, at Pontiac, and is also Treasurer of tlie 
Michigan Military Academy, at Orchard Lake, 
with which he has been connected since 1882, and 
in which he has taken a deep interest, being one 
of its strongest supporters financially. He is also 
Secretary and Treasurer of the Pontiac Knit Boot 
Company, of which he was one of the incorpora- 
tors, in 188d, and is likewise a member of the firm 
of C. E. Wakeman & Co , owners of the Pontiac 
Knitting Works, the main industry of Pontiac, and 
one of the leading mercantile houses of this section 
of the State. 

Mr. Norton is still interested in Michigan pine 
lands, and is the owner of very extensive pine 
lands in the State of Mississippi. He recently 
purchased, in connection with one other, fift}' acres 
of boulevard property in the city of Detroit, and 
owns in addition, considerable real estate in South- 
ern California, where be spends tlie winter season 
with his family. He has been for some years City 
Treasurer of Pontiac, and was also for a considera- 
ble period Treasurer of the County Agricultural 
Society. He was also one of the charter members 
of the Board of Control of Cemeteries, and one of 
the Board of Water Commissioners appointed by the 
Council of Pontiac and still retains the position. 
He has been a memljer of the Masonic fraternity 
for the last fifteen years, is a Knight Templar, and 
a member of the Knights of Pythias. 

On the 9th of June, 1869, Mr. Norton was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth C. Flower, daughter of Theron 
A. Flower, Esq., formerly of Pontiac, a prominent 
business man, and who was its first Mayor on its 
incorporation as a citj'. The^' have three children 
living: Hattie M., John I). Jr., and Mary C, all of 
whom reside at home. Mr. Norton has for a long 
time occupied a prominent place as one of the 
most enterprising and successful business men of 
his adopted citj'. He has interested himself largely 
in every enterprise of a public nature, contributing 
both time and money towards the welfare of the 
community, and has aided largely in building up 
and maintaining its industries. Of sturdy and 
honorable character, and with business energy and 
ability of a high order, he has won a deservedly 
high place in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and ■ 



a success in business chat enables him to enjoy a 
life of comfort and happiness with his family' and 
large circle of friends. In 1888 he was nominated 
for State Treasurer, and although making a mag- 
nificent run, was, with the majority of his party, 
defeated on the tariff issue. Many of the facts of 
this sketch are taken from the Cyclopedia of Michi- 
gan, recently issued and it is noteworthy as a 
comprehensive account of a notable citizen. A 
portrait of Mr. Norton accompanies this sketch. 



^ 



^ 




ARK HOLLISTER. One of the most 
pleasant rural ybodes in Waterford Town- 
ship is that of the gentleman above named, 
which is located on section 16, in the midst 
of fertile fields, where everything necessary in the 
way of farm buildings has been erected and all 
other improvements made which would add to the 
value of the estate or the comfort of those wlio oc- 
cupy it. Mr. Hollister is quite well known as a man 
of means, possessed of decided business ability, and 
unlimited energy and perseverance. He is now liv- 
ing retired from the more active duties of life, in 
a pleasant home in Pontiac, while his son, Frank 
B., operates the home farm. 

The father of Mr. Hollister. whose given name 
was Henry L., was born in 1796 in Saratoga 
County, N. Y., and was reared on a farm. At that 
earl}' day educational privileges were limited, and 
he had none of the opportunities offered to the 
3'outh of the present day. Upon attaining maturity 
he was united in marriage with Miss Eunice 
Avery, also a native of the Empire State, and born 
in 1804. She possessed robust health, and was a 
spinner and weaver by trade, which came in good 
play after the death of her husband, as she was able 
to clothe her children b\' spinning and weaving 
flax on shares. Eight children were born to her 
and her husband, of whom four survive, three re- 
siding in IMichiiian aid one in New York. All the 
children attended common schools, while one 
brother was a student in a normal school; another, 
who was educated in a seminary, is now a minister 
in the Metliodist Episcopal Conference in Michi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



217 



gan. The father was a Methodist exhorler, and a 
man of feeble health. He died April 12, 1840, 
leaving his family without means. 

Our subject was boru in Wayne'County, N. Y., 
August 9, 1825, and was the eldest of the eight 
children included in the family circle. When he 
was fifteen years of age his father died, and the 
care of the smaller children devolved upon him, 
thus throwing upon him early in life the responsi- 
bilites of manhood. He worked out by the month 
in the summer, giving his wages to his mother, and 
in the winter he did chores for his board and 
schooling. At the age of eighteen he and a brother 
toi)k a contract to cut one hundred cords of wood 
for $31.25 and board themselves. From that time 
until he was twenty-one he took some land on 
shares, thus utilizing the younger children, and by 
tliis means he and his mother kept tbe family to- 
gether. One of his brothers, Henry L., spent five 
years in the late war, and now owns and operates 
a farm in Shiawassee County, Mich., while George 
E., a minister, is spoken of elsewhere. 

A verj' important event in the life of Mr. Hol- 
listcr was his marriage with Tryphena Benton, a 
native of New York. Of the two children born to 
them, one survives: Frank 15., who was married in 
1881 to Miss Jessie L., daughter of Oliver W. and 
Mary E. Seger, natives of this State. Mr. and 
Mrs. Frank Hollister have a famil}' of four chil- 
dren, namely: Frank B., Edwin A., Pearl C, and 
a daughter as yet unnamed. In 1866 Mr. Hollister 
came to Michigan, accompanied by his family, and 
located in Waterford Township, Oakland County, 
where he lived five years. He then traded for a 
farm in Royal Oak Townsliip, where he remained 
for twenty years. He improved a good farm and 
became well-to-do. In 1889 he purchased seventy 
acres in Waterford Township, which his son has 
since occupied. Two 3'ears later he bought an- 
other farm compiising eighty acres on section 17, 
adjoining the first purchase, and this the son also 
operates. His estate comprises one hundred and 
Gft^- acres of good land, upon which various im- 
provements have been made which mark the owner 
as a man of energy and enterprise. 

Religiously Mr. Hollister belongs to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, and in his political attilia- 



tions he was formerly a Republican, but now a 
Prohibitionist. He has held the office of Justice 
of the Peace, and in him the township finds a loyal 
citizen, whose public spirit prompts him to push 
forward ever}' movement for the benefit of the 
community. 




ENRY P. BECK owns and operates a good 
farm on section 36, Royal Oak Township, 
consisting of ninety acres of well-improved 
land. He began the battle of life without 
money or extra help, and has made his own wa}', 
arriving at a condition that enables him to enjoy 
many comforts and feel that the future is secure. 
He bought his property in 1868 and has brought 
it from its wild condition through the various 
stages of clearing, breaking and improvement. The 
homelike farm house in which he lives was put up 
in 1869. 

Mr. Beck is a German by birth, but has lived in 
this country since his cliildhood. His father, for 
whom he is named, was born in Hanau, Prussia, 
March 4, 1804, and had but an ordinary education. 
About 1830 he married Mary E. Giloy, who was 
born in Simmern, Prussia, December 24, 1811. 
She was the daughter of George F. Giloy, who 
was of French descent. In 1842 the Becks came 
to America and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where 
the husband and father died January 29, 1874. 
The widow survived until Januarj' 25, 1882, and 
died in the same city. They had three daughters 
and two sons, and our subject was the j'ounger 
son and third child. He attended the public 
schools in Cleveland and remained with his par- 
ents until 1859. He was then in his twenty-third 
year, having been born October 24, 18S6. 

August 26, 1862, Mr. Beck was married to 
Mary A. Warner, of Berea, Ohio. She was born 
November 22, 1841, in Columbia, Ohio, and was 
the elder child of Levi B. and Eliza (Zuver) War- 
ner, having a brother Cassius M. Her father was 
born in Columbia, Ohio, May 5, 1819, and died at 
Royal Oak May 15, 1888. Adna Warner, the 
father of Levi B., was born in Waterbury, Conn., 



218 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



August 29, 1792,and manierl Anna S. Bronson, who 
was born in 1800 in Walerliurj, Conn.; her father 
Levi Bronson, was a native of Connecticut and 
removed with his family- to Ohio in 1805. Anna 
(Bronson) Warner, was married in 1810 and died 
August 14, 1880, in Pipestone, Mich. There also 
her husband passed away May 25, 18G8. Tlie 
maiden name of her mother was Sarah Princle 
and the mother of the latter bore the name of Anna 
Southmaj'de. 

Tracing the ancestry of Mrs. Beck still further 
back, we find that the father of Adna AVarner was 
Justus, a Revolutionary soldier of old New Eng- 
land stock. He came west to Ohio in 1811, and 
died in Liverpool, that State, in the fall of 1855, 
when one hundred years and twenty days old. He 
was Justice of the Peace many years. Urania, bis 
wife, was seventy 3-ears old at the time of her 
death. This good old couple were of different polit- 
ical opinions, and both took their respective papers. 
When the postman came slie, for fun, would lake 
the tongs with which to carry in his paper. She 
was an educated physician and was often sent for 
as eminent counsel. It was quite common for her 
to travel fifty miles on horseback to be present at 
important corisu Rations. 

The motlier of Mrs. Beck, Eliza Zuver, was born 
in Pennsylvania October 8, 1820, and was the 
daughter of John W. and Margaret (Bridgraan) 
Zuver, the former a minister in the Methodist 
Episcopal Churcli. Mr. Zuver was a, generous, 
honorable VTian, and highly esteemed. George Beck, 
orandfatiier of our subject, was born in Prussia 
about 1773 and became an officer in the Prussian 
Army, he also became a civil oflicer where his 
family lived. 

In 1863 Mr. Beck came to this State and his first 
choice of a liomewas in Huron County. He worked 
in the quarries of Grindstone City four years, then 
went to Columbia, Ohio, for a year's sojourn, after 
which he returned to this Slate and settled in 
Wayne County. In 18C8 he bought the farm upon 
which he is now living and soon had it sufficiently 
improved to make it bis home. When he settled 
here his nearest neighbor was a mile and a half dis- 
tant, and in coming to the new home he founil the 
roads so soft — nnicli of the land being marshj-, that 



he carried a rope, by means of whicli to pull out 
the wagons when they were stuck. Mr. and Mrs. 
Beck have two sons — Warner Giloy, born Decem- 
ber 13, 1869, and Cassius Dclos Joy, December 3, 
1873. 

The first Presidential vote cast by Mr. Beck 
bore the name of Abraham Lincoln and he has 
followed it by supporting each Republican candi- 
date to the present time. He has been a worker 
for the party of his choice though he is not an 
ofHcc-seeker, but one who thinks it the duty of 
every good citizen to exercise the right of suffrage 
intelligently and unfailingly. He has served as 
Justice of tlie Peace two years and was re-elected, 
but declined to again qualif3' for the office. He 
and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and Mrs. Beck has been a teacher in the 
.Sunday-school. Her brother, Cassius M. Warner, 
laid down his life for the Union, dying at Chatta- 
nooga August 14, 1864. He was not yet of age, 
having been born September 10, 1843. He had 
enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Third 
Ohio Infantry, Col. Casement of Painesville, com- 
manding, and was present at the battles of Look- 
out Mountain, Chattanooga and Resaca, and was 
wounded during the last-named engagement. He 
belonged to Slierman's forces when that re- 
nowned commander started on the famous march 
to the sea. 

-S^f^' 

■JOSEPH LONG is one of the large land- 
owners of West Bloom field Township and 
one of the old settlers here, having taken up 
_ his residence in 1854. His home farm con- 
sists of three hundred and eight acres, and he 
has one hundred and seventy acres in another 
part of the township. He carries on extensive 
operations and finds abundant occupation for his 
waking hours in llie management of his agricultur.al 
affairs and the duties he owes to home and society. 
He was born in County (Jueens, Ireland, Septem- 
ber 12, 1810, and was reared in his native place, 
spending his boyhood days on a farm. His parents 
were John and Maria (Manifold) Long, natives of 
(Jueens and Kings Counties and residents in County 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



•219 



Queens during their wedded life. The family was 
a large one, including eleven children, and Joseph 
was the fourth in order of birth. He received his 
education in the schools of his native land and un- 
der his father's guidance learned how to carry on 
a farm. 

lu 1830 young Long crossed the Atlantic on tlie 
sail-fhip "Mogul," an American vessel, consuming 
seven weeks in the vo3'age. He landed in New York 
City early in October and went direct to Newark, 
N. J., and worked for his uncle, Daniel Whitfield, 
in a tannery. He subsequently learned and worked 
at the shoemaker's trade, still making his home 
in Newark until 1837. He then came to this State 
and began to work in St. Joseph Count}', but was 
soon taken sick with fever and ague and becoming 
discouraged, started back East. He got as far as 
Detroit and then decided to remain there and for 
several years he followed manufacturing and slioe- 
making in that city. Thence he came to this count}' 
and Inlying a farm in BloomSeld Township, he has 
remained here, adding to his landed estate and 
continuing to rise by his persevering exertions. 

June 15, 1840, Mr. Long was married to Miss 
Agnes Watts, of Detroit, who died a few years 
later, breathing her last January 7, 1847. Of their 
union there were born four children, named respect- 
ively, Joseph W., Mar}', Thomas and John. July 
8, 1847, Mr. Long mide a second marriage, wed- 
ding Miss Harriet N. Atwood, of Detroit. This 
lady was born in Athens County, Ohio, May 20, 
1824, and was a daughter of John S. and Sarah 
(Kitridge) Atwood. She has become the parent of 
seven children who are named James, Sarah, Ann, 
Lihby, Harriet, Maria, George and one that died in 
early infancy. 

The first Presidential vote cast by Mr. Long was 
for William Henry Harrison and the lastone before 
this writing (1891) was for another of the same 
family. This indicates his party affiliations, first 
with the Whigs and later with the Republicans. He 
was reared under the tenets of the Episcopal Church, 
but now gives su|)port to the Methodist Episcopal, 
though he is not formally identified with the 
society. He holds the office of Trustee for the 
church at Commerce to which his wife and their 
family belong. Mr. Long is a great reader and 



having a wonderful memory is one of the best 
posted men to be met in the county. The bent of 
his mind is practical and he sees the application of 
facts gleaned from different sources and combines 
points learned in varied reading into one grand 
whole of more than ordinary intelligence. 



■v,Atff— ««^ 



^♦.♦— 3»VW" 




ENJAMIN S. McCRACKEN. Among the 
old settlers of Holly Township we find the 
name of our subject. He is a man who 
^ has done a tremendous amount of hard 
work, and has borne it well, for he has a remark- 
ably strong constitution, never having been sick 
a day in the course of his life. He was born in 
Warren County, N. J., September 15, 1819. His 
father, Jacob, was born in the same State in 1776. 
He was the son of James, a man of Scotch-Irish 
descent, who lived to be ninety years old. 

The father of our subject came to Michigan in 
1832, in the old Territorial days. He settled in 
Washington, Macomb County, and took up a farm 
of one hundred and twenty acres of land, which 
he proceeded to improve, and resided there until 
his death, in 1864, having completed the long life 
of four-score years and ten. He was a member of 
the Christian Church and a Democrat in politics, in 
which he took great "interest and held office. He 
was an adept at singing, and taught singing school 
for forty years. He was very intelligent, «nd was 
often called upon to write up wills, deeds and the 
like. His wife, Lydia Shackleton, the mother of 
our subject, was born in New Jersey in 1786. 
She bore and reared to maturity eight children. 
She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in 
early life, and later joined the Methodist Church. 
She always took an active interest in church mat- 
ters. Her side of the family was of Scotch-Irish 
descent. She lived to be seventy seven years of 
age, and departed this life in 1861. 

Benjamin McCracken was In his thirteenth year 
when he came to Michigan. The log schoolhouse, 
the slab- seats, Indian neighbors, wild game and the 
shot gun are among the vivid recollections of his 
youth, and being pursued by a pack of wolves is a 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



memory which still gives him a thrill of horror. He 
has been a hard worker, .iiul has himself cleared 
five hundred acres of land. He is now in his sev- 
ent3--second year, strong and robust. He came to 
Oakland County in 1848, and bought two hundred 
and eighty acres of land. After five years be sold 
out there and came to his present place, where 
he bought two hundred and eighty acres of unim- 
proved land. He put up a shanty and lived in it 
for one year, and then built the frame house in 
which he now resides. It was a notable house in 
those days, being the onl}- one between Fenton 
and Holly which could boast of window blinds 
and a coat of paint. He has farmed extensively 
aad raised manj- horses, over two hundred in all, 
and is an extensive stock-breeder. 

Mr. McCracken's marriage to Lucia Rice in 
1842 was the beginning of a wedded life of great 
happiness. It took place at the home of the bride, 
wlio is a native of Vermont, where she was born 
October 29, 1823. She came to Michigan in 1840. 
One child onl}' was granted to this worthy couple: 
Charles J., who has married Mary E. McOmber. 
and lives on the old homestead where he was born. 
He has one child — Olive E. Our subject is a 
Prohibitionist in his political belief, but takes no 
active part in politics. 




ARTIN V. B. HOSXER. Prominent 
among the residents of Oakland County 
are this gentleman and his estimable wife, 
who belong to sturdy pioneer families. 
The grandfather of Mr. Hosner was Jacob Hosner, 
who was born in Clarkson, Monroe County, N. Y., 
and was of Dutch descent. The parents of Mr. 
Hosner were Thomas and Hannah (Batchelor) 
Hosner. who were married in Clarkson, N. Y. The 
mother was a native of Massachusetts and was the 
daughter of Consider and Susannah (Batherick) 
Batchelor, natives of Ashfield, Mass. Thomas 
Hosner and his wife emigrated West to Michigan 
in 1833, and located in West Bloomfield Township, 



where they took heavily timbered land from the 
Government, and were numbered among the first 
settlers. They ultimately sold this place and bought 
another farm in the same township. The father, 
who was a hard worker, endured the hardships of 
pioneer life and did an immense amount of pioneer 
work, building a ham, setting out an orchard and 
making various permanent improvements. He 
passed from earth in January, 1845, and his wife 
survived him until July 14, 1854. 

Thomas and Hannah Hosner were the parents of 
twelve children, seven of whom are now living. 
They were both members of the Free Will Baptist 
Church, and he was an old line Whig. M. V. B. 
Hosner was born February 5. 1835, in West Bloom- 
field Township. When fourteen years ol.i he be- 
gan working out on a farm, receiving #7 per 
month for seven months, and being in the employ 
of Edwin S. Harger, now of the village of Commerce. 
He worked bv the month for seven years. 

M. V. B. Hosner was married October 18, 1857, 
to Miss Lydia C. daughter of Ezekiel and Mar- 
garet C. (Longstreet) Dye, both natives of New 
Jersey. Mr. Dye was born October 30, 1806, and 
his wife June 6, 1809. They were married in 
1829, and resided in New Jerse}" until 1831. when 
thej' came to Michigan and settled on one hundred 
and sixty acres in Commerce Township, all un- 
broken land, being timbered openings. He built a 
log house and began clearing off his farm which 
was their permanent home with the exception of 
two years which they spent in New Jersey. At 
th.1t time they were homesick for the East, and sold 
out and went back there. But they found out 
that after all their heart was in Michigan, whither 
they returned July 12, 1886, and bought back 
their former farm, where Mr. Dye resided until his 
death. March 21. 1888, when eightj--thiee j-ears of 
age. His good wife was blind for over forty-three 
years. She was a lovely and devout Christian, a 
motherly soul who was loved by every one. and a 
consistent member of the Baptist Church, of 
Walled Lake. She departed this life March 19, 
1891, at the age of eighty-three years. 

Mr. Dye was a man who made no show but at- 
tended strictly and thoroughly to the business in 
hand, whatever it might be. He was the very 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



221 



i 
\ 



I 



first officer ever elected in Commerce Township, 
and at that time filled the position of Pathmaster. 
He was first a Whig and later a Republican, and 
was a member of the Baptist Church for a number 
of years. ]Mrs. D3'e was picking cranberries one 
day and was stooping at this work when she was 
spied b}- a neighbor, who was out hunting. As 
she wore a brown dress he mistook her for a deer, 
took aim and was about to fire wlien she raised her 
head in time to save her life. Mrs. Ilosner was 
born August 13, 1836, and lier mother becoming 
blind when she was ten years old, the duties of the 
household fell upon her. 

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Ilosner was 
Ezekiel Dye, Sr., wlio was born on a farm in Mid- 
dlesex. Mrs. Hosner's great-grandfather bore the 
name of Thomas Dye, and was of Scotch descent. 
Her grandmother's name on her father's side was 
Abbie Longstreet, and on her mother's side, Lydia 
Bennet. Her maternal grandfather was William 
Longstreet, and her great-grandfather, Samuel 
Longstreet, descended from Dutch ancestry. 

The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Hosner was in 
Commerce Township, one mile south of the village 
of Commerce. Here they resided for four years 
and then removed to their present location, where 
they own one hundred and sixty-seven and two- 
third acres, most of which is under cultivation. 
Mr. Hosner also owns village propert}' in Walled 
Lake. His residence was built about twenty-five 
years ago. He has given his whole attention to 
farming in a good business-like manner, and has 
been successful. 

Two of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Hos- 
ner are novv living, namely: Eugene 11., born De- 
cember 11, 18(i4, and Cary H., born April 8, 1875. 
Archie I)., a law student of Mr. Patterson of Pon- 
ti.ic, died at the age of twent3'-four years, after 
suffering from consumption for six years. He bore 
his trials with great fortitude and patience, and was 
a clear- minded, honest and intelligent j'oung man. 
For two years he was Treasurer of Commerce 
Township, and was also Superintendent of the 
Baptist Sund.ay-school of Walled Lake. Arthur 
L. was acci<]entally killed at the age of seventeen 
years by being thrown from a horse. Eugene H. 
married Parley Nichols April 29, 1890, and has 



one son, Archie N.; he lives in Monmouth, Polk 
County, Ore. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilosner are members of the First 
Baptist Church at Walled Lake, of which he has 
been Trustee and Treasurer. He is deeply inter- 
ested in Sunday-school work and has served as 
Superintendent for ten years, being also teacher of 
the young people'.s Bible class. His wife has also 
taken an active interest in Sunday-school work. 
He is a charter member of Commerce Grange, No. 
328, and has held the offices of Chaplain, Lecturer 
and Master. He is identified with the Patrons of 
Industry. He is President of the Cemetery Asso- 
ciation of Walled Lake, and Director of the Local 
School Board. He has always taken an active in- 
terest in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. 
He has been Drainage Commissioner for three 
years. Both he and his wife are members of tem- 
perance organizations. Mr. Hosner has abstaineil 
from liquor .and strong drink from his boyhood, 
and has never used either tea or tobacco. He 
looks back with great interest to the pioneer days 
of his boyhood and his recitals of the incidents of 
that period are of great interest. He remembers 
going to the homes of his neighbors to borrow fire 
before the introduction of matches, also recalls the 
introduction of the first corn planters, mowing and 
reaping machines, and other modern improve- 
ments. 



OHN A. NEAL, the editor and i)roprielor of 
the Orion Review, was born in Ovid, Seneca 
County, N. Y., March .5, 1859. His father 
George W. B. Neal, born in the same county 
in 1822, is still a resident there and was a carpenter 
and ship builder. Both the grandfather and great- 
grandfather of our subject bore the name of John. 
The former was born July 4, 1786, in Monmouth 
County, N. J. and the latter was a Marylander, and 
enlisted for three years in the Revolutionary War. 
The father of this soldier, Benjamin Neal, was born 
in the North of Ireland, where he was known as "'The 
Neal." He was of Scotch-Irish descent. The great- 
grandmother of our subject was born in Morris- 
town, N. J., in 1756. Her mother was a Bellow, a 



222 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



direct flescendant of Capt. John Smith of the James- 
town Colony. The grandmother of our subject bore 
the maiden name of Saulter. and was born in 1790, 
near Bound Brook, N. J. Her father's name was 
Henr}', and his wife was Charity Stout. He was a 
Revolutionary soldier. 

The gentleman whoso name heads this sketch was 
reared near Sheldrake, in Seneca County, N. Y., un- 
til 1867, when his parents removed to Romulus, 
the same State. In 1874 he entered the State Nor- 
mal School at Albany, N. Y., which was then in 
charge of the venerable Dr. Joseph Aldeu, who is 
well known as an author of various text-books. 
Here he spent two years and then taught school in 
Covert, N. Y., after which he read law with H. V. L. 
Jones, of Ovid. In the fall of 1878 he came to Mich- 
igan and taught two terms of school near Morenci, 
Lenawee County. He re»d medicine for a time 
with Dr. Baker of that town, and clerked in a drug 
store, and for awhile was connected with the Mor- 
enci Observer. In the fall of 1881 he came to 
Orion, .and together with Joseph Patterson, now 
the publisher of the Grayling Democrat and 
Frank Sutton, the present publisher of the Marine 
City Reporter, founded the Ov'mn .Hevieic. Mr. 
Sutton sold out liis interest the following spring, 
and during the next winter Mr. Neal purchased 
Mr. Patterson's interest, and has since managed the 
paper as editor and sole proprietor. The Review 
is conducted as an independent paper,bright and 
spicy. During the past three years, Mr. Neal has 
been engaged somewhat in grain and produce busi- 
ness and also conducts a thriving real-estate and 
loan agenc}'. 

November 12. 1888, Mr. Neal was admitted to 
practice before the Department of the Interior a 
Washington, and since that time he has devoted con- 
siderable time to the pension business. He has 
been village Assessor and Justice of the Peace and 
is a member of the Masonic order and the Knights 
of Pythias. 

The marriage of our subject took place, February 
22, 1883. His wife bore the maiden name of Ad- 
die J. Baker, and was horn April 19, 1863, in Sen- 
eca, Lenawee County, this State. She is a daughter 
of Horace Baker. Her grandparents on both sides 
were early settlers in Lenawee Count}', her grand- 



father Sweeny being a member of the Michigan 
State Legislature in 1836. Her grandmother 
Sweeny's maiden name was Neal, and she was a 
(laughter of the John Neal who was grandfather to 
our subject, Mrs. Neal's grandmother being a sister 
of Mr. Neal's father. One child only has crowned 
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Neal, a son, George IL, 
who was born January 30. 1884. 




AMUEL STURMAN, who makes his home 
on section 29, Southfield Township, was 
born in Leicestershire, England, October 5, 
181.5. His father, .Samuel, and his mother, 
Sarah Bachler, were lioth born in that counUy and 
his mother died there. His father, before his death, 
came to Oakland County, Mich. Our subject is 
the eldest son and second child in a family of nine, 
all of whom were born in England. After being 
reared to manhood he worked on the railroad for 
four j-ears before coming to America. He landed in 
New York City in 1842, located in Dexter, and in 
1844 went to Detroit where he learned the trade of 
a plasterer, and followed the business for about 
twelve years, working for one employer for seven 
years of that time. He accumulated some city 
property which be exchanged for the farm where 
he now resides, a place which had been known as 
the Trowbridge Nursery'. 

In 1853 Mr. Sturman married Amelia Kendall, 
who was born in Detroit in 1830, where she re- 
ceived her education. This couple were the parents 
of ten children, namely: Ilenrj' S.. born June 11, 
1855, residing in Southfield Township; Emma J., 
July 15, 1858; James D., February 28, 1860; Wal- 
ter J., September 11, 1861; Lansing G., February 
18.1863; Lizzie A., October 5, 1864; Sar.«ih M., 
June 17, 1866, (deceased); Anna L., September 
9, 1867; Sarah IL, October 16, 1869. .lud Edwin 
T., July 6, 1874. All except the eldest of this 
family were born in Southfield Township, on what 
is now the home farm. This is a fine farm of one 
hundred acres of improved land, where our subject 
is doing a general farming business. Mr. Sturman 
was at one time a Republican and is now a strong 






JZ^.*:^' 



:^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



225 



Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Cliurch uud a Trustee in tlie same. He 
is an etticient worker in the Sunday-scliool, where 
he was at one time Superintendent. He is one of tlie 
pillars of the ciiurch and never uses tobacco in any 
form, being very much opposed to it. 



'(_^ ON. LEVI B. TAFT. This distinguished 
li member of the legal profession has made 
^ his home in Pontiac for some years, and 
is devoting himself to his practice, in 
partnership with Ex-State Senator Samuel AV. 
Smith. During much of the time since Mr. 
Taft became a member of the bar he Las been asso- 
ciated with other distinguished law^'ers, and be has 
had a large practice, won many victories, much 
fame and considerable wealth. He is descended 
from families of high repute in New England, and 
hiis himself added to tlie lustre of the name he 
bears, by his distinguished services in the legal 
arena and in official stations. 

The father of our subject, Benjamin Taft, was 
born in Richmond, N. H. His ancestors were 
among the earliest settlers of Uxbridge, Mass. 
His life on earth was brief, his death occurring in 
1823, in Bellingham, Mass. The mother of our sub- 
ject bore the maiden name of Vienna Cook and was 
the daughter of Thaddeus and Rhoda (Ballou) 
Cook. The latter was a descendant of Maturin 
Ballon, a co-proprietor with Roger Williams, the 
Colonial founder of Rhode Island, in bis Provi- 
dence plantations, whose name first appears among 
those co-proprietors in lG-46. Vienna Cook was 
born March 29, 1795, at Bellingham, Mass., and 
was there married August 31, 1820, to Benjamin 
Taft. She died in Pawtucket, R. I., during the 
year 18G7, when about seventy-two years old. 

The Hon. L. B. Taft was born in Bellingham, 
Norfolk County, Mass., August 6, 1821. He 
spent his bo3hoo<l on a farm, and while taking a 
part in live duties pertaining to its cultivation was 
privileged to attend the district school. In 1834 
he came to Detroit, this State, where he continued 
his studies and worked in the store of his uncles, i 



Col. Levi and Olney Cook. His academic edu- 
cation was obtained partly at Hopkins Academy, 
at Old Hadley, Mass., and partly at Franklin, 
Mass.; he entered Dartmouth College in 1839 and 
was graduated in 1843. The same year he re- 
turned to Detroit and studied law with the Hon. 
Jacob M. Howard. In 1845 he was admitted to the 
bar by the State Supreme and Federal Circuit 
Courts. 

Judge Taft began his professional work at Detroit 
as a partner of the Hon. H. H. Hobart, and after 
the removal of that gentleman to Wisconsin, was 
associated with Oscar F. Cargill. In 1848 Judge 
Taft removed to Niles, where he joined another dis- 
tinguished firm, his successive partners being the 
Hon. George H.Jerome and Judge Hiram F. Mather. 
He served one terra as Recorder, and was also Citj' 
Attorney, and from 1851 to 1853 was Prosecuting 
Attorney of Beirien County. He with Judge 
Mather then removed to Chicago, and during his 
residence there was associated with Judge Hiram 
F. Mather, tlie Hon. Thomas B. Br3'an, Vice- 
President of the Columbian Exposition; Judge T. 
Lyle Dicke}', late one of the ju<lges of the Supreme 
Court of Illinois; the Hon. George C. Bates and 
Col. W. W. AVhceler (of the Twenty-eighth Mich- 
igan Infantry during the Civil War). 

Judge Taft was engaged as solicitor for the 
complainant in one case which remained in the 
courts for twelve j^ears — that of J. C. Freer, ad- 
ministrator of Price rs. Horatio Seymour et. al., 
executors and devisees of Henry Seymour, de- 
eeaged, in the United States Circuit Court of the 
Northern District of Illinois. Judge Conklin, of 
New York, and others argued the case for the de- 
fendants in the United States Court, and Judge 
Kernan and the Hon. Roscoe Conkling — the latter 
a brother-iu-law of Horatio Seymour — argued on 
the same side in the United States Supreme Court. 
Both courts decided in favor of complainants 
(Seymour vs. Freer, 8, Wallace, 202). Judge Taft 
and his partner received $18,500 fees in the case, 
which involved rights to property valued at nearly 
a half million. 

Judge Taft resided in Chicago and Lake Forest 
for a period of sixteen jcars and during that time, 
with his partner, Judge Mather (with whom there 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



were occasionally other partners) was among the 
the foremost in his profession in the Garden City. 
He was also for twelve years a member of the Chi- 
cago Board of Education, and part of the time its 
President. In 1865 he removed to Lake For- 
est of which he was one of the originators. 
In 1868 on account of impaired health, he 
removed to Pontiac, Blich., and bought a farm 
of two hundred and forty-one acres in that 
vicinity, adapted to stock-raising and gen- 
eral production. This he carried on for eight 
ycnrs, regaining his health and reaping financial 
benefit from his good management. Subsequently 
he resumed the practice of law at Detroit, and in 
1873 was appointed .Judge of the Sixth Circuit in 
Michigan. After serving out the term he returned 
to Pontiac and took u|) his law practice here. For 
a time he superintended his farm, but he finally 
sold it and gave his attention exclusively to legal 
matters. 

.Judge Taft was married in Pontiac December 24. 
1846, to Julia A., daughter of Jacob G. and 
Ann (Grow) Bishop. 'J'here have been born to 
them seven children five of whom are still liv- 
ing. Mrs. Taft is a superior woman, de- 
scended on the maternal side from Thomas and 
Rebecca (Holt) Grow, conspicuous early New 
Englanders, whose progeny has everj'where won a 
good reputation. One conspicuous branch of them 
held a reunion at Watcrford, this State, in August, 
1&85, which mustered over two hundred relatives 
and passed off with great eclat. Judge Taft has 
long been an Elder and Trustee in the First Pres- 
byterian Church of Pontiac, and was for a number 
of years a Director in the Oakland County Agri- 
cultural Society. He has always been a leading 
and active Republican, and prominent in the ranks 
of the party, not only in Michigan, but also whjle 
residing in Illinois. 

Judge Taft is tall in person, commanding in ap- 
pearance and courteous in manner. His portrait, 
presented in connection with this biographical no- 
tice, will be lit once recognized by the majority of 
our readers as that of a man eminent at the bar of 
this State. His long professional career and his 
natural traits have moulded him into a type of 
lawyer and jurist which, in dignity, culture and 



ability, marks the highest order of his profession. 
On the bench he showed a true conception of the 
duties of the position — alert, impartial, learned 
and honest. B3' his bearing he gave courage to 
the younger and commanded the respect of the older 
practitioner. As a lawj'er his daily application, 
research and practice have given him a wide repu- 
tation as reliable counsel and a successful .advocate, 
which with his personal qualities have attracted to 
him a large circle of friends and patrons. 



•■^T*- 



-*T^ 



^fR^ICHARD SKARRITT. Among the many 
[ii^ hard-working and respected farmers of 
dill White Lake Township none are better 
worthy representation in this Album than 
Richard Skarritt. He owns and operates a farm 
on section 16, comprising one hundred and sixty 
broad acres, whicii was reclaimed from the primi- 
tive condition by his own zealous efforts and has 
been supplied with good buildings by him. He 
removed the timber which once covered the land, 
grubbed it and broke the virgin soil, and from 
time to time made such i-nprovements as he con- 
sidered necessary or desirable. He has been a life- 
long farmer and understands well how to bring 
about good results by his work. 

Richard .Skarritt, the father of our subject, was 
born in Ireland in 1803, and remained in his native 
land for some years after his marriage. In 1834 
he emigrated and came to this county, taking up 
his residence in Commerce Township. After a so- 
journ of about three j'ears he removed to Spring- 
field Township, but two years later returned to 
Commerce, which was his home during a second 
period of two years. He then settled in White 
Lake Township, where he passed the balante of his 
years. He took up forty acres of land in Com- 
merce Township and bought one hundred and 
sixt3' in Springfield, but sold the latter and pur- 
chased instead an equal amount in White Lake. 
The country to which he came w.as new and he 
cleared and broke his own laud and did breaking 
for others for many years. lu the old country he 
belonged to the militia. After he became an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



227 



American citizen he always voted tlie Democratic 
ticket. His wife bore the maiden name of Catlier- 
ine Dougherty, and their children were Thomas, 
Elizabeth, Joseph, Catherine, and Richard, who 
were born in Ireland, and Susan, Helen, John, 
Willie, Jane and George, who were born in Amer- 
ica. Mr. Skarritt was a member of the Methodist 
Church. 

Richard .Skarritt, Jr., the subject of this biogra- 
phy, was born March 6, 1834, in the Emerald Isle, 
and crossed the Atlantic during his infancy. He 
remained with liis parents until he was of age, pur- 
suing such studies as were possible in the primitive 
schools of the period, in what was then a sparsely 
settled section and learning all the details of prac- 
tical farm life under his father's guidance. He 
began farming for himself on a forty-acre tract 
given him by his father, but after a time sold it 
and bought one hundred and twenty acres where 
he is now living. To this he afterward added forty 
acres, and iiere he has carried on general farming 
most iiidustriousl}'. 

In Pontiac, September 17, 1855, Mr. Skarritt 
was united in marriage with Miss Fanny M. 
Porter, the daughter of John Porter, to whose 
sketch the reader is referred for facts regard- 
ing her ancestors. To Mr. and Mrs. Skarritt 
there have been born the following-named children: 
John, Alfred, Mary, Richard, Jessie, Edward, An- 
drew and Charles. Thej' also adopted a daughter, 
Annie. All are living but John and Mary. The 
wife and mother closed her eyes in death February 
28. 1888. 

Mr. Skarritt made .\ second marriage in Detroit 
January 9, 1 890, the ceremony being performed at 
the home of the bride's parents, Philander and 
Frances (Smith) Philip. The father was born in 
Genesee County, N. Y., and upon coming to this 
State settled on one hundred and twentj' acres of 
land in Springfield Township, this county. For a 
number of years he carried on farming and did 
some work at his trade — that of a carpenter. To 
him and his wife three children came, named re- 
spectively, Pvdgar, Blaria and Fanny. The last- 
named married a Mr. Ililts, by whom she had one 
(.Ijild — Edda. She was a second time married to 
Edgar Sanborn and this marriage also was blest by 



the birth of one child — Lena, who is now with her 
mother, while the son is living at Pontiac. Her 
union with our subject has been followed by mu- 
tual happiness and home comfort. 

In 1865 Mr. Skarritt enlisted in the Twenty- 
fourth Micliiu;an Infantry and served three months. 
Politically he is a Prohibitionist and has been for 
several j'ears. Socially he is a member of the 
Grange. He and his wife belong to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. They are held in excellent re- 
pute on account of their tine characters, their gen- 
eral intelligence, and their active, useful lives. 



-€-*^ 



^^=!«)EORGE GEDDIS is a retired farmer resid- 
|( (=1 in.? O" Washington street at Royal Oak, 
^^4! ^"f' one of the veteran sons of Michigan, 
who are her pride and boast. His birth took [Aaco 
M.'irch 18, 1841. His father, Robert, was a weaver 
and farmer in County Down, Ireland, who was 
born early in this century, and was married about 
the year 1830 to Margaret Groves, a daughter of 
Arthur and Margaret (Xixon) Groves. To these 
parents were born two daugliters and five sons. 
The mother died about 1886 in her native county, 
and the father is still living in the old country. 
The grandfather Daniel and his wife Sarah 
(Baker) Geddis, spent their lives in County Down. 

The subject of this sketch made his home with 
his parents and remained with them until 1857, 
with the exception of a period when he was in the 
British Arm}'. He was a volunteer in the Crimean 
War, and was a member of the Eleventh Hussars 
"A" troop who were sent to reinforce the famous 
"Light Brigade" of Balaklava. In 1857 the youn" 
man came to America and making his way to Royal 
Oak Township, began for himself by working on a 
farm at §8 a month. In 18G1 he volunteered for 
three years in Company B, of the Lancers of De- 
troit. This company was never sent to the front 
and after seven months of waiting Mr. Geddis 
joined the Third United .States Cavalry and was 
sent on to Columbus, Ky. He was put upon scout 
and picket duty until the spring of 1863. 

The regiment was now sent to Memphis aud 



228 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



thence to Vicksburg. Upon their return to Mem- 
phis Mr. Gefklis was made Sergeant as reward of 
meritorious conduct the siege of Vicivsliurg. They 
then went to reinforce Grant at LooivOut Moun- 
tain, and were with Sherman through that cam- 
paign. They were then sent to Kuoxville, Tenn., 
to aid Gen. Burnside. 

Sergeant Geddis was sent into Knoxville as a 
bearer of dispatches, and on the retreat of Long- 
street he with his cavalry followed as far as Mur- 
phy, N. C. He came back to Chattanooga and 
Huntsville, reaching there New Year's day 1864. 
In March of that year he was detailed for recruit- 
ing duty at St. Louis, Mo. After that his company 
was sent to reinforce Gen. P>anks, who was defeated 
on the Red River expedition. He received his 
final discharge at Little Rock, Ark., March 18. 
1865. He then came to Memphis and became dis- 
patch bearer for Gen. Washburn, who commanded 
the Sixteenth Army Corps. Tiiis gallant soldier 
had the inexpressiliij" sad dut^' of carrying to Gen. 
Washburn the dispatch which announced the death 
of Abraham Lincoln, the beloved War President. 

At the close of the war this gallant hero returned 
to Michigan, and in 1865 he celebrated his return 
to civil life by contracting a matrimonial alliance 
with Margaret, daughter of Robert and Jane 
(Groves) Cromie. This lady is the youngest in a 
famil}' of seven sons and two daughters, who were 
from County Down, Ireland. Her grandfather 
was William and her grandmother Sallie (Baker) 
Cromie. Our subject and his wife made their first 
home near Ponliac on a farm which they took on 
shares. Thej' are both members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Roj-al Oak, and the gentle- 
man belongs to Michigan Post No. 393, G. A. R., 
of Detroit. He is also identified with the Knights 
of P3'lhias, and a member of Clinton Valley Lodge 
No. 275, I. O. O. F., of Clinton, Macomb County. 

Mr. Geddis' first Presidential vote was cast for 
Grant, and his latest one for Harrison. He has 
often been sent to represent his neighbors at Re- 
publican conventions, and is always active in local 
circles for the good of the jiarty. He has been 
tendered various ofliccs, but owing to wounds re- 
ceived while in the army he has declined to serve. 
In 1867 he purchased forty acres in Royal Oak 



Township, all timbered land. After four years he 
sold it and bought forty acres of cleared land in 
Sterling, Macomb County. Four years later he 
sold it and came to Royal Oak, and bought sixty 
acres on section 12. Here he made his permanent 
home for eighteen years, and after that spent two 
years in Warren, Macomb County, where he bought 
ten acres of farming land and two lots, a store and 
a dwelling in the village. Somewhat later he came 
to Royal Oak. Besides the ten acres at Warren he 
now owns fourteen acres and a house and four 
lots in Royal Oak. His beautiful home is fre- 
quently a scene of sociability and hospitality, and 
it is known as a place where friends are warmly- 
welcomed and kindly entertained. He receives 
$12 a month as a pension from the Government, 
which is a richl}' deserved, though inadequate, re- 
compense for his noble services and self-devotion 
to his country in her hour of need. 

^Sp^, ICHARD 0. SMITH, formerly "mine host'' 
l^ir of the Sidney House in Rochester, was born 
(i^\ in Wayne County, this State, November 4, 
\^ 1827. and was a son of Samuel and Marcia 
B. Smith, who were natives of New Hampshire and 
Connecticut, respectively. The father came to this 
State in 1821. and located in Detroit. He had 
previously worked at the carpenter's trade, but 
after coming West he devoted himself almost en- 
tirely to farming. He was of English ancestry, 
and his mother was a sister of John Rogers, who 
was burned at the stake for his religious belief. 

Samuel Smith was first married to Hannah Holden 
who bore him two sons, Samuel and Joseph. His 
second wife was Hopa Smith, who became the 
mother of six children. The third wife, Marcia B. 
Mabar, was the mother of eight children, but two 
only are now living: Mrs. Hopa A. Lemon, of 
Shiawassee County; and Richard 0.,the subject of 
this biographical sketch. Jonathan Hunt, a son of 
Samuel Smith's second wife, was reared by his step- 
father, and the latter's third wife. His stepfather 
gave him $100, as he was taking provisions to sol- 
diers on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



229 



I 



laid out the money in crockery, for which his step- 
father uphraided hira, but he soon returned home 
with twice the amount of money he had expended, 
lie then invested in cotton and again doubled his 
capital. In spite of the expostulations of his step- 
father he continued this manner of trade aiid made 
a large fortune. He willed his estate in four equal 
parts to his stepfather, a sister and two brothers. 
One of the brothers was insane and was in an asy- 
lum fort3'-two 3'cars. The amount devised to hiui 
was well invested and reached the sum of ^6,000,- 
000, a part of which eventually came into tlie pos 
session of our subject, as he was a half-brother. 

Our subject lived under his father's roof until he 
was seventeen years old, then went to Birmingham 
and served an apprenticeship of three 3'ears at the 
trade of a finisher and moulder. He worked at his 
trade a few years, then married and settled down 
to farm life in Livingston County. A j'ear later 
he removed to Waj-ne Count}-, seven miles from 
Detroit, where he kept an hotel twelve 3'ears. At 
the expiration of tiiat period he came to Avon 
Township, and for a time occupied and operated a 
farm bequeathed to him b}- his father. He next 
went to Union Corners, and for eighteen months 
was landlord, then returned to tlie farm, on which 
he resided from 1865 to 1887. That year he moved 
into Rochester, and at a cost of 88,000 put up the 
hotel of which he had charge until his death. 

Tlic dale of the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss 
Esther Anderson was April 11, 1850. Three chil- 
dren came to bless the union, but only the first- 
born, Henr3' R., is now living. He is a farmer who 
is prospering in his chosen work. Josephine E. 
died in early womanhood, jNIarch 29, 1875, when 
aged eighteen years, six mouths and three days. 
Emnja V. breathed her last November 5, 18G3, at 
the .age of four years, tliree months and twent3'-nine 
da3's. 

Mr. Smith took considerable interest in political 
campaigns, and worked witli and for the Demo- 
cratic part}-. By virtue of the three marriages of 
his father, he w.is the uncle of a nephew seventy- 
two years old, and another six years old. He was 
a successful farmer, and as an hotel-keeper he is 
kindly remembered by those who have found rest 
under his roof, as he had the geniality that made 




them welcome, and he and his good wife supplied 
their table well and kept the house in order for 
passing guests. Mr. Smith died suddenly April 3, 
1891, mourned by a large circle of relatives and 
friends. 



JUDSON CLARK. Among the promi- 
^ * nent citizens in Orion are a number who 
were born iu tllat township and whose 
growth and jjrogress through life have 
been closely identified withthat of their native 
place. One of these is the subject of this sketch, 
who was born in a log house on section 23, Orion 
Township, December 29, 1853. His father, Elijah 
B. Clark, was a native of Connecticut, where he 
first saw the light November 23, 1792. He left 
home when a bo}' of thirteen and became an ap- 
prentice to a ship Cfirpenter. He afterward went 
to W.nyne County, Pa., w-lieie he followed farming 
and carpentering for several years. The 3'ear 1830 
saw him an emigrant to Michigan, and in June of 
that year he located and entered land in Orion 
Township and received a deed signed b}' Gen. 
Jackson. He returned home that fall but the fol- 
lowing spring he came on and erected a log cabin. 
Ho was thus one of the very first settlers in that 
part of what w.as then the Territory of Michigan. 
The Indians were his most numerous and frequent 
callers, and an ox-team was his fastest span. He 
was a Whig in politics and served in the Legisla- 
ture in 1816-47, the last session of Legislature 
that .assembled in Detruit. He was well known 
throughout all that region and was highl3' re- 
spected. He served at one time as Supervisor and 
also as Treasurer of the township. He lived to a 
green old age and died in 1884 at the age of ninety- 
one years and seven months. His father. Josiah 
Clark, was a farmer in Connecticut. 

The mother of our subject, Mary A. Yerkes, was 
born in Pennsylvania, January 23, 1798. Her death 
took place Januaiy 3, 1864. Of her ten children 
eight are still living. Our subject was reared on 
the farm and had a district school education. 
When he was nineteen years old he and his four 
brothers bought the old homestead, which com- 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



prised three liundrert and twenty acres and farmed 
in partnership for four years. He then sold his 
interest and farmed for himself. 

The wife whom our subject chose was Ellen, 
daughter of William and Cliloe ( Bugbee) Green, 
who came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1843, and 
were early settlers in Orion Township. The mar- 
riage took place in 1858, in Orion Township. Mrs. 
Green passed aw.ay from earth in October, 1870. 
Mr. Green is still living in his eighty-fourth year. 
Mr. Clark has been a Rei)ublican from early man- 
iiood and cast his first vole ft)r President Abraiiara 
Lincoln. He is a member of tlie order of the Pa- 
trons of Husbandry. He owi.s a farm of one hun- 
dred and thirty-seven acres on sections 13 and 24, 
Oiion Townshii), and a pleasant home situated on 
seven and a half acres just outside tiie corporation 
of Orion. He is connected with the Orion Park 
Association, of which he is a Director. Mr. Clark 
taught two terms of school in 18.57-58 in tliis 
countj-. 



^ 



E^ 



JilCHARD I). STRONG owns and occupies 
a farm on section 28, Tro}' Township, that 
^ \V is now carried on by a son. He was born 
"^ in Berkshire, England, December 18, 1835, 
and reared in his native place. His parents, Rus- 
sell and Catherine (May) Strong, were natives of 
the mother country and spent their entire lives 
there. They were classed among the farmers, and 
at his home their son served what might be called 
an apprenticeship at farming. He is the third of 
ten children. He left his native land in 1842, 
crossed the Atlantic and came direct to this State. 
He found occupation in a brickyard on the Gra- 
tiot road, four miles from Detroit, and linally 
started in business for himself. He carried on the 
yard six years, then sold it and bought the land 
which he still occupies. There were some improve- 
ments on the property, and he has added to tliem 
since he took possession in 1868. 

The wife of our subject was born in Yorkshire, 
England, in 1829, bore the maiden name of Diana 
Lamb and is a sister of F. B. Lamb, to whose 



sketch the reader is referred for information re- 
garding her progenitors. She was married to our 
subject in 1850, and has borne him five sons. The 
first-born, William T., occupies tiie homestead; 
Isaac and Sidney have their homes in Troy Town- 
ship; Henry IL lives in the village of Big Beaver; 
John lives in Bay City and is a breakman on the 
railroad. The eldest son was born in W.iyne 
County July 31, 1852, and in 1881 was married to 
Wealthy Millard. 

Mr. Strong was a firm Republican until within 
the last two years, but he now holds a place with 
the Prohibitionists. He has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church forty years, and has 
been a faithful worker for the cause of Christian- 
ity. He has been a Class-Loader and Steward, and 
has taught in the Sunday-school thirty years. Not 
only has he given precepts of right and justice, 
but it has been his earnest aim to live a righteous 
life, and no one can justly accuse him of ever hav- 
ing had a quarrel since he became a citizen of this 
country. His son William belongs to the same 
church as himself, was Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school live years and is now Class-Leader and 
Exiiorter at the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
wife is also connected with that religious body. 
The faini of Mr. Strong consists of one hundred 
acres of well-improved land, which under capable 
managemeracnt produces abundantly. 



f(_^ ARRISON WALTER. The farm and home 
Yi of this gentleman is certainlj' one of the 
most beautiful in Independence Townshii), 
if not in the count}'. The tract of land 
comprising the estate consists of one hundred and 
seventy-six acres on sections 16, 17 and 20, and 
has as fertile soil as could be desired. This prop- 
erty was bought by Mr. Walter in 1863, and an in- 
debtedness of *!4,500 incurred. He has not only 
paid off the incumbrance but has put on at least 
$12,000 worth of improvements. The dwelling is 
a handsome brick, and the grounds around it are 
tastefully adorned and present an appearance that 
at once attracts the attention of a passer-by. The 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



231 



barn is 60x200 feet, with a basement, and there is 
a fruit-house 36xC0 feet, with a cellar eighteen 
feet deep, that has a capacity of storing five thou- 
sand barrels. This valuable property' is located 
within a mile of Clarkston. 

The parents of our subject were Ja-job and Sarali 
(Clark) Walter, and their family comprised eight 
children, seven of whom survive. The father was 
a native of England and came to this county many 
years ago, being one of the first that arrived here 
from the mother country', and being the means of 
drawing a number of settlers hither from his old 
home. He was a man who was much beloved by 
his neighbors. He died in 1862. 

Our subject was born Jul}' 15, 1840, in the 
township that is still his home, and reared on a farm 
with the usual school advantages belonging to a 
rural district. He worked for his father in the 
intervals of study until he was eighteen jears old, 
and at the age of twenty years took up a higher 
course of instruction in an academy, pursuing his 
labors there one j-ear. Returning to his native 
township he hired out on a farm during two sum- 
mers, and in the winters taught school very suc- 
cessfully. He then made arrangements for 
establishing a home of his own, and turned his 
attention with unusual ardor to the work of an 
agrictdturist, stockman and fruit-grower. He gives 
much attention to breeding cattle and sheep, and a 
flock of about one thousand is generally held over 
b}' him each winter, and a large herd of cattle. He 
buys and ships about an hundred thousand pounds 
of wool per year. He also has an orchard of thirty 
acres of apple trees in full bearing, and a cranberry 
marsh. 

December 1,5, 1864, Mr. Walter was happily 
married to Miss JIary M. Howell, daughter of 
Samuel O. Howell, a citizen of this county and a 
native of Sussex County. N. J. Mrs. Walter is a 
granddaughte.^' of the Rev. .Iose|)h Edmondson. 
That she has refined taste as well as housewifely 
skill is abundantly proved by the arrangement and 
adornments of her home. She is the mother of five 
children whose record is as follows: E<lith J., born 
October 6, 1865, died January 20, 1876, and was 
interred at Lake View cemeter}'; Agnes E., born 
May 22, 1870; Gertrude M., September 29, 1876; 



Eva E., November 17, 1877; Samuel J., July 30. 
1879. Miss Agnes spent two years in attendance 
at the State Normal School in Ypsilanti and has 
paid special attention to vocal and instrumental 
music, in which she is quite proficient. 'Jhe 
younger children have enjoyed advantages suited 
to their years and talents, as the parents desire to 
fully equip them for the duties of life. 

In politics Mr. Walter is a Republican. He does 
not belong to any religious organization, but is a 
man of strict morality, who never uses profane 
language and never drank a glass of whisky ; in fact 
is oiiposed to stimulants of all kinds. The energy 
of his nature and the degree of enterpiise he shows 
in taking hold of extensive interests, is a matter of 
general understanding in the section in which he 
lives, and his example is better than many precepts 
in pointing the moral that success will follow per- 
sistent and energetic efforts when coupled with good 
judgment and honest dealing. 



IRAM ELWOOD, who has a fine farm in 
Royal Oak Township, is the son of Benja- 
min Elwood, a farmer and contractor of 
^) Otsego County, N. Y., who came to Mich- 
igan in July. 1832. He left his family in Detroit 
while locating his farm, and brought them on when 
he had made some preparation for them. The 
grandfather, also Benjamin Elwood, was a native of 
England, who came to America in boyhood and 
workeil at blacksmithing. He made the first fanning 
mill which was used in Montgomery County, N. Y. 
He also took part in the Revolutionary War on the 
side of his adopted country. 

The mother of our subject, Rachael (Sanders) 
Elwood, was born in New York being the daughter 
of Henry Sanders. She married Benjamin Elwood 
in New York, and became the mother of three sons 
and three daughters ouly one.of whom, our subject, 
is still living. This son was born in New York, Oc- 
tober 28, 1814 and came to Michigan with his pa- 
rents in 1832. His few years of schooling were 
obtained in New York. 

Pha?be (Hall) Elwood, the wife of our subject 
was born in Blenheim, Schoharie County, N. Y.. 




232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



December 15, 1824. Her father, Daniel H. Hall, a 

farmer, was born in Catskill, N. Y., May 15, 1799, 
and came to Michigan in the Territorial da>s and 
located in Royal Oak Township. Her grandfather, 
Nathaniel Hall, was a native of Connecticut and a 
drum major dnring the Revolutionary War, and 
afterward a sea captain, fie was a son of Nathan- 
iel Hall of Puritan stock. The mother of Mrs. E!- 
wood, was Lettia (Partridge) Hall who was born in 
Schoharie, N. Y., September 18, 1801. Her parents, 
Alanson and Eunice Partridge, had eight children. 
Daniel Hall and Lettia (Partridge) Hall were mar- 
ried in 1882. Of their nine children Phtebe is the 
second child and oldest daughter. 

Hiram Elwocd and Pha'be (Hall) Elwood were 
married in 1847. Their children are: Raciiel P., 
born April 26, 1S48; Amanda J., January C, 1854; 
James 11., April 20. 18G0; William H., July 19, 
1866. In addition to their own children the}' 
adopted two — George Stanlej- and J. R. Kinney. 
George went with the boys in blue and never re- 
turned. Ills loss was a great one to the parents who 
had adopted him as a strong bond of affection uni- 
te<l them. .1. R. Kinney is now in business at 
Royal Oak. The eldest daughter, Rachel, is the 
wife of AVrighlBartlettof Sand Beach, Mich. Aman- 
da is Mrs. J(jhn Heath of Southfield, this county. 
James died at the age of nine jears. William is 
living on the old farm and in December of 1886, he 
was united in marritige with Mar}' Lewless, bj- whom 
he has two children, Florence E. and Gracie M. The 
latter died M.arch 15,1891. 

When Benjamin Elwood came to ISIicliigan the 
country was in its wild state. The only roads were 
footpaths, marked by blazed trees. Many a time 
he was chased by wolves. His first house was 
of logs and its dimensions were 12x14 feet. It had 
a sliake roof and a stick chimney, with floor of split 
logs. In this commodious abode a family of five 
made their home. Our subject and his brother 
slept on the floor but afterward they made bunks 
against the wall. This was more comfortable and 
pleasant, as snakes sometimes crept into the bouse. 
The name of Andrew Jackson is signed to the 
deeds which certified to Mr. El wood's possession of 
his land. 

The house in which our subject now lives was 



erected in 1845. Of his one hundred and fifty- 
four acres about one hundred is in an improved 
condition. The first President for whom he voted 
was William Henry Harrison and the last was Ben- 
jamin Harrison. He plaj-ed the drum during 
AVilliam Henry Harrison's campaign. He was a 
member of the Union League. Mr. and Mrs. El- 
wood are earnest and efficient members of the 
Congregational Church in which he has been a 
Deacon and Trustee for many years. Mr. p]lwood 
began life with nothing but his muscles and grit 
and he has carved out for himself and family a 
handsome competence. As an illustration of the 
determination and ])crseverance which he showed 
during the early days, we will tell how he obtained 
his first harness. He caught coons at night and 
took" the skins to Detroit and sold them for a har- 
ness. He also bought a saddle in the same way 
and an overcoat for his adopted son George Stan- 
ley. When a boy he was one day sent sevei'al 
miles from home and had to travel a long distance 
after dark and for miles he was followed l)y wolves. 
He killed U)any wild turkejs and deer and kept his 
father's family in meat many limes in this way. 
Mr. Elwood's father died at the age of eighty-two 
and his mother when she had reached her eighty- 
fourth year. The}' lie side by side in their long 
sleep in the Royal Oak Cemetery. The brother and 
sister are also buried there. 



HARLES GRAY ROBERTSON, M. D. 
^, Among the physicians of Oakland County, 
i' none have endeared themselves to their pat- 
rons more thoroughly than the suDject of this 
sketch. He located in Clarkston in 1880, and has 
built up a large and remunerative practice. Study 
and experience combined to give him skill before 
he came to Claikstou, and his earnestness and sterl- 
ing quality of mind had added to the force of his 
instruction and m.ide practical all that he learned. 
He is an excellent type of his nationality, and a 
worthy representative of a family, many members 
of which have been prominent in political and so- 
cial circles. In former limes the Robertsons had 




-^ ^./c^c^a^,^yi.ln. S. 'T.3). 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



235 



much influence in Scotland and the name is not 
uni<nown in the history of that country. The 
faniil}' was iionorcd with a coat-of-arms and its 
members tilled stations of influence and responsi- 
bility. 

The father of our sul)ject was George Robert- 
son, who was born in Sterling, Scotland, in 1783, 
his mother, Violet (Anderson) Robertson, was born 
in Edinburgh, Scotland. They came to America 
in 1837, and established their home in this county. 
The trail from Pontiac northwest was at that time 
distinguished by blazed trees, there being no road 
and not even a path. Mr. Robertson was reared 
as a merchant and had been thus occu])ied in his 
native land, and when he engaged in farming here 
he suffered much from the unaccustomed labor and 
the privations of pioneer life. The climate also 
was different from that to which he was used, and 
it was not long ere he contracted pneumonia which 
proved a fatal illness. 

Ur. Robertson was born in Glasgow, November 
2-1, 1830, and was but a lad when he accompanied 
his i)arents across the Atlantic. He remained on 
the farm until he was sixteen years old, then went 
to school to prepare himself for a professional life. 
As his means were limited, it was necessary for 
him to teach during the winter months to earn the 
money with which to paj^ his expenses while pur- 
suing his studies in the summer. In 1848 he went 
to live with his brother, an attorney at Mt. Clem- 
ens, and there he attended school and also began 
reading medicine with Dr. Taylor. In 1850-57 he 
attended lectures at Ann Arbor, and leaving the 
college two years later he began his practice in 
Waterford and also carried on a drug store there. 
In 1853 he sold out and went to Clift Mines in the 
Lake Superior region, holding the position of As- 
sistant Surgeon for the company three years. He 
was not satisfied with the amount of technical 
knowledge he possessed, and continued his study, 
determined to acquire the degree of Doctor of 
Medicine, which he had not yet taken. His desire 
was fulfilled in 18G2, when he was graduated from 
the Buffalo University of Medicine. 

March 12, 18G3, Dr. Robertson enrolled as As- 
sistant Surgeon in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry 
and was promoted to Surgeon September 12, 18G4. 



His regiment took part in many of the engage- 
ments during .Sherman's march to the sea, and 
Surgeon Robertson was present on many a bloody 
field. At Sunshine, Ga., July 31, 18G4, during 
Stoneman's raid, he was taken prisoner, but was 
released September 3. September 22, 1865, he 
was mustered out and honorably discharged, and 
returning to this State he took up his practice at 
White Lake. He remained there until 1875, in 
1877 located in St. Clair, and after a sojourn of 
three years came to Clarkston. 

In 1853 Dr. Robertson was united in marriage 
with Miss Jessie Newton, who was born on the 
Island of Jamaica in 1831. The record of the chil- 
dren born of the union is as follows: Ada, Juno 
22, 1855; Clara C, born in 1858, died in 18G0: 
Clara J., born February 26, 1861 ; Milton G., De- 
cember 17, 1868. The son is now living in Pon- 
tiac. Dr. Robertson, in the midst of the arduous 
duties of his profession, finds time for some social 
pleasures and a share in the workings of lodges in 
which he is interested. He is a Mason, belonging 
to Cedar Lodge. No. 60, F. & A. M., and is a 
Knight in Tent No. 85, K. 0. T. M. In politics 
he is a Democrat. Well versed on topics of gen- 
eral interest, with a manly and courteous bearing, 
he impresses peo[)le as one in whom to repose con- 
fidence, and numbers will testify that their trust 
has not been misplaced. 

EV. DANIEL COOK JACOKES, M. A., 
S. T. D., of Pontiac, Oakland County, was 
l^W born in Charleston, Montgomery County, 
N. Y., April 15, 1813. He was the eldest 
of four children, three sons and one daughter, of 
Samuel and Catharine (Hood) Jacokes, both of 
whom were natives of the State of New York. Cath- 
erine Jacokes, the mother of the subject of this 
sketch, was a woman of marked ability and strength 
of character, and possessed a clear and g.ctive mind, 
with strong convictions as to religion and raoral.i. 
When her eldest son had arriveil at the age of 
eight years, he was consecrated by her, as were his 
two brothers, to the ministry; and with the settled 




236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



purpose to become a clergyman he marked out, by 
her advice, a course of study to continue the fol- 
lowing thirty years, at tlie expiration of which 
time he was to buy new books on all subjects, and 
review his studies, which he has twice done since. 
It is a little remarkable that these three brothers 
should have followed the course laid out by their 
mother. Such is the fact, however, and it is even 
more remarkable that they are all still liring, and 
active ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at this time (1891), the eldest, Daniel, having at- 
tained the age of seventy-eight years, and the ag- 
gregate of their clerical service covering a period 
of one liundred and forty-seven years. 

The subject of this sketch prepared for college 
at a select school, and subsequently attended, for 
about three years, Geneva College (now Hobart 
College), at Geneva, N. Y. In 1 828 he made a fly- 
ing trip West, spending about one year in Michi- 
gan, and returned to Geneva, N. Y., whence he, 
with his wife, to whom he was married in 1832, 
again came West, and located in Detroit. There 
he remained about nix years, at the expiration of 
which time he went to the township of Lodi, AA^ash- 
tenaw County, where his father had settled, and 
there spent two years in continuation of his studies 
in preparation for tlie ministry, and in the year 
1840 joined the Michigan Conference of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. His first assignment was 
to the Farmington Circuit, Oakland Count}', a dis- 
trict covering a wide extent of territory, where he 
remained one year; and at the expiration of this 
time moved to the Lake Superior region and took 
charge of the Indian missions there. He continued 
in this work, which he found very interesting, in 
both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, until 1845. 
Hi» subsequent appointments, for a period of two 
years each, were at the following places, in the order 
named: Grass Lake, Girard, Northville, Mount 
Clemens, Port Huron, Pontine, Trenton and De- 
troit. 

On the breaking out of the war, the Rev. Mr. 
Jacokes was appointed Chaplain of the Fifth Mich- 
igan Infantr}', and experienced the hardships of 
tiie Peninsula campaign. He resigned this posi- 
tion at the expiration of a year, and his next as- 
signment was to the church at Dexter, where he 



remained three years. Thence ho returned to Pon- 
tiac, and had charge of the church there for a like 
period, and in 1868 he was made Presiding Elder 
of the Adrian District for a term of four years. 
Afterward he was assigned to the church at Hud- 
son, where he remained until 1876, when his wife's 
health failed, and he returned to Pontiac, where he 
has since resided. About the year 1853 the degree 
of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by 
Weslej-an Uuirersity, at Midiiletown, Conn., and 
in 1871 he was made Doctor of .Sacred Theology 
by the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, 
Ohio. 

In September, 1875, Dr. Jacokes was requested 
by Gov. Bagley to accept the position of Commis- 
sioner of Education of the State of Michigan for 
the educational exhibit at the Centennial Exposi- 
tion in Pliiladelphia, in 1876, and, upon becoming 
convinced of the practicability of the enterprise, 
accepted the position. At the time of his appoint- 
ment no definite plan had been formed for the 
prosecution of the work by an}' of the States or 
countries represented at the Exposition. To carry 
into execution a clearly drawn scheme of work, 
would have been comparatively easy; but to devise 
a plan whereby the right kind of information could 
be collected, tabulated, and presented in an easily 
accessible shape, was a task of no slight difBculty. 

This being evidently tlie starting-point, and the 
key to success. Dr. Jacokes' first efforts were di- 
rected to this task. To detail the plan originated 
by him would be impossible here; siiflice it to say 
that it gave a comprehensive and full exhibit of 
the educational sj'stem of Michigan. At the first 
glance a superficial observer might have been dis- 
appointed at the seeming smallness of the depart- 
mental exhibit; but a slight examination revealed 
the fact that it contained, in com|)act and acces 
sible form, all the material really needed for a 8tu<l y 
of the educational system of the State. This pro- 
gram was adopted by the Centennial Board, and 
sent to all the States and nations for their guidance 
in ihe educational exhibit. To show the estima- 
tion in which the exhibit was held, the fact may be 
mentioned that certain foreign commissioners, de- 
sirous of understanding the system, spent whole 
days in examining and copying from the volumes 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



237 



and diagrami displayed. Much of the credit which 
Michigan recoiTed for this splendid exhibit is due 
to the energy and wisdom of Dr. Jacokes, and it is 
not going too far to say that the citizens of Michi- 
gan owe a debt of gratitude to him the}' cannot well 
repay, for this earnest and self-sacriticing work, to 
which he devoted about sixteen months of his en- 
tire time gratuitous!}'. 

In 1877. Dr. Jacokes was appointed a member of 
the Slate Board of Health, and tilled that position 
acceptably for a period of six years. In 1877, also, 
he was appointed, by the Governor, agent of the 
State Board of Corrections and Charities for Oak- 
land County, which appointment he still holds. He 
became an active member of the American Public 
Health Association, one of tlie highest scientific as- 
sociations in the world, in 1882. Since 1878 he 
has served as Chaplain of the Eastern Michigan 
Asylum for the Insane, at Pontiac. He has taken 
a lively interest in the welfare of the inmates of 
the asylum, and lias bestowed much time and 
thought upon the discharge of his duties in con- 
nection with them. His varied culture and great 
kindness of heart have eminently fitted him for 
tliis work. 

The Doctor was married, in 1832, to Miss Marj' 
Ann Slarrow. of Geneva. Ontario County, N. Y., 
who was his active helpmate until 1877, since 
which time she has been in poor health. They have 
one son. Judge James A. Jacokes (born November 
21, 1834, prominent member of the Oakland County 
bar, and at present a partner in the law firm of 
Baldwin, Draper & Jacokes, of Pontiac, composed 
of himself. Judge Augustus C. Baldwin, and the 
Hon. Charles Draper), and an adopted daughter, 
Mrs. William Park, of Trenton. Mich. The rever- 
end Doctor has spent a long life in the stead}- pur- 
suit of knowledge, and does not yet consider his 
education completed. He has. in addition to his 
theological studies, giTen considerable atlenlion to 
the study of astronomy and the sciences, and his 
researciies into almost every branch of learning 
have been profound. He has a remarkable consti- 
tution, enabling liim to do the work of three men, 
even at his present age. He can not remember the 
time when he has devoted more than four hours of 
each twenty-four to slumber, and is to be seen on 



all except tlie very coldest days of winter, attend- 
ing to his out-door duties without overcoat or other 
additional wrajjs. Of firm character and decided 
opinions, and yet of most gentle and lovable dis- 
position, especially towards the young, the helpless, 
and the unfortunate, his reputation throughout the 
Slate is an enviable one. Full of charity and 
thought for others, he has hosts of friends wherever 
his work has led him. while his sound judgment 
and sterling char.icter liave won him .i place in the 
front rank of men of refinement and education 
throughout the State, and in the esteem and respect 
of all with whom he has come in contact. 

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Jacokes accom- 
panies this sketch. 



^/ OHN ALLEN BIGELOW is one of the na- 
tives of this county whose labors in life 
have been successful, and enabled them to 
retire from arduous toil secure from want, 
and able to eijjoy every reasonable recreation and 
comfort. He is a Notary Public, and does some 
insurance business, and his office and residence are 
in the village of Birmingham, where he h.as a fine 
brick dwelling and neatly adorned lot. He has 
held public offices of trust, and has an honorable 
war record to which his friends can refer with pleas- 
ure. His grandfather in the paternal line w.as a 
Revolutionary soldier, and is numbered among the 
early settlers in this county, to which he b'ought 
his family in 1825. The names of Abel and Sarah 
(Clark) Bigelow are familiar to the old residents, 
as those of Jotham and Esther S. (.Montague) Bige- 
low, parents of our subject, are to those of a later 
generation. 

Jotham Bigelow was born in New York. February 
7, 1807, and came to this .State with his parents, 
locating in what is now West Bloomfield Township, 
this county. In October, 1835. he was married at 
Batavia, N. Y., to the daughter of Elijah and 
Esther (McElwain) Montague, and returning to 
this State the next year, resided in Bloomfield for 
thirty-four years. He then went to Williamston, 
Ingham County, where he and his wife died. She 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was born in Batavia, N. Y.. April 18, 1817. Both 
belonged to the church and were active in religious 
work. Mr. Bigelow was a Whig in earlj- life, and 
later a Republican. He was a carpenter and 
builder, and was in but ordinary circumstances. 

Our subject is the second child and eldest sou in 
a family whose other members were Mary, Augusta 
D., Hamilton M., Judson O. and Amanda. Mary 
and Amanda are now deceased. He was born in 
West Bloomfield, September 16, 1839, but spent 
his boyhood in Franklin. He received a limited 
education in the common school, and about the 
time he entered his teens, undertook his own sup- 
port. He learned the carpenter's trade and also 
engaged in farm work. When seventeen years old 
he met with an accident in a mill, which deprived 
him of the use of his left hand. He then went to 
school a }'ear and subsequently entered upon the 
life of a teacher, and followed the profession until 
the winter of 1860. He then came to Birmingham 
and began clerking for O. Poppleton, retaining his 
position until May of the following j'ear, when he 
went to Franklin and engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits on his own account. 

In August, 1861, Mr. Bigelow sold out, and on 
the 13th enlisted as bugler in Company G, First 
Michigan Cavahy. He served with that regiment 
until Bank's retreat down the Shenandoah Valley. 
On May 23, 1862, he was capture;! at Winchester, 
Va., and "kept company" with the Confederates 
about ten days. He then escaped and worked his 
way to Martinsburg with seventy-two others. Tak- 
ing possession of a train, they ran it to Harper's 
Ferry, but by orders of Gen. Crawford, were ar- 
rested and sent on to Washington through the in- 
terference of a good-natured captain, who was Pro- 
vost Marslial at that place. At Washington they 
were ordered to go to work building forts, but our 
subject sustained his |)oint, that he did not enter 
the army for any other purpose than to be a cav- 
alry man, and he was discharged b_v order of Gen. 
Wadsworth and Secretary Stanton, June IC. 1862. 

Mr. Bigelow enlisted again in .the Fifth Michi- 
gan Cavalry, August 13, 1862, uncjer the name of 
John Allen. lu the following November he was 
made chief bugler. In the spring of 1863 the fa- 
mous Michigan Cavalry Brigade was formed, and 



in June Gen. Copeland was relieved, and Gen. Cus- 
ter placed in command. Our suliject was the first 
man in the Fifth Cavalry to strike a rebel with a 
sabre, which occurred on June 30, at Littlestown, 
Pa. He participated iu the campaign of constant 
battles, and was promoted to be Second Lieutenant 
in August, 1863. He devoted his time to recruiting 
until the 1st of April, 1864, and on May 4, crossed 
the Rapidan in advance with the cavalry brigade, 
which inaugurated the Wilderness campaign. The 
noble Sheridan was in charge of all the cavalrv, 
and the whole army settled down at Petersburg. 

The cavalry corps was sent, in August, 1864, to 
the Shenandoah Valley against the rebel Gen. 
Early. On Sunday, September 18, Sheridan was 
with Grant sitting upon a log. After some conver- 
sation, Sheridan remarked, ''I can settle this Valley- 
business and Early, if I push things," whereupon 
Grant loid him to "push things."' The following 
da}' he began to follow those directions. During 
the charge at Opequan a bullet struck our subject 
in the left elbow, shattering the bone into splinters. 
Drs. Richards, Nash and St. Clair amputated his 
arm upon the battlefield, and he remained iu Win- 
chester until Christmas, 1864, when he came home. 
About that time it was found necessar}- to perform 
a second surgical operation, as his arm had not 
properly healed, and at a later period a, third was 
necessary. The arm is still at this date (1891), 
troubling him very much, and refuses to get well. 
During the winters of 1864-65, tlie amputated 
stump was in such a condition that the arler}' would 
not grow together, and for about fifty days and 
nights the artery was held by his friends to keep 
from bleeding to death, and man}- of the old friends 
can testify to trying vigils. 

Mr. Bigelow was wounded five times, but never 
left the regiment or duty until he lost his arm. One 
night he crossed the Rappahannock with Lieut. 
Percy Leggett, and entering Hood's army, brought 
away some prisoners and gained the information 
sought, which led to the death of the brave Leg- 
gett at Belle Plain the following day, September 1, 
1863. Our subject participated in eighty-four bat- 
tles and engagements with the Michigan Cavahy 
Brig.ade. We quote the following from "Michigan 
in the War :" "He entered service August 13, 1861 ; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



239 



bugler of Company G, First Michigan Cavalry, 
wounded at Hagerstown, Md., July 10, 1863; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Fifth Cavalry August 13, 1863; 
wounded May 28, 18G4; wounded September 19, 
1864; First Lieutenant October 27, 1864; breveted 
caiitain March 13, 1865 for gallant and meritori- 
ous services during the war; discharged for wounds 
and loss of left arm April 15, 1865." 

Until he was incapacitated by wounds, Mr. Bige- 
low was always on dut}' with his regiment, and he 
took part in all the battles of the Potomac in which 
the cavalry was engaged. He was wounded in the 
back of the neck at Groveton, Va., in 1862, by a 
charge of buck shot, and July 10, 1863, had a finger 
shot off his left hand at Hagerstown, Md. Ma}' 28, 
1864, at the battle of Hawes Shop, he received a 
gun-shot wound in the left arm, and June 1 1 , at 
Trevilian Station, received a blow on his head 
with a revolver. The wound which caused the 
amputation of his arm prevented him from doing 
further duty as a soldier, and he was discharged 
April 15, 1865. 

Mr. Bigelow re-entered the profession of a teacher 
and followed it during the winter of 1865-66. The 
next spring he removed to Birmingham, receiving 
the appointment of Postmaster, and for eighteen 
consecutive years he held the position. He also 
had a general store, and was Notary Public and 
Express and Insurance Agent. During that time 
he was one of tiie prime movers in the esiahlisii- 
ment of the telephone system there. In 1884 he 
sold out his business and resigned his position as 
Postmaster, owing to ill health. The same^'ear he 
was elected County Treasurer on the Republican 
ticket, and at the expiration of the term was re- 
elected. He has held numerous village and school 
offices, and has been faithful to every trust reposed 
in him. He is a Republican, and a believer in pro- 
tective tariff. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and also 
keeps up his connection with the. Blue Lodge, lie 
is one of the charter members of Dick Richardson 
Post, No. 147, G. A. R., at Pontiac, and was the 
first Adjutant. During his first enlistment as a 
soldier Mr. Bigelow rose through the ranks of Sec- 
ond and First Lieutenant to that of Captain. 

May 24, 1866, Mr. Bigelow was married to Miss 
Isabel Whitehead, an estimable young lady who 



was born in Waterford in June 1844. Her parents 
were Almeron and Ann (Mais) Whitehead. ]\Ir. 
and Mrs. Bigelow have three children, named re- 
spectively, Mortimer O., Bertha A. and Bessie K. 
The family moved in good societ}', and Mr. Bige- 
low is especially endeared to loyal citizens b}' the 
sufferings he endured in his country's cause, and 
the valor and cheerfulness he displayed on fields of 
battle, and during the tedium of camp life. 




jiILLIAM C. SHOUP, a successful farmer 
of Oakland Township, was born in Warren 
County, N. J., March 26, 1832. His father, 
Conrad F., a Pennsylvania man, was born April 1, 
1794, at C'arlerstown. The grandfather, John, was 
born August 30, 1770. The famil}' is of Welsh 
extraction. Conrad F. emigrated from Pennsyl- 
vania to New Jersey and was there married to Ruth 
Taylor. He clerked in a store at Harmony, Warren 
Count}-, N. J., for twelve years. In 1831 he came 
to Oakland County, with a view to settling here. 
He finally located a tract of land on section 10, 
Oakland Township, and in 1834 removed his family 
to the new home, where they occupied a log 
house just across the road from his farm until he 
could provide a home of his own. He purchased 
a team of oxen and a cow in Detroit while on his 
journey. 

The country was new and sparsely settled. 
Indians camped within two miles of the home of 
our subject, and frequent visits were exchanged. 
The trip to Detroit, which was the nearest market 
place, consumed a week in those days. He died in 
1846 at the .ige of fifty-two years. He had served 
as an enlisted soldier for a short time in the War 
of 1812 until peace was declared. He was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was 
Township Treasurer and Supervisor. He lost his 
right hand in New Jersey while firing a cannon 
during a Fourth of July celebration. His wife died 
in 1879 at the age of seventy-three j'ears. 

The subject of tliis sketch was one of eight chil- 
dren, five of whom are now living. He was two 
years old when his parents removed to Michigan. 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



As soon as old enough to work he was obliged by 
liie necessities of pioneer life to leave school. He 
remained at home until of a^e, and for several 
years worked by the month for his mother. In 
186.3 he bought an adjoining farm of eighty acres 
and after three 3'ears disposed of it and purchased 
the old Shoup homestead, on which he has since 
continued to reside. 

In 1861 our subject married Rebecca Ilixson, 
who was born and reared just across the road from 
the Shoup i)lace;the year of her birth was 1844. 
.She was the daughter of Jonah and Mary A. (Jones) 
Hixson, who came from New Jersey to Michigan 
in 1837. Mr. Ilixson is now living in Pontiac but 
his good wife ended her earthly career in 1860. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have been granted four 
children, namely: Eliza, Frank, .Tesse and TTade 
H. Their father is a stanch Democrat and has been 
a delegate frequently to county conventions. He 
h;is two hundred and fort}' acres of Bne land, which 
he has brought to an excellent stale of cultivation. 
He began life with limited means and has been 
quite successful. 



-^1= 






|Z_^ ENRY J. BOWERS. On section 34, Troy 
ij Township, is a milling plant owned and 

operated by the gentleman above named. 

When he bought the property, in 1865, it 
was known as the Blair Mill and the machinery 
was that adapted for sawing lumber. He carried 
on work of that kind and also added the fittings by 
which he could make flour and grind feed. The 
mill is now run by steam and has complete sets of 
first-class machiner}', well adapted for the several 
purposes mentioned. Mr. Bowers has forty acres 
of land around the mill, upon which he makes his 
home, and eleven acres in Birmingliani and forty 
in Manistee. It is evident that his labors in life 
have been successful, though he began bis career 
at the early age of ten years and worked on a farm 
for his board and clothes. 

Mr. Bowers was born in Germany August 25, 
1838. his parents being Jonathan und Catherine 



(Rottgang) Bowers. His father died in the Fath- 
erland in 1842, leaving a wife and two children — a 
son and daughti'r. The widow came across the 
Atlantic and to this State, where she died in 1847. 
The SOB began his education in the land of his 
birth, but left that country daring his earl}' boj'- 
hood and so completed his studies in Michigan. 
When his mother died he was thrown upon the 
world and he found it hard to make his way until 
he was a man. The first money he earned was $3 
per month b}' working in a nurser}-. When fifteen 
3ears old he went on the lake and for about twelve 
years was a sailor. He then worked for the De- 
troit. Grand Haven ifc Milwaukee Railroad Com- 
pany two years, and in 1859 was employed by the 
Michigan Southern Railroad six months. For some 
time prior to his purchase of the mill he worked in 
it b}' the d.aj' or month, and when he assumed con- 
trol he was thoroughly conversant with sawmilling. 
In 1866 Mr. Bowers was married to Miss Frances 
J. Burnett, who was born in Troy Township in 
1847, and is the youngest of three sisters. The 
union has been blest by the birth of two children — 
Myrtle and Jessie J. — the former of whom died 
when but three weeks old. Jessie is a bright and 
active lassie, now eig'ht years of age. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bowers have an adopted daughter whom they call 
Myrtle E., who is now sixteen years old and attend- 
ing school in Birmingham. Mr. Bowers is a Royal 
Arch Mason belonging to Birmingham Lodge No. 
44. He votes the Democratic ticket. He and his 
estimable wife are regarded with respect by their 
acquaintances and have many warm friends. 



"^^>S^ — 



LISIIA R. CLARK is one of the veteran 
soldiers of the Civil War, having served 
; - — — } through all the Virginia campaigns until 
1864, and having suffered greatly through im- 
prisonment in rebel prisons during the latter part 
of his term of service. He was born in Lennox, 
Macomb County, Mich., March 3, 1847. He was 
reared on the farm and lived with an uncle, Leonard 



PORTRAIT AND BfOGRAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



241 



Lee, for a number of years. He was only fifteen 
years old when he enlisted, April 12, 1862, in the 
Serenteenth United States Infantry in the defense 
of his country, and joined tlie regiment at York- 
town, Va. He was with Company G, of the Seven- 
teenth Regulars, until August 19, 1864, when, as 
we have saul, he was talfen prisoner. 

Our subject is the son of Rolia and Thankful 
(Cole) Clark, natives of Yates County, N. Y. 
From that State they came to Michigan in the year 
1836, when Michigan was still a Territory. Rolla 
was a farmer, cooper and manufacturer of potash. 
He died in 1849. To him and his wife were born 
three children: Jerome, deceased ; Abigail, the wife 
of Andrew Sutherland, of Oxford; and Elisha, 
our subject. 

The regiment in which this young man enlisted 
was assigned to the Second Brigade, Second Di- 
vision-, Fifth Corps, i^rmy of the Potomac, and was 
in the following engagements: Seven days before 
Riclimond,Ya.,.Tiine25 to July 1, 1862; Gaines Mill, 
June 27; Jlalvern Hill, July 7; Bull Run, August 
30;Anteitara, September 15, to 17; Blackford's 
F'ord, September 19; Shepherdstovvn, September 
20; Fredericksburg, December 1 1 to 15. In 1863 he 
was in Burnside'a second campaign, January 20 to 
24; Chancellorsville, May 1 to 5 ; Gettysburg, Jul}' 
2 and 3; Funkstown, Md., July 12. He was in the 
advance toward Culpeper, Ya., in September, and 
in the retreat to >Lanassa8 in October. The regi- 
ment was in an engagement at Auburn and Bristow, 
Va., October 19; at Rappahannock Station, No- 
vember 7, and at Mine Run, November 25. After 
the reorganization of the army, December 2, 1863, 
the regiment was placed in the Third Brigade, 
First Division, Fifth Corps, and was in the follow- 
ing engagements: The Wilderness, May 5 to 7, 
1864; Spottsylvania, May 8 to 18; Laurel Hill, 
May 8 to 13; North Anna, May 23 to 27 ; Bethesda 
Church, June 2 and 3; Cold Harbor, June 3 to 12; 
White Oak Swamp, June 13; Petersburg, June 16 
to 21; Welldon Railroad. August 18 to 19. 

Upon the date last mentioned Mr. Clark was 
taken prisoner and was confined in many of the 
noted southern prisons; among these were Libby 
and Belle Isle at Richmond, Va., and Salisbury, 
N. C. He remained in prison during the winter 



and was paroled at Wilmington, N. C. March 3, 
1865, and was mustered out of service May 29, at 
Baltimore. After the war he returned to Michigan 
and located in Oxfoid, where he farmed for Andrew 
Southerland, and attended school. The next sum- 
mer he worked on a farm six months for A. A. 
Ilagerman and attended school during the winter. 
He next engaged in the service of the Flint and 
Pere Marquette Railroad Company, locating lands 
under their grant, and continuing with them two 
summers. December 30, 1869, saw him married to 
Eunice A., daughter of John J. and Lucinda Craw- 
ford, who were natives of New York State and 
early settlers there. 

Our subject continued in his clerical duties for 
some time and in 1870 engaged in the liquor trade 
in connection with tobacco, cigars and Bne gro- 
ceries. He still continues in this business and has 
built the business house he occujjies, one of the 
best in Oxford, also another on the opposite side of 
the street. Mr. Clark is a Democrat in politics. He 
is a member of the Masonic order, of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, of the Society of the Army 
of the Potomac, and of the Society of Prisoners of 
War. 




fe J. HARE, M. D., of Leonard, is a native 
nifj of Canada and was born at Toronto, June 
Vj 13, 1857. His father, David, first saw the 
light in Ireland in 1815. The great-grandfather went 
from Germany to Ireland as an attendant upon the 
Prince of Orange. The family was of Holland 
descent. The father came to America in 1822 
with his father, Isaac, who was a Captain in the 
British ami}'. 

The father of our subject was reared a farmer 
and resided in New York for several 3'ears, but 
liveil on the old homestead near Toronto for more 
than forty years. He had made a quiet personal 
study of medicine and was quite a doctor for the 
neighbors for many miles around, although he had 
no <liploma. He was a man of extraordinary abil- 
ity and of high standing in the community. His 
death took place April 2, 1891, and he was buried 
April 4, on the seventy-sixth anniversary of his 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



birlli. For tliii't^- -five years he had been an earn- 
est and consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Cliurch, and for a long while had been a 
Class- Leader therein. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Isabella Graham and was born in Glas- 
gow, Scotland, in 1825. She is still living and in 
good health. The Doctor is the second of the 
four sons, all of whom are living. He received a 
common-school education until he was twenty 
years old, when he entered a military academy at 
Mt. Forest, Ontario. After one year in this acad- 
emy he entered the collegiate institute at Oraage- 
ville, Ontario. lie came to Michigan in 1881 and 
studied medicine in the university at Ann Arbor. 
Here he spent two years, and then took one year 
in Bellevue Medical College, New York City, tak- 
ing his diploma at Ann Arbor. After this he spent 
a year in Bellevue Hospital and received a diploma 
from that institution in 1884. 

The village of Leonard was the objective point 
wliich was now sought by the young Doctor, and 
where he settled down to build up a practice. Dr. 
Hare was married, in 1885, to Miss Margarette 
Kobb, of Orangeville, Ontario. They have estab- 
lished their home in a beautiful residence in the 
village and are counted among the most worthy 
and enterprising of its citizens. The Doctor owns 
the only drug store in the town. He is a Demo- 
crat in his political preferences and has been Presi- 
dent of the village council since its organization. 
lie is identified with the order of Masonry, being 
also a Knight of Pythias. He is also a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the 
Knights of the Maccabees. 



^^KORGE E. COLE, an enterprising livery- 
jll (_- man of Oxford, was born in Lapeer County, 
^^ Mich., July 28, 1859. He is a son of Asa 
and Sarah (Bliss) Cole, natives of New York, 
whence they came to Michigan when the country 
was comparatively new. Asa Cole was a farmer. 
He did not live to bring up his children, for both 
he and his wife died when George was but a lad, 



the father passing'away September 18, 1869, and 
the mother on May 14, 1870. 

The family thus bereft of parents consisted of 
five children, of whom three are yet living: Asa, a 
blacksmith in Oxford; Amanda, the wife of Mr. 
Groosbeck, a farmer in this township, and our sub- 
ject. George E. engaged in farming when a young 
man, but later in life sold out his farm, and coming 
to town engaged in the livery business, becoming 
proprietor of a fine stable in Oxford in 1885. He 
is a man who understands horses and knows how to 
botii manage and care for them. His stable is well 
equipped and he carries on both livery and sale 
business. He has worked his way little by little up 
to his present standing as a first-class business man. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was married March 5, 
1884; he was then united with Mary E. Barber. 
Mr. Cole isa member of the Kniglits of the Macca- 
bees. He is a Democrat in politics and has served 
Oxford as Constable since 1887. 



LDEN M. VARNEY belongs to an old 
'Oy/jjl Maine family. The original ancestry is 
ik from pjigland and the family has been 
well known in Maine for four or five gen- 
erations. Our subject, who resides in Oxford, Oak- 
'and County, w.as born in Yassalborough. Kennebec 
County, Me. He is the son of Moses and Mary 
W. (Sampson) Yarney. The father was a farmer, 
lumberman and ship-builder. As a boy, young 
Alden with his brothers was often engaged in 
cutting witiies with which to tie together rafts of 
lumber, which were sent down the river to Bath. 
He now ships flour to the same market. Moses 
Varney died in 1856 and his wife had preceded 
him to the other world in 1848. Our subject w.as 
brought up to farming pursuits, but after the death 
of his fatlier when lie was only ten years old, he 
was sent to live with an uncle — William A. Samp- 
sou, who was a miller, witli whom he made bis home 
until he was sixteen years of age. 

Our subject enlisted in the Fiftii Maine Battery, 
August 8, 1862. This detachment was assigned to 
the army of the Potomac. While with it our young 




POKTRAir AND BJOGRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



245 



hero was in the engagements of Fredericksburjr, 
Chancellorsville and Getl3'sbuig. In the winter of 
1SG3-64 he was transferred to the Department of 
the Gulf and was commissioned as First Lieutenant 
of the Tenth United States Colored Artillery under 
Gen. Banks. The regiment garrisoned the defences 
in New Orleans until February 24, 1867. 

At that time the regiment was mustered out of 
service and Lieut. Varney relumed to Maine and 
engaged in the milling business. After being there 
two years he traveled about considerably, going to 
New York and Washington and other points. In 
1872 he visited England and Scotland. 

The western fever now took hold of our subject, 
and in 1874 he came to Michigan and located at 
Pontiac, where he engaged in the milling business. 
In 1877 he went into the grain and produce busi- 
ness in Genesee County and afterward in Detroit. 
In 1886 he became associated with Mr. Craig in 
erecting the mill at Oxford. 

In politics Mr. Varnej- is a Republican, and is a 
member of Frank Powell Post No. 187, G. A. R., 
also of the Independent Order of P'oresters. He 
has been twice married, the first time to Mary 
Curamings in 1869; she died in 1872. He was 
united with his present wife, Mrs. Jane Rose, in 
1876. 

-^ » ^"i:^ V — 



ON. WILLIAM G. IIINMAN, President 
of the Pontiac National Bank, is a worthy 
.^^ reijresentalive of this noble city, being a 
(^) man of unusual intelligence, sterling integ- 
rity, keen business sense, and possessing valuable 
social equalities. He was born July 12, 1834, in 
Clarendon, Orleans County. N. Y., and is the son of 
William P. and Keziah (Gillespie) Hinman. He 
attended the common schools until eighteen years 
of age, when he left Lome and came to Oakland 
Countj', Mich. Here he spent one winter at school 
and the following spring engaged in surveying 
lands with the United States Government Surveyor, 
Judge William R. Burt, with whom he remained 
about a year, working over the northern part of 
the State. 

Subsequently Mr. Hinman was cini)loyed for 



about three years by the Sault Ste. Marie Ship 
Canal Laud Company, selecting and surveying 
lands. Up to 1870 he was engaged with George 
S. Frost of Detroit, looking up, locating, and ex- 
amining railroad lands throughout the State. At 
that time he went to Grand Rapids in the employ 
of William A. Howard, taking charge of the exam- 
ination of and selling the Grand Rapids and Indi- 
ana Railroad lauds, and continued in the office of 
that company until 1882, when, losing his health, 
he resigned and came to Pontiac where he owned 
a farm, and has since remained. This farm, which 
he purchased in 1879, is two hundred and forty 
acres in extent, and one of the finest in the country. 

Mr. Hinman has, almost ever since coming to 
Michigan, been engaged in buying and selling land, 
and his investments have i)aid him handsomely, 
making him now one of the '-solid" men of the 
State. He is one of the largest stockholders in 
the Osterhout & Fox Lumber Company, of Grand 
Rapids, and is the owner of numerous parcels of 
pine lands in Michigan and Minnesota, and is also 
interested in real estate in California. He is Pres- 
ident of the Pontiac National Bank, and a stock- 
holder in the First National Bank of Grand Rap- 
ids. 

The first wife of the Hon. Mr. Hinman, to whom 
lie was married in 1857, was Almyra Glaspie, of 
Oxford, Mich., and by her he had one daughter, 
Libbie B., residing at home. Mrs. Hiunian died 
August 14, 1876. He was a second time married 
February 18, 1879, to Miss Cornelia M. Bailey, of 
Appleton, Wis. She was educated in Ohio and is 
a lady of fine accomplishments. Their beautiful 
home is the ornament of Pontiac. The grounds 
are extensive and delightful and consist of seven 
acres. An ornamental and substantial iron fence 
surrounds the whole.' 

Of modest and retiring disposition, Mr. Hinman 
has never taken a prominent part in political mat- 
ters, or put himself forward as a candidate for pub- 
lic office, but in the spring of 1889 he was elected 
Mayor of the citj' of Pontiac, and discharged the 
duties of that position acceptably. His liberality 
and generous open handedness have won for him 
golden opinions in the minds of those with whom 
his business interests have brought him in contact, 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and made him a valuable and respected citizen of 
the community in which he has taken up his resi- 
dence. 

'J'hc portrait of Mr. Hinman presented on an- 
otlier page reproduces the lineaments of his face 
for present and coming generations. 



-i-^^^^^^^-i-^ 




; RTHUR E. COLLINS. One of the most 
prosperous business men of Rociicsler is 
Mr. Collins, who has been engaged in the 
sale of mercliaudise here since 1883, and 
for nearly as long a period has done the banicing 
business for the communit3-. He has a large run 
of custom as a dry -goods merchant, and carries on 
an establishment whose shelves are loaded with a 
stock of well-selected goods, tastefully displayed 
and shown with courtesy to those who desire to 
purchase. By catering to the wants of the people 
he has been potent in adding to the prosperity of 
the town, increasing the circulation of money, and 
attracting hither trade that might otherwise have 
been dissipated in other towns. By his banking 
business he has done still more to accommodate 
other business men, and last, but by no means 
least, his personal character and excellent citizen- 
ship add to the reputation of the town. 

William Collins, father of our subject, was born 
in the parish of Maker, in the counties of Devon 
and Cornwell, late in 1794, or earl^- in the follow- 
ing year and was bajjtized February 8, 1795. He 
entered the British Army in 1811 and during the 
War of 1812 came to this country. AVhile on a 
foraging expedition he was captured by the Amer- 
icans just before the British burned Washington. 
He was kept in prison six months and his fare was 
corn bread and water. After the war he returned 
to his native land and in 1815 he fought at Water- 
loo under Wellington, having alreadj' taken part 
in the war against Napoleon in France and Spain. 
He was connected with the army until 1832 and 
rose from the ranks to be Quartermaster of his reg- 
iment — the Eighty-Fifth Bucks \'oluntcers. 

While he was stationed at Gibraltar and Malta, 



Quartermaster Collins made the acquaintance of, 
wooed and married his second wife, Ann Elizabeth 
Martin. She was of English parentage but born 
on the Island of Malta and was quite young when 
she became a bride. Her father was William Mar- 
tin, of the Royal Artillery. The marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Collins was solemnized March 2G, 1826, 
and was blest to them by the birth of eight chil- 
dren who grew to maturity. Two of these, Char- 
lotte and Charles, were born at Gibraltar, and the 
others in AVayne County, this State, whither the 
family remoYed in 1833. Charles lives in Grand 
Haven. The other children of the marriage are: 
George E., a farmer in Tuscola County; Catherine, 
wife of De Witt Prett}', of Spring Arbor; Arthur 
E., of this notice; Henry V., who was killed near 
Fairfax Court House while serving in the Union 
Arm}-; Edwin, whose home is in New Haven; and 
Robert, who lives in Romeo. B>- his first marriage 
William Collins was the father of a daughter, Es- 
ther, who is now the widow of a Mr. Cole. 
Charles was a member of the First Michigan Sharp 
Shooters and was wounded in front of Petersburg. 
Arthur too was a Union soldier as will be seen by 
further perusal of these notes. 

The subject of this biographical notice opened 
his ejes to the light January' 6, 1842, and was 
reared almost to manhood on his father's farm. 
June 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty- 
Third Illinois Infantry under Col. Mulligan, and 
served with the regiment four months. At Jeffer- 
son Citj' he was placed in Grant's command and 
marched to Lexington, where from the 12lh to the 
20th of Se|)tember. the regiment was besieged by 
the rebel, Gen. Price, whose men outnumbered 
Col. Mulligan's eleven to one. After eight days' 
fighting, three days and nights of which was with- 
out interruption, the boys being without food or 
water the most of the time, Col. Mulligan sur- i 
rendered and his men were paroled, and started to 
the Union lines at Hamilton. Mr. Collins sa3-s 
that the only time that he ever asked for a meal of 
victuals when he was unable to pa}- for it, was 
during that fortj- miles' march. He was discharged 
with his comrades after reaching St. Louis and 
sent to the North. 

August 9, 1862, Mr. Collins again enlisted in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



247 



Compaii}' A, Twentj'-Secoiid Michigan Infanliy, 
and served in Kentuck^^ and Tennessee for a year. 
lie was in Granger's Corps of Rosccrans' army dur- 
ing the fight at Chickamauga, on which blooily 
field the regiment lost eighty seven killed and 
mortally wounded. During the retreat the Twen- 
ty-Second was captured and taken by rail to Rich- 
mond, Va., and placed in what was known as Pem- 
berton Prison, a tobacco warehouse on Cary street 
opposite Libby Prison. The captives were stripped 
to their shirts and searched for raonej^ or valua- 
bles. A few days after their captivity began it 
was discovered that the cellars contained sugar and 
salt and one night the boys cut a hole in the floor 
and helped themselves. The Confederate papers 
the next morning announced that the Yanks bad 
taken out about nine thousand pounds of sugar, 
the most of which was eaten before the next day. 
Siiortly after tbis, as a punishment for some dis- 
turbance they had made, the captives were com- 
pelled to stand in ranks all night, with a guard 
over them who had orders to shoot the first man 
who moved or spoke. Those who have never been 
in such a situation cannot understand how ardently 
ihoy longed for the sun to rise, so that they could 
rest. 

After two months in Richmond Mr. Collins and 
his comrades were sent to Danville where the^- were 
again confined in tobacco warehouses. They tried 
all manner of plans for escape, some succeeding by 
tunneling under the street, some jumping out of 
the windows on a dark night, and thirteen forc- 
ing their way one night through a twelve-incli 
plank drain. IMany of those who attempted to es- 
cai)e were killed by the guards, but so horrible were 
liieir sutTerings from the lack of food and clothing 
and prevalence of disease that they were willing 
to take their chances, choosing death rather than 
longer captivity. Tiieir sufferings were added to by 
the breaking out of small-pox in prison. After six 
months in Danville ISIr. Collins was removed to 
Andersonville and after ten months in that notor- 
sous pen spent a month in Milan, Savannali and 
Thomasrille, and then returned to Andersonville. 
After a captivity of nineteen months and eight 
days he was finally released at Jacksonville, Kia., 
April 28, 1865. 



The Andersonville prison pen, as many of our 
readers know, consisted of about thirty acres of 
ground surrounded by a stockade of hewn logs set 
in tile earth and reaching to a height of sixteen or 
eigliteen feet. Small stands covered with a few 
short boards and reached b^' a ladder from below, 
were situated about one hundred feet apart on this 
stockade and each was occupied day and night by 
a rebel soldier. In the stockade during the summer 
of 18i34 from thirty' to thirty-five thousand Union 
soldiers were confined, with no shelter except a 
blanket or a piece of tent provided by themselves. 
The food consisted of a small piece of cornbread or 
meal, a small piece of pork or fresh beef, and some- 
times a table spoonful of rice or beans. When the 
beans were issued raw, as they often were, some of 
the men were so hungry that they would eat them 
in their uncooked state. This would generally re- 
sult in making the eater sick at the stomach and 
so ravenous were other soldiers that the same beans 
would be rinsed off and eaten. Mr. Collins him- 
self ate raw beef on which maggots were crawlinor, 
and was so hungry during the latter p-irt of Sep- 
tember that he devoured mice and grasshoppers 
whenever he could catch them. The amount of 
provisions received by the prisoners was sufficient 
to sustain life if they kept well, but a sick man 
could not eat the food and would starve to death. 
Mr. Collins was laid up with the scurvy when the 
removal of the prisoner.'! to Charleston and Flor- 
ence began. He was so affected in his legs that he 
could not walk for over a month. His gums were 
affected and his teeth loosened, and he, like otheis 
in similar circumstances, resorted to all manner of 
expedients to stop the disease, some of them beinw 
scarcely fit for recital. 

Mr. Collins after his letiirn to the North attended 
school three months and then engaged in general 
merchandising with a brother-in-law in IMacomb 
County, this State. He carried on his enterprise 
there until his removal to Rochester. He has dis- 
played business ability of a high order and as be- 
fore intimated is held in high esteem for his line 
character and the use be makes of his talents. He 
was married March 31. 18G0, to Mar}- Ann, daugh- 
ter of William Green, of 5It. Clemens and has two 
children — Nellie E. V. and Minnie Edith. Mrs. 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Collins, who was a wotn.in of fine character aud use- 
ful habits entered into rest January 6, 1888. Mr. 
Collins is Commander of the Grand Army Post in 
Rochester and is a Mason who has risen to the de- 
gree of Knight Templar. He was Worshipful 
Master of Masonic lodge, No. 64, four years, and 
of Rochester Lodge, No. 5, three years. Politi- 
ically he is a Republican tried and true. His re- 
ligious home is in the Baptist Church. 

The following with reference to Mrs Collins is 
taken from the Rochester Era of January 13, 
1888. 

"Mary Ann Green Collins, daughter of William 
and Ann Green, wjis born in England, July 3d, 
1818, came with her parents to America in 1852, 
and to Michigan. She was converted in New 
Haren, this .State, 16 years ago. 

She was engaged to Mr. A. E. Collins prior to 
his entering the war, and her interest in him and 
the cause he espoused, was manifested by her go- 
ing with him to the recruiting office and acknowl- 
edging her country's claim upon him. For a whole 
year she mourned as a widow, having beard tiiat 
lie liad been taken from prison and executed, the 
first information to the contrar3', she received, was 
his unexpected return. This bond was sealed March 
31, 1870, by their marriage. 

Very naturally she had always taken a deep in- 
terest in the G. A. R. in general, and the Twenty- 
Second Michigan Regiment in particular, never 
missing a re-union when health would permit; 
hence was often spoken of .as a raeml»er and referred 
to as such. Slie felt that there was no sacrifice loo 
great to be laid upon tiie altar for the iienefit of 
those who had defended their country in its great- 
est peril. 

This interest was not confined to the soldier side 
of life. She was »live to the great mission of the 
Baptist Church of Rochester, of which she was a 
devout member. 

The Sabbath school cause at large, fell in for a 
share of her love and devotion, the lo<;al school 
was not neglected, and her presence and inQuence 
was always felt in the Sund.iy-school conventions 
of Macomb Count}'. 

* Indeed all auxiliaries and agencies aiming for 
the bettering of man's condition, to which her hus- 



band or herself belonged, found in her a champion 
and able defender. 

No one church, no one society could claim her 
exclusively. She was a woman among women, 
ever ready to defend by speech and pen those in 
need of a friend. She was possessed of a well dis- 
ciplined mind, keen and far-seeing; her husband 
and friends found in her a wise counselor. 

She was blessud with a smguine teinpsramjnt, 
hence was cheerful and happy in disposition. 
Christ having been the man of her counsel, her life 
W.1S not clouded bj' regrets, her faith in God and 
humanity enabling her alwjiys to say "It is still 
better farther on." 

Slie sought to live above the petty annoyances, 
which so often harrass and sour the dispositions of 
others not so richly' endowed with heaven's gift of 
a contented mind. 

The devotion to her husband and little ones was 
equalled only by her love of God. As regards 
her life's work in the different avenues of useful- 
ness, it can truthfully be said, '-She iiatli done 
what she could." 



'^^^^^^^^t^7<-^ 




l»ILLIAM TAYLOR, a brother of Jacob 
Taylor, whose sketch is to be found in 
this volume, is an old timer here. He is in 
good circumstances and a tremendous worker, a 
man of character, but of great simplicity of life. 
His father was George Ta3-lor, a native of New 
Jersey, where he was born in 1782. He was a car- 
penter and joiner by trade. He married Sarah 
Shoemaker and continued to reside in Luze.'ne 
Count}-, Pa., until 1823 when he came to Michigan. 
They journeyed by the steamer ''Thomas Jefferson" 
to Detroit, one of the first boats running between 
Buffalo and Detroit, and made the rest of the trip 
by ox-team. He came to Michigan a poor man 
and renting a farm cultivated it and workijul at his 
trade, lie suffered a severe injury by cutting his 
knee with a broad-ax and lost the use of that joint. 
This famil}' moved into Troy Township and lived 
for ten years on a rented farm. They then went 
onto one at Wing Lake for several years. In 1836 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



249 



Ihey removed to Commerce Township and made 
tlicir permanent home at Walled Lake. After t!ie 
death of the father the mother married Natlian 
Smith, of Farniington Township. George Taylor 
was a .Jeffersonian Democrat and held the olliee of 
Justice of the Peace lierc. Ho was cai)tain of a 
militia ct)mpany in Pennsylvania. Five of his 
twelve children now survive. 

Tlic subject of this sketch was horn March 4, 
1812, in Luzerne Couaty, Pa. He was a sn:iall boy 
when he came to IMiehigan with his parents and 
grew up on the farm and in the log schoolhouse, 
surrounded by Indians and wild animals. Wiule 
still a boy he killed a bear weighing over four hun- 
dred pounds. He then obtained the help of his 
brother Abram and hauled the dead bear on a sled 
to Stratton's place. He was a great hunter in those 
days and has always been a tremendous worker. He 
has cut over one hundred acres of timber in this 
county and chopped trees both winter and summer. 

After the death of the father William and Isaac, 
two sons, took charge of the family. About fifty- 
four years ago he bought forty acres of wild land 
where he lives. He now lias sixty acres which he 
cleared himself, ridding it of timber, stumps and 
stones. His marriage took place in 1839. He was 
then united for life with Catherine Perkins, a 
daughter of Joseph Perkins, a New Yorker and 
a settler of Commerce Township. Mrs. Taylor 
was born in 1842 in New York. After marriage 
they made their home on the farm where he still 
resides. His faithful wife was removed by death 
in 1889. 

Twelve children were born to this worth}' couple, 
seven of whom are now living. His youngest boy 
was killed by being run over b^' a team and loaded 
wagon. His daughter Sarah, now the widow of 
Harmon Courter, lost her husband and three of 
her children from the yellow fever in Floritla. She 
has four children now living. The daughter, Curlcy, 
wife of Jolin T. Brooks, lives in Saginaw County 
and is the mother of three children; Rebecca, 
the wife of Ellison Barrett, resides with her father 
and is the mother of one child; Ida, the wife of 
Judson Shubridge, lives in -Montcalm County and 
lias four children; Joseph is married and makes his 
home in Grand Ledge; he is the father of one child; 



James and his wife, Ella Shubridge, live in Grand 
Ledge and have three children; Daniel, who is un- 
married, makes his home also in Grand Ledge. 

The father of these children was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Commerce. He 
is a member of the School Board and is an active 
promoter of educational measures. He takes an 
active interest in politics and votes the Democratic 
ticket. His first ballot was cast for Andrew Jack- 
son for his second term. He has been Treasurer 
of Commerce Township. He is a total abstainer 
from li(]i'or and has brought up his children in this 
way. Fift}' years ago he used to make trips as a 
drover between Illinois and Michigan. Two of his 
sons, William and Joseph, served seven months in 
the Eleventh Michigan Infantry. Few men have 
such a record as Mr. Taylor for hard woi^k and 
sreat achievements in this line. 



"jfJOHN PURDY, a prosperous dairyman of 
Southfield Township, residing on section 25, 
was born in County Armagh, Ireland, Febru- 
ary 1, 1849. His father, Hugh, was a stone- 
mason, farmer and stock-dealer, who came to 
America in 1850, and coming directly to Michigan 
located in Southfield Township, this county. He 
built a log house and went to work to improve the 
land which he had purchased. He brought with him 
from the old country his wife, vvhose maiden name 
was Margaret Hutchison, and his children. 

The subject of this sketch is the oldest son and sec- 
ond child in a family of eight. He was sixteen 
months old when he arrived in Michigan and his 
first scliooling was obtained in Southfield Township. 
He remained with his parents until he reached the 
age of twenty-five. He was then married Not 
ember 10, 1875, to Ann Hanna, a native of Ireland. 
Soon after marriage the young man engaged 
in the business of buj'ing cattle and other 
stock. Before long he bought by the car-load for 
himself and brother, buying from fire to seven car- 
loads a week. He buys in all [jarts of the country 
and ships to eastern points. 
Mr. Purdy has one of the finest barns in the county 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



It measures 40x100 feet and cost him $2,100. It is 
a cattle barn and contains sixty-five stalls. He 
keeps from sixty to one hundred head of cows the 
year around and delivers some three-hundred gal- 
lons of milk every day in Detroit. There are eight 
men employed on the farm of two hundred and forty 
acres. Our subject is an excellent business man 
and is well and favorably known throughout the 
county. 

Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and 
!Mrs. Purdy, namely: .Sarah II., Elizabeth B., Anna 
M., Robert J., Thomas G. F., and Mary Jane Rcid. 
Mr. Purdy and his brother have a gristmill for grind- 
ing feed which turns off from fort}' to fift}- bus- 
hels an hour, and everything upon the farm is plan- 
ned for the well-being of the stock and the profit 
of the concern. He is a famous huntsman, going 
to Northern Michigan every season, and has some 
splendid specimens of deer heads and other trophies 
of the chase. He is a Republican in his political 
views and a man of much more than ordinar}' abil- 
ity in the management of large business affairs. 



^ 



r.^ 




REDERICK FOSTER. Every visitor to the 
village of Clarkston will be easilj- convinced 
of the esteem in which the subject of tliis 
sketch is held by the citizens of Independence 
Township. Although only a resident of the town 
a few jears his boyhood days were spent] near the 
village, and here he grew to manhood. He is the 
sou of Horatio and Ann (Pleydell) Foster, natives 
of Kent, England, where the subject of this sketch 
was born on the 19lh of April, 1822. He is the 
grandson of William and Susannah Foster also 
natives of the county of Kent, England. The 
grandfather died in 1820 at the age of sixty-tight 
years, and the grandmother passed away at the age 
of forty-eight. Both arc buried in the cemeter)- at 
Edgerton, County Kent, England. 

The father of the subject of this sketch emigrated 
to America in 182G and settled in I'tica, N. Y. Here 
he resided until 18;57 when lie brought his family to 
Michigan aud located on section 29, Independonce 
Township, Oakland County. Our subject remained 



with his father on the farm until he was twenty-one 
years of age, and had very little opportunity to ob- 
tain an education. At tlie age of twenty-three iie was 
ha[)pily married to Ann Parker, daughter of William 
and Elizabeth Parker, also natives of England, who, 
at the time of the marriage resided in Erie County, 
N. Y. The wedding was celebrated October 20, 1845. 

Five children have blessed this home; Edmund, 
who is married to Alice Anderson, and resides in 
Springfield Township, tiiis county ; Frederick H., 
who died at the age of twenty-two years nine months 
and twelve days; Adelaide who married Cassius M. 
Beardsle}-, a prominent member of the bar, and re- 
sides in Herse}', Mich., and Clara who is unmarried 
and resides with her parents in their beautiful 
home on Main Street in Clarkston. 

Mr. Foster owns beside his town property, one of 
the most highly improved farms in Sijringficld 
Township. This farm is conducted by his son but 
Mr. Foster drives out almost every pleasant day 
and takes great pride in superintending the details. 
It comprises threo hundred acres of arable land in 
a high state of cultivation. He has been very suc- 
cessful in accumulating a gooil share of this world's 
goods, and enjoys the comforts of life which he so 
richly deserves. The family are members of the 
Baptist Church of Clarkston. Mr. Foster is an in- 
dependent in politics and votes for men who will 
practice what they advocate, and strives to promote 
the election of such as have been tried and found 
true. Hehimself is frequently called to occupy posi- 
tions of trust in the township, and has been a Not- 
ary Public for about twenty years. 



-^ 



^^fOHN II. DRESSER is favorably known by 
every citizen of Independence Township 
and is respected by all. He has for some 
3ears been living in Clarkston, engaged in 
various Inisiness pursuits, but for a score of years 
has given his attention principally to lire insurance. 
Prior to that time he carried on the sale of mer- 
chandise for a decade aud at a still earlier period 
he owned and conducted the Clarkston Hotel. In 
whatever pursuit he engaged he endeavored to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



251 



make a success and he brought to hear upon his 
work a more than ordinary degree of intelligence 
iind mental training. 

Mr. Diesser was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
June 30, 1825, his parents being Harvey and Uul- 
dali ((libson) Dresser. He was reared to the age 
of twenty j-ears on a farm and his education such 
as was to t)e obtained in the district schools of that 
day except one term at Moravia Academy. His 
knowledge was practical and at tiic age of twenty 
lie began teaching, a profession tliat lie followed 
during the winter months for seven years. He 
spent tlie summers in work of a more phj'sical na- 
ture. In 1847 he came to tliis county and spent 
the winter teaching in Independence Township, 
returning to his native State iii the summer. For 
three years he continued this manner of life, spend- 
ing the summers in the employ of the Union Trans- 
portation Compan}- as Captain of one of their l)oats 
on the Erie Canal. In J 850 he became a perma- 
nent resident in Independence Township and four 
j'ears later he bought the Clarkston Hotel, which 
he carried on tiiree years. Selling out, he became 
a merchant and finally turned his attention to his 
present business. 

The marriage of Mr. Dresser to Miss Elizabeth 
C. Vliet, daughter of William and Martha Miet, 
wlio came to this State from New Jersey, was sol- 
emnized in 1852. Mr. Vliet served in the War of 
1812; although he was under the age liable to draft 
he filled the pl.ace of a neighbor who was drafted 
but could not well leave home. The Vliet family 
has been one of great patriotism from Colonial 
times. One of tlie direct ancestors of Mrs. Dresser 
fought during the Revolution, serving under the 
immediate command of Oen. Washington at Valley 
Forge and Trenton, and four of her In-others were 
in the Union Army and two gave u|) their lives to 
save the old flag intact. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Dresser four children have 
come, of whom wc note the following: Charles H. 
was born April 20, 1854. and died October 19, 
1855; Charles C. was born July 9, 185C, married 
Emily Tiffany and resides in Clarkston; William 
H. was born October 24, 18(;0, and is in ttic ernplo3' 
of the Michigan Central Railroad Company, located 
at West Bay City; George E., born June 6, 1866, 



lost his life at the age of thirteen years, by drown- 
ing in Park Lake. 

For a number of years Mr. Dresser served the 
community in the cap.acity of Justice of the Peace, 
and left the office by resignation. He was Town- 
ship Supervisor one term. He has alw.ays been a 
Demoorat and from President Cleveland he re- 
ceived the commission of Postmaster and discharged 
the duties of the office for four years and five 
months. He is a Master Mason and has passed the 
Chairs, being Worshipful Master of Cedar Lodge, 
No. 60, seven years. He belongs to Lodge No. 85, 
K. O. T. M. also. In worldly affairs he has been 
prosperous, and has a beautiful home in which 
he and his estimable wife enjoy the companionship 
of waim friends, many a time and oft. 

\f)ULIAN S. PETERS, Justice of the Peace 
at Rochester, was born in Troy, this county. 
December 4, 1841. He is of German an- 
cestry in the paternal line and his mother's 
family is traced to Scotland. His jjarents, Pliney 
v., and Eleanor L. (Kintner) Peters, were natives 
of New York and Vermont, respectively, and the 
former died in his native State early in the '60s. 
He was a farmer in his earlier years and after he 
abandoned the work he was quite active in the 
position of a magistrate. Upon the occasion of 
the animal muster day in Franklin County he be- 
came chief bugler. 

The subject of this biograiihical notice has 
passed an uneventful life, as far as incidents of a 
peculiar nature are concerned, his experiences hav- 
ing been those common to the mass of mankind. 
He pursued his studies in the common school and 
began the work of life when he had reached a 
suitable age. March 10, 1865, he enlisted in the 
Twenty-second Michigan Infantry and was enrolled 
in Company G, but later transferred to Company 
G, Twenty-ninth Regiment. Having received a 
detail, a greater portion of his enlistment was spent 
as Clerk in the General Conrt-Martial Oflice at 
Murfreesborongh,Tenn., where a great many vital 
and important cases were on trial, which required 



252 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



more tlian an ordinary degree of clerical ability to 
record. Beinj^ mustered out of service September 
20, he returned to Rochester, where he rcsunuMl 
Ills trade, at which he worked until 1880, when he 
embarked in the carriage painting and repairing 
business. By careful attention to the wants of his 
patrons and a determinatioa to merit their confi- 
dence by looking to their interests, he has worked 
np a most successful business. His connection with 
the Union Arraj- is held in remembrance by his 
membership in the Grand Array of ths Re- 
public. In political matters he acts with the 
Democratic party. In 1890 ho was elected Justice 
of the Peace and lie is giving his earuost attention 
to tlie duties tiiat |)ertain to his station. lie lias 
also filled other local offices with honor to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents. 

Mr. Peters was married February 22, 1866. to 
Miss Mar}' McCornac. The union has been blest 
hy the birth of six children, none of whom have 
yet left the parental (ireside. Herbert J., the first- 
born, assists his father in his business. Thfi other 
members of the circle are Nellie ^lay, Maude 
Edna, .Jcannettc Viola, Louis Julian and Laura 
Etta. 



AMES fSLOCUM, editor and i)roi)rietor of 
the Holly Advertiser, at Holly, Mich., also 
the American Creamery, is a prominent and 
J^/' inlluontial member of society, and a native 
of the town in which he lives. He was born 
November 8, 1862, and is a son of William 
W. and iSarah (Coffeen) Sloeum, natives of New 
York. The father is a contr.actor and builder, and 
came here in IS-jl and settled in Rose Township. 
Here he purchaseil a farm and lived there for many 
3-ears. He is a resident of this village, and is well 
and favorably known. Six of his children are still 
living: William W. Jr., Fred, Lizzie, James, (Jrant 
H. and Bertha. 

The subject of this brief notice si)ent his time on 
the farm with his parents until nearly eighteen 
years of age, and received a common-school educa- 
tion. He then went into the employ of the Flint 
& Pere Marquette Railroad as fireman, and there 



remained four years. Previous to railroading, he 
worked one year for his brother Fred on the paper 
which he now owns. After railroading four years, 
it occurred to him that newspaper work would be 
much more satisfactor}' than that of a railroad 
fireman, and in November, 1886, he purchased the 
above paper from his brother, and since that time 
the business has constantly increased. Tliree years 
after he commenced publication of the American 
Creamery, at which time it was the only creamery 
publication in America. The business of his office 
has more than thribbled since he became owner of 
it. He was married in 1887 to Miss Mate Tindall, 
of Davisburg, the same county. She is a daughter 
of Hon. J. K. Tindall, who for two years was a 
member of the State Legislature of Michigan. Mr. 
and I\hs. Sloeum have one daughter. 






=i^- 



"Sw OHN YOUNG ELY was born in Plymouth 
Township, Wayne County, Mich.. August 5, 
1864. His fatlier. William V. Ely, born in 
Miiford, N. J., February 12, 1826, w.ts a car- 
penter by trade, and followed the business of 
builder and contractor in New York and New Jer- 
sey. He came to Michigan in 1854, and made his 
home in Plymouth, Wayne County, where he fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming. There he so- 
journed inanj' ^ears and thence he removed in 1869 
to Farminglon. this county; in 1891 he located in 
the village of Northville, where he now lives, re- 
tired from the more active duties of life. His wife, 
whose maiden name was ALu-y J. Lee, was born in 
the city of Now lork. May 11, 1828, and at the 
age of four years was taken to Miiford, N. J., where 
she remained until she removed to Michigan with 
her husband. To them were born eleven children, 
ten of whom are grown to manhood and woman- 
hood. 

The subject of this sketch was the eighth in this 
large family of children, and from the time he was 
five years old he w.as reared in Oakland Count}'. 
He completed his schooling at the Agricultural 
College at Lansing, after which he returned to Oak- 
land County, and made his home where he now re- 



PORTRAIT AND BR)GRAPIIICAL ALBUM. 



255 



sides, lie is llio owner of two hundred acres of well- 
improved land, wLere he is carrying on a general 
farming business. 

Mr. Ely was united in marriage December 22, 
l.SSG, with Anna Jane, daughter of Josepii and 
Martha (Morrison) Gibson. Two children iiave 
blessed their home, Martha G. and William V. Mr. 
Ely, although a comparatively young man, is one 
who is highly respected by his neighbors who re- 
gard his judgment in business affairs as excellent 
and his integrity is undoubted. His i)olitical views 
are in accordance wiih the platform of the Repub- 
lican party and he is an earnest and efficient mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Farm- 
ington. His farm is one of the neatest in the town- 
slii|) and he has placed upon it solid improvements 
and has it in a thorough state of cultivation. 



^-^-^- 



'TP\, OBERT LkBARON, M. D. Many are the 
lli^ lives of men unwritten, which have never- 
/ii\\\ theless as powerfull}' influenced civiliza- 
\£)' tion and progress as the more fortunate 
great, whose names are recorded in history'. 
Biographies of industrious and good men are most 
instructive as helps and incentives to others. Some 
are almost equivalent to Gospels, teaching self- 
consecrated devotion to the good of others, and 
exhibiting in language not to be misunderstood 
what it is possible for a man to accomplish for 
himself. It is therefore with pleasure that we 
record for the present as well as coming genera- 
tions the principal events in the life of Dr. Le- 
Baron, and perpetuate his features through the 
medium of hi.< portrait on the opposite [lage. He 
is one of those of whom it ma}- be said that 

•'He com|)rehends his trust and to the same 
lv8e()S faithful with a singleness of aim. 
And therefore does not stoop nor lie in wait 
For we&ith or honor or for worldly state." 

Dr. LeBaron, who has been for many years a 
prominent physician in Pontiac, is descended from 
substantial French and Puritan ancestors. Going 
back a few generations we find that Dr. Francis 
LeBaron was an early Puritan settler in Plymouth, 



and was buried on Burying Hill in that place. One 
of his sons, Lazarus, was born in Plymouth, where 
he practiced medicine during his entire active life 
and was also buried on Burj'ing Hill. Another son, 
Jarae.s, married and became the father of a son, 
David, and the latter in turn married and num- 
bered among his children Dr. Solomon LeBaron, 
the paternal grandfather of our subject. In his 
youth Solomon LeBaron studied medicine and 
devoted his life to its practice. He married Miss 
Zada Hull, who was descended from the noted 
Revolutionary general of that name, and among 
their children was John, father of our subject. 

John LeBaron was born in Connecticut, in 180.3, 
and upon attaining years of maturity married Jane 
McCoilum, who was born near Batsvia, N. Y., in 
1808. They removed to Michigan in 1843, settling 
first in Battle Creek, removing thence to Redford, 
Wayne County, where he carried on farming sev- 
eral years. Later he removed to the township of 
Farmington, Oakland County, and sojourned eight 
years. Afterward he removed to the township of 
Olive, Clintou Count}-, where he resided about 
twent3'-f]ve j^ears and died in his seTcnty-fifth year. 
Ke belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and was 
a man of fine literary attainments. His profes- 
sion was that of teaching, to which lie devoted his 
time between the ages of twent^'-one and forty 
years, in the States of Connecticut and New York. 
His widow survived him until 1887. 

Dr. LeBaron, of this sketch, was born near Ba- 
tavia, N. Y., June 27, 1838 and is the second son 
in the parental family. He passed his early school 
days in Wayne and Oakland Counties, Mich., and 
when eleven years old went to Livingston County. 
There he made his home with Dr. C. W. Haze for 
fourteen years, and with him commenced the study 
of medicine. After a preparatory course of read- 
ing, he entered the medical department of the Uni- 
versity of Michigan, from which he was graduated 
in March, 1861. He immediately commenced t!ie 
practice of his profession in Livingston County 
j'nd continued for two years with his former in- 
structor, Dr. Haze. 

About this time Dr. LeBaron received the ap- 
pointment of Assistant Surgeon of the old Fourth 
Michigan Infantry, in which service he spent nearly 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



two years, and during the latter part of that time 
be acted in the capacity of Surgeon of the regi- 
ment. He was assigned to tlie Army of the Po- 
tomac and was with iiis regiment until July, 1864, 
at which time it was mustered out of service in the 
citj' of Detroit. Its term of enlistment bad ex- 
pired on June 20, while in front of Petersburg, 
Va. In August, 1864, the Doctor established him- 
self in practice in Pontine, where he has since de- 
voted ids entire time to his profession and has 
succeeded in building up a lucrative and extensive 
business. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, and 
he and his family are members of the Episcopal 
Church. 

On October 13, 1869, the Doctor was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary B. Foster, of Pontiac. 
This estimable lady was born in Clarkston, th's 
county, and is a daughter of Horatio and Sophia 
(Sabine) Foster. Her parents were natives of 
England, who first settled in Utica. N. Y., and sub- 
sequeotl}' came to this county, where both died in 
Clarkston. Three children have blest the happj' 
union of Dr. and Mrs. LeBaron, namely, Edith H., 
Mary F. and Robert O. The Doctor is a member of 
the State and the American Medical Associations, 
Pontiac Lodge, No. 2 1 , F. it A.M., Pontiac Chapter, 
R. A. M., and Pontiac Commanderj' No. 2, K. T. 
His palatial residence in the western part of Pontiac 
is a fine brick structure, surrounded b}' a lovely 
lawn and all the evidences of modern refinement 
and culture. 



-,>>->- 



t>'^^VU:^:5^^^-^ 



'AMES H. CAMPBELL, a farmer in Troy 
Township, owns and occupies one hundred 
and fifty acres of land, twenty-five of which 
/ is in a wood lot. It is located on section 27, 
and is as good a farm as this part of the county can 
show. Mr. (,'ampbell has put four and a half miles 
of tile on the plac-, and has it well stocked. He is 
doing a general farming business, and prospering 
as he deserves. He was born in *Monroe County, 
N. Y., August 26, 1829, and is undoubtedly of 
Scotch extraction. His grandfather, Robert Camp- 
bell, is believed to have been the first of the line 



born in America, and his birthplace was the old 
Bay State. He was a Revolutionary soldier. Will- 
iam Campbell, father of our subject, was born in 
Massachusetts, and was married in Connecticut to 
Sarah Da^-, who was born in that State, whither her 
parents had come from Wales. The young couple 
located in Oneida County. N. Y., thence went to 
Monroe County, and still later to Genesee County, 
and finally came to Michigan. They established 
their home in Oxford Township, this county, in 
1847, and there spent their last days, both dying 
in 1859. They were the parents of four sons and 
two daughters. 

Our subject is the j'oungest sou in the parental 
family. His first schooling was obtained in Gene- 
see County, N. Y., to which his parents removed 
when he was four years old. He was nineteen j'cars 
.old when they removed to this State, and he began 
farming for himself. He had worked all summer 
and accumulated §60, which he expended in aj-oke 
of cattle. He took charge of his father's farm, buy- 
ing out the other heirs, and kejit his father and 
mother as long as they lived. About 1864 he re- 
moved to Ro3'al Oak Townshi|), and thence came 
to Troy Township, locating where he now resides. 

At the bride's home in Oakwood, March 30, 
1854, Mr. Caujpbell was married to Miss Amarilla 
Giddings, who was born in this county, October 
28, 1837, and who was the'elder of two children, 
Her recent demise was a sad affliction to her fam- 
ily to whose interests she had been devoted. The 
date of her decease was March 4, 1891, and her 
mortal remains were laid aw.ay in the Mill eerae- 
ter}' in Pontiac. Much of his prosperity and hap- 
piness came from her. She is survived b}' her 
J'oungest child, a son, George M., who was born 
December 18, 1863, and is living with his father. 
He is married and has two children, J. Kirk and 
Floyd A. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell had two daugh- 
ters, Frances K. and Lucy Adell. The former was 
born May 30, 1855, and died March 27, 1881. S!ie 
was the wife of Frank Maher, and left a little son, 
Roy, who is being retired by his grandfather Camp- 
bell. Lucy was born December 25, 1857, and died 
March 4, 1861, tiie day that Lincoln was first in- 
augurateil. 

Mr. Campbell cast his first vote for Gen. Win- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



257 



field Scott, and Iris next for Abraham Lincoln. He 
remained in the Republican ranjis until quite re- 
cently, but is now working for the cause of pro- 
hibition. Ilis first lesson in prohibition came 
through his sainted father and good Deacon Enos 
Catlicart, of Carper, then Longs' Corners, Genesee 
County, N. Y., they refusing to pass alcoholic wine 
at a communion. This was sixty ^ears ago. 



ENRY E. NICHOLS, a resident of Oxford, 

r "jll is one of the honored veterans of the war, 

having served bravely through a long cam- 

•^ paigu in both aitiller3' and infantry ser- 
vice. He was born in Reading, Fairfield Count}^ 
Conn., September 23, 183G. lie is the sou of 
Harry and P0II3' Ann (Dimond) Nichols, botii na- 
tives of Connecticut, where the Nichols family 
liave been residents for generations. Harr}- was a 
fanner and died in his native State, September, 
18(11. His wife survived him for twenty years. 
Of their four children, three still are living, 
namely: John B., residing in Connecticut; Jerome, 
residing on the old homestead, and our subject. 
The great-grandfather Dimond was a tory in Rev- 
olutionary days and took part with the British. 
Grandfather Dimond served in the AVar of 1812. 

The subject of this sketch when only seventeen 
years old entered the emplo}' of Nichols Bros., at 
Nichols, Conn., as an apprentice at carriage making. 
He remained in that village for two years and re- 
moved to New Haven, Conn., continuing in the car- 
riage business until the breaking out of the War of 
the Rebellion. He enlisted March 6, 1862, in Com- 
pany M, First Connecticut Heav^' Artiller}-. After 
a service of two years he re-enlisted as a Corporal, 
and in the course of a year was promoted to the 
position of a Sergeant. He went through the Pen- 
insular Campaign in the Arn)y of the Potomac. 
After this campaign he spent six months at Gen. 
Tyler's headquarters, at the house of the Confed- 
erate Gen. Lee. Thence he went to Fredericksburg 
and participated in the second battle at that place. 
Here it was that he received his promotion. After 
the evacuation of that town he marched toward 



Gettysburg and took part in that campaign, al- 
though not .actively in the battle. The subsequent 
winter was passed at Brandy Station. In the spring 
of 1864 our young hero re-enlisted without return- 
ing home and went into the artillery camp of in- 
struction at Washington. From there he was sent 
with Butler to Bermuda Hundred. Here our sub- 
ject, then a Sergeant, w.as placed in a hazardous 
position with a part of the battery in the aiivance. 
From there he fell back to the line in front of 
Petersburg. After getting comfortably settled in 
his quarters here he was sent with a detail to Bat- 
tery No. 21, at Ft. Sedgwick, which on account of 
its hazardous position was known among the sol- 
diers as Ft. Hell. 

While at Fl. Sedgwick Sergeant Nichols managed 
to exchange papers with some rebels, but before he 
had a chance to enjoy reading them he had to re- 
sign them to an otlicer for the use of the General. 
While camped at Drury's Bluff, this regiment dis- 
mantled all the guns of the enemy, on the James 
River below Richmond. The war being closed 
they remained near Richmond until August, and 
were mustered out at Ft. Lyon, September 25, 
1865. 

At the close of the war this brave hero returned 
home to encounter a foe .as insidious if not as out- 
spoken as the rebel hosts. For six months he bat- 
tled with ague as did many another Northern boy 
who had never known it until he went into the 
South. He returned in 1866 to the carriage busi- 
ness in New Haven, Conn. In 1869 he came to 
Pontiac, Mich., where he continued in this line of 
business for six months. He then bought out a 
planing mill and manufactory of doors and sashes, 
under the firm name of Martin <k Nichols. In 1871 
he removed to Evart, Osceola County, and built a 
similar mill in which he continued until it was de- 
stroyed by fire in the spring of 1874. That fall he 
removed to Jackson where he engaged in carriao-e 
making. In April 1876 he returned to Connecti- 
cut and was engaged by N. K. Elliott of the Lake 
Mills in the sale of flour at Bridgeport. In 1877, 
he engaged in the carriage manufacturing in Ox- 
ford, with John McKenzie, under the firm name of 
McKeuzie <fe Nichols where he has since continued. 

On April 15, 1858, Mr. Nichols married Carrie 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Diirand. Soon after his enlistment she died of 
brain fever, leaving a daughter who also passed 
away while he was in the service. His second mar- 
riage was celebrated April 4, 1870. This wife, 
Elsie Parker, died in April, 1885, leaving one son, 
J. Harry, who is now in a drug store at Quincy, 
Mich. August 15, 1886, Mr. Nichols married 
Mary A. Giddings who passed away April 6, 1887. 
The present Mis. Nichols was Mrs. Cornelius Hag- 
erman before her union with Mr. Nichols. Mr. 
Nichols is a member of the Knights of the Macca- 
bees in which he otliciates as Finance Keeper. He 
is a member of the Baptist Church and prominent 
in the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a Re- 
publican flrst, last and all the time. 



REDERICK Wn<:LAND. The subject of 
this biogiai)hical notice was born December 
^ 24, 1860. in Springfield Towuship, Oakland 

County. His boyhood was passed on a farm in 
Independence Township, and the days were spent 
in the usual alternation of study, work and play. 
Until ten years old he attended a village school in 
Clarkston, and when his parents removed to Mil- 
ford he continued his studies there. His youth 
was passed in Springfield Township, to which his 
parents had removed, and there he completed his 
course of study, working on the farm during the 
summer to procure the means to enable him to at- 
tend school during the winter. Having been early 
thrown upon his own resources he soon learned to 
rely upon his own exertions. From 1881 to 1886 
he taught school during the winter months. Since 
that time he lias been continuous!}' in public life, 
ct)nne';ted with the civic afifairsof the municipality 
or county. 

As early as 1882 Mr. Wieland became connected 
with school ollices, being then elected School In- 
spector of Springfield Township for two years. He 
was re-elected in 1884 and served a second term. 
In September, 1885, he was appointed by the Judge 
of I'robatc to fill the vacancy on the Board of 
School Examiners for one year. In 1886 be was 
elected to the office for three years, and in 1889 he 



was re-elected for two 3'ears. During four j'ears 
of this time, from 1887 to IHitl, he was also Assis- 
tant School Visitor. In 1886 Mr. Wieland was 
elected Countj' Clerk for a term of two years and 
on the expiration of that period he was re-elected. 
His name was brought before thepeo[)le on the Re- 
publican ticket, he being a stanch member of that 
l)arty, although his well-wishers are not confined 
to it. 

AVhile faithfully discharging liie duties of the 
otliccs that have been given him, Mr. Wieland has 
studied law, and in .lul^', 1890, he was ailmitted to 
the bar. His mind has been well prepared for le- 
gal lore by study and thought in other lines, and 
it is understood that he is well versed in the prin- 
ciples of his profession, and no one who knows 
him doubts his rising to prominence in his chosen 
field of labor. Mr. Wieland is much interested in 
the social orders and is identified with several 
lodges. He is well up in Masonry, besides being 
a Granger and Odd Fellow, and a Knight of 
Pythias. Ho is a popular member of society, be- 
ing well-bred and cordial, as well as intelligent. 



OIIN M. BAIRD, proprietor of the Opera 
House at Holly, Mich., is one of the oldest 
settlers in this part of the county, having 
come here in 1857, when there were onl^' a 
few buildings in the place. He is the son of Isaac 
and Harriett (Maston) Baird, who were natives of 
New York State. He was born on the Hudson 
River near Newburg, N. Y., in September, 1826. 
The father was a cooper by trade. He and his 
wife were the parents of seven children, of whom 
three are now living: Peter D., John M. and Selah 
M., all residing at Holly. The father died in 
Monroe County, N. Y., in 1852. and the mother 
followed him two years later. 

Our subject received a fine education at the sem- 
inary at Lima, N. Y. He taught school for awhile 
and then decided to learn the trade of his fatlier, 
who was carrj'ing on an extensive shop at that 
time. Subsequently he learned the joiner's trade, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



259 



following it for several years. After this he bought 
fruit trees, representing Mt. Hope Nursery, of 
Rochester, N. Y., and being employed by tliat 
firm when first coming to Michigan, in 1857, with 
marked success. 

Mr. Baird [)urchased five acres of land in the 
vill.ige of Holly in the spring of 1858, and com- 
racncod business b)' platting his land and build- 
ing. He purchased more later, and in all platted 
fifl3'-three acres, now the finest residence part of 
that beautiful village. In 1859 he started a nur- 
sery at. Holly, from which he supplied the countr}' 
far and near, but his peaceful and agricultural em- 
ployments were soon to give place to the bustle 
and turmoil of war. September 19, 1861, the 
young man enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry 
and was assigned. Their term of service was one 
year. Although a non-combatant, being connected 
with the band, he, with two of his comr.ades, vol- 
unteered to go out with Maj. Towne to do regular 
soldier's duty. These comrades were George Le- 
line, of Holly, and Charles Sheldon, of Clinton. 
Their first battle was at Winchester or Carnstown. 
While pursuing ''Stonewall" Jackson our subject 
received an injury from a runaway horse and for 
three months w.as compelled to go on crutches. He 
was mustered out September 14, 1862, and soon 
after returning home re-enlisted in the Eighth 
Michigan Cavalry, and being detailed by Col. John 
Stockton, he engaged in recruiting for Company 
C, of that regiment. He had such good success in 
this that he next recruited for Company K, and 
was then honored by being given the commission 
of First Lieutenant of that company. This regiment 
was connected with the Western army and took 
part in many battles in Kentuck}-, Tennessee and 
Georgia. The company with which our subject was 
connected, with other troops, started out for Camp 
Nelson, in Kentucky, to capture the rebel Scott, 
who was raiding that State and stealing cattle after 
the John Morgan raid. They struck his band 
south of Lexington, and for five days and nights 
kept up a running fight. On the morning of the fifth 
da}- they came u|) to, and charging him at Lebanon, 
Ky., four hundred and twenty-seven men with 
seven commissioned officers were captured, includ- 
ing the noted Lieutenant-Colonel Nixon, of the 



Louisiana Cavalry, who was in command. The sur- 
render was made to our subject, and for this meri- 
torious accomplishment of the quest on which he 
set out, Gen. Sanders gave to the young Lieutenant 
the duty of taking the prisoners back to Camp 
Nelson. 

Lieut. Baird was in nearly all of the battles in 
which his regiment was engaged until appointed 
Quartermaster, doing much valuable service for 
his regiment. He was promoted to be Brigade Quar- 
termaster, and served as staff officer with Gens. 
Hobson, Shackleford and Capron. He was hon- 
ored with three commissions from the War Gov- 
ernor of Michigan, Austin Blair, and received his 
final muster out at Pulaski, Tenn., Jul}- 20, 1865. 
His services in connection with the War of the Re- 
bellion were greatly appreciated by liis command- 
ing officers and made him a noted man in army 
circles. 

After his return home Capt. l$aird engaged in 
private banking business for two j'cars. He then 
organized a State Bank, of which he was Vice 
President; also was the prime mover in organizing 
the Merchants' National Bank. He also started 
the Monitor Mutual Insurance Company with D. 
H. Stone and Lewis Collar. This was the Farmers' 
Fire Insurance Company, of Oakland County, and 
our subject was its secretary for four jears. He 
organized the Citizens' Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company, of Oakland, Genesee and Shiaw.assee 
Counties, with headquarters at Holly, and has been 
the Secretary for the past seventeen j'ears, winning 
a high reputation as a fire insurance underwriter. 
The marriage of our subject, December 29, 
1859, to Miss Euphrasia Humphrey, of Spring- 
water, Livingston County, N. Y., resulted in a 
family of six children, of whom three are now liv- 
ing: John E., Charles H. and Belle. Capt. Baird 
has been prominent upon the School Board for 
twelve years, and has been a member of the Village 
Council. He is a Chapter Mason and has served 
fourteen years as Secretary of the IMue Lodge, and 
as Secretary of all the Masonic bodies of Holly. 
He is, of course, a prominent member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and liolds the position of 
Adjutant in the J. B. McPherson's Post, No. 183. 
He owns some Northern lands, as well as con- 



260 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



siderable real estate in the village, and has done 
considerable building. He built the Opera House 
in 1.S70; this building also contains two stores, a 
Masonic Hall, Odd Fellows Hall and offices. 



t^ILLIAM H. KNOWLES is one of the 
many highly respected citizens of this 
^^ broad land who began their personal ca- 
reer empty-handed, but who struggled on and in 
due time gained the reward for which they sought. 
He has a fine piece of property in Royal Oak 
Township consisting of one hundred and sixty-five 
acres and he also owns four village lots in Royal 
Oak. His home farm consists of thirty-seven 
acres on section 22, and the house in which he now 
lives was erected by him in 1886. The first pur- 
chase of real estate was fifty-four acres on section 
22, for which the title was obtained in 18.57. In 
1879 the present home farm was bought, in 1880 
a twentj-acre tract was purcliased, in 1882 four- 
teen acres, and in 1884 forty acres on section 16. 
When Mr. Knowles landed in Detroit early in the 
'30s, he had just fifty cents, which he paid for 
breakfast for himself and wife. In place of money 
he had unbounded perseverance and the willing- 
ness to do any honest work, and he was encouraged 
by a noble-hearted wife to whom he owes much, as 
without her sympathy he would sometimes have 
given way to the discouragements which her pres- 
ence and hopeful spirit made less oppressive. 

Mr. Knowles was born in Yorkshire, England, 
April 22, 1807, and w.-vs the fourth of five children 
born to William and Nancj' Ann (Midlam) Knowles. 
His father was a carpenter and joiner and common 
carrier. In 1829 the young man crossed the At- 
lantic to seek his fortune in the New World, where 
he was convinced that better opportunities were to 
be found than in his native land. He spent four 
years in New York, then came to Detroit, and three 
years later went to Brest to take charge of work. 
He remained there seven years in the capacity of 
boss carpenter, and, as the company failed, he lost 
the money due him for his services. He then made 
staves, which were sent to Quebec. During a few 



years he had a trying time, but he finally .saved a 
little fund so that he could establish himself as a 
farmer, and although he still had to work hard he 
began to see a fair prospect of reaching the goal 
of his ambition. For several years prior to giving 
his attention to farming he worked at ship-building 
in Detroit, whither he returned after his experience 
at Brest. 

In 1831 Mr. Knowles was married to Miss Har- 
riet Pinder. daughter of Joiin PInder, and tlie 
eldest child of a large famil3'. The union re- 
sulted in the birth of four children — George, 
Henr}', Ben and Edward — the first and last-named 
being now deceased and the others residents of 
Detroit. The mother of these sons died, and three 
years after the father married Mrs. Ann Helson, 
widow of William Helson, of Detroit. The mar- 
riage was blest by the birth of a son, .lohn PL, who 
is a carpenter in Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Ann Knowles 
died in 1859 and in 1860 our subjeclwas again mar- 
ried. His present wife was Mrs. Amelia S. Mont- 
gomery and she has borne him six children. They 
are Mary, wife of W. A. Anger, a lawyer: Frank, 
a carpenter living in Royal Oak; Almon, whose 
home is in Detroit; Maria, wife of William Os- 
good, a carpenter in the city of Detroit; Payson, 
who occupies the old farm in Royal Oak Town- 
ship; and Alexander, who is unmariiod. 

Frank Knowles, son of our subject, was married 
April 23, 1884, to Eliza A. Watts, of Greenfield, 
Wayne County. The bride is the eldest daughter 
and second child of Samuel and Phebe (JLalletl) 
W^atts, natives of England, who came to America 
in 1857, and whose family consists of four sons and 
two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Knowles have had 
two children — .Jay E., who was born .luly 29, 1885, 
and died October 26 following; Olive E., who was 
born September 'IS. 1888. Mr. Knowles is a Re- 
publican and liis first Presidential ballot was for 
James G. Blaine. He is Drain Commissioner of 
Royal Oak Township, and his pleasant home is on 
section 16. He is a member of Lodge No. 44, 
F. & A. M. in Birmingham. 

Mr. Knowles, of this notice, has alwajs been 
fond of hunting and when a young man he killed 
many deer, foxes and wild turkeys, and on duly 4, 
1831, he shot a deer on what was known .as De- 



PORTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



261 



troit Commons and is now Sixth Sireet, in that 
city. In later years it has been his custom to visit 
Tuscola each winter for a month's sport witli the 
rifle and shotgun. Wliile he was living in Detroit 
he was Patlimaster three years, and he laid out 
Cass Avenue and broke the first ground there. In 
Royal Oak Township he has been Highway Com- 
missioner three years and most of the roads in tlie 
eastern part have been laid out by him. He has 
also served as Justice of the Peace. He was an 
active Odd Fellow for twenty years and now lias a 
demit. Politically- he is a Republican and his first 
vote was cast for the opponent of Henry Clay. He 
and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and he has been a member for sixtj* years. 
He has held the office of Treasurer and is now a 
Trustee and for many years he has served as Stew- 
ard and Class-Leader. He looks back over a long 
and in some respects toilsome life, but he has the 
satisfaction of knowing that he has been useful in 
society and that his own affairs have been brought 
to a successful issue. 

l|f^_^ ARRISON D. HY'DP:, oneof the most intel- 

lijfent and influential farmers in South- 

JJJ 

<'' field Township, was born in Livingston 

Count}-, N. Y., twenty-five miles from 
Rochester, June 19, 1818. His father, Lewis, was 
born in Connecticut in 1791. He was a farmer, 
stonemason and teacher, and was also a soldier in 
the War of 1812. He removed to New York when 
quite a young man, first to Scoharie County and 
then to Livingston. The 3-ear 1831 saw him lo- 
cated on a farm in Pontiac Township, Oakland 
County. Here he remained for about two years 
and then removed to Soulhfield Township, where 
he bought eight}' acres of land from the Govern- 
ment, upon which he remained until his death in 
1838. 

The mother of our subject was Lucy, the daugh- 
ter of John Hatch. She was the mother of seven 
childnm, three sons and four daughters, of whom 
our subject was the eldest. His first schooling was 
in Livonia, New York. He came to Michigan with 



his parents when he was thirteen years old, and 
finished his schooling in Southfield Township. He 
started for himself at the age twenty years, just 
after the death of his father, and worked for awhile 
at the carpenter and joiner's trade. 

Mr. Hyde married, December 24, 1849, Mary M. 
Royce, who was born February 1, 1828, in Cort- 
land County, N. Y., a few miles from Auburn. 
Her parents were Joseph and Sallie (Cross) Royce. 
Her father was born April 7, 1783, in Vermont, 
and was a farmer and blacksmith. He took good 
advantage of the common-school education, and 
was a man of intelligence and ability. He was a 
Whig and an Abolitionist and was deeply interested 
in political matters. He was a Deacon in the Pres- 
byterian Church and died October 23, 1846, in his 
sixty-fourth year. His father, Isaac, was a Revo- 
lutionary hero. Sallie Cross, the mother of Mrs. 
Hyde, was born January 11,1794. Mrs. Hyde's 
paternal grandmother, Abigail (Grow) Royce who 
was born November 4, 1753, came near being cap- 
tured by the British during the Revolutionary 
War at the bombardment of Boston. She cut up 
her bed clothes to provide for the soldiers during 
the hard times of conflict, and lived to the venera- 
ble age of ninety-seven years, beloved and revered 
by her posterity. Her death took [ilace in 1860. 

Mrs. Hyde was educated in New York, being at 
one time an attendant at the Casenovia Seminar}'. 
She taught school two terms in New York and 
was a notable teacher in Farmington in the early 
days, being given the entire control of the schools 
there in 1845. She continued in this work until 
her marriage. After this event she and her hus- 
band settled upon the farm where they now reside. 
A log house was the only improvement upon the 
place. Here they lived for some years and then 
built their present home. Mr. Hyde set out every 
tree upon the place and made all the improvements. 
David G. Royce, a brother of Mrs. Hyde, was one 
of the heroes in the Civil War. He received just 
before his death a commission as Major, but did 
not live to take his position, being killed at Falling 
Water. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hyde are the parents of six chil- 
dren, two daughters and four sons, namely: A. 
Elizabeth, born August 26, 1851, now residing in 



262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Detroit; Amy V., born July 9, 1853, residing at 
home; Frank L., born August 6, 1856, partner in 
firm of Newland & Co., hatters and furriers; Fred 
W., born October 28, 1860, resides in Southfield 
Township on a farm; David L., born August 24, 
1863, resides in Greenville, Montcalm Count}', 
and is in the grocery business; Lincoln W., born 
June 11, 1867, is also a resident of Greenville. 

Mr. Hyde has given to all his children a superior 
education. His home farm comprises ninety acres 
and he also has forty acres on section 18. He carries 
on general farming. His first and his last Presi- 
dential vote was cast for the Harrison family. In 
1800 he filled the office of Supervisor and in 1845 
was a Highway Commissioner. Both he and his 
good wife are earnest and active memljers of the 
Presbyterian Church. 



E 



DWARD J. BISSELL, a prominent attorney 
of this county, is located in Mllford. He 
has been very successful in tlie legal arena, 
and not onl}- practices largely in all the courts of 
this county, but in those of Wayne and Livingston 
Counties and elsewhere, and fully one third of his 
time is spent away from home. He is true to the 
interest of his clients, and never undertakes a case 
witliout the determination to do the ver}' best pos- 
sible for his side. He lias extensive business inter- 
ests of wliioh further mention will be made below. 
Financial prosperity as well as a fine reputation has 
crowned his efforts, and he has one of the hand- 
somest and most elegantly furnished residences in 
town. Tiie house is of brick, built in 1.^81, and its 
surroundings are in keeping with its beauty of de- 
sign. 

Mr. BIssell is a descendant of an old Eastern 
family and in Dutchess County, N. Y.. his father, 
Edward, was born July 17, 1817, and in the spring 
of 1839 came AVest, and until 1856 his home was 
in Detroit, where he was engaged in the shoe busi- 
ness. He then removed to Norlhville, AVayne 
Count}', and after a year's residence there gave up 
that occupation and took up photography, to which 
he has since given his attention. In 1860 he located 



in Holly, remained there until 1882, and then came 
to Milford, where he has a well-equipped gallery. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Lucy Provansal, and is now about seventy }'ears 
old. She was born in Detroit, of which jjlace her 
father was a native. Her i)aternal grandfather was 
born in France, and was a Lieutenant in the French 
array. He came to Detroit when it was held by 
his nation. Her father was married to the widow 
Solo, whose first husband, father and brother had 
been massacred on the Raisin River. Mrs. Solo 
was taken to the fort, but as the children had not 
been rescued, she became almost insane, made her 
escape from the fort, and started for her late home, 
in the night. She was captured by the Indians, 
who bound her to the stake and were about to burn 
her, when she was rescued by the French interpre- 
ter under the pretence that she was his cousin. Her 
children had escaped to the woods at the time of 
the Indian outbreak, and had been found and taken 
to Detroit, and she and they were soon afterward 
reunited. Aftcrsome years she married Mr. Provan- 
sal, and both died in Detroit. Mrs. Bissell is edu- 
cated in both French and English, and is a devout 
Catholic. She is the mother of ten children, six 
of wjiom are living. 

Edward J. Bissell is the eldest son in his father's 
famih'. He was born in Detroit, Marcii 22, 1850, 
and was six years old when he went to Nortliville, 
where he studied in both common and private 
schools. He was a l)right student and was highly 
complemented on an essaj' he wrote when fifteen 
j'ears old. When sixteen he went to IIoll.v and 
helped his father in the photograph business by 
taking charge of the printing. He gave a part of 
his time to the study of Latin and higlier matiie- 
matics, under M. N. Burnham, an attorney there, 
and when eighteen began the study of law. He 
had taken ui) Blackstone as a means of mental cuj. 
lure, and liked it so well that he resolved to be- 
come a lawyer. During the j'car before he was 
nineteen he also taught t)ne term of school. He 
then went toDetroitand continued his legal studies 
under Fred A. Baker about a twelvemonth, when 
both removed to Holly, and the law firm of Baker 
& Bissell was formed. Mr. Bissell was aclmitted to 
the bar as soon as he was of age, in Ai)ril, 1871. 





/3-e/^- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



26.5 



Soon afterward a branch office was opened in 
Milford, and Mr. Bissell took charge. The two 
gentlemen |)racticed t()gether in Circuit Court mat- 
ters until 1874. when Mr. Baker returned to De- 
troit. Mr. Bissell was doing so well that he re- 
mained in Milford. In company with Mr. Baker 
and Edward Thornhill, under the firm name of 
Baker, Bissell & Thornhill, he is interested in a rancli 
known as the "Thornhill farm." It consists of 
about thirty-two hundred acres, and is located in 
Kidder County, N. Dak.; general farming and 
stock-raising is carried on there. FuU-hlooded 
Short-horn cattle, imported Shropshire sheep and 
Percheron and standard-bred horses are also raised 
by them. Mr. Bissell is also a member of the firm 
of Bissell & rhornhill, manufacturers of the Little 
Giant potatoe and corn scoop at Milford, Mich., 
and AValkerville, Ontario, and the firm also deals in 
buggies and cutters, and runs a feed mill in Mil- 
ford. 

In Bay City, September 27, 1877, Mr. Bissell was 
married to Miss Carrie Ilovey. She was a daughter 
of Dr. IIoTey, a prominent phj'sician of that city, 
and was born in Fenton, Genesee County. After a 
few short 3'ears of wedded happiness she and her hus- 
band were parted by death, she dying in 1882. She 
left one child, a son, Clarence. Mr. Bissell was 
Village Clerk four terms and Circuit Court Com- 
missioner two terms. He exercises the right of 
suffrage in behalf of Democratic principles and 
policies. He has displa3ed much business acumen, 
and is full of energy, as his manifold interests 
show. 



'^ ON. CHARLES DRAPER, of the firm of 
i) Baldwin, Draper & Jacokes, attorneys-at- 
law, Pontiac, was born in Marlborough, 
Middlesex Countj', Mass., November 22, 
1811. His father, William Draper, was born in 
Dedham, Mass., in 1780, and died in 1868, in the 
seventy-eighth year of his age. He was a graduate 
of Harvard College and commenced the practice 
of law at Concord, but afterward removed to 
Marlborough. There he became very prominent 



and was President of the Middlesex County Bar 
Association, and in many important ways was iden- 
tified with the progress of the county. For many 
years he was an influential attorney in Dedham. 
In July, 1833, he removed to Pontiac, Mich., 
where he continued his law practice and was re- 
spected as a prominent member of the early bar. 

William Draper was President of the first Terri- 
torial Convention convened by act of Congress at 
Ann Arbor for the purpose of acting upon the ac- 
ceptance or rejection of Michigan as a State upon the 
conditions reported by Congress. The main point 
of those conditions was as follows: To surrender 
the southern part of Michigan to Ohio and to take 
the northern Lake Superior country in lieu thereof. 
These terms were rejected by the convention. A 
few months later a convention was called which 
was known popularly as the ''Frost Bitten Con- 
vention." This gathering convened at the court- 
house at Pontiac and had no authority from Con- 
gress, in fact was irregular in every particular. 
Yet it embodied the sense of the people of Mich- 
igan; its plea was accepted by Congress, and upon 
its conditions Michigan was adnnttcd as a State. 

Early in life Mr. Draper was an old-fashioned 
Federalist and later became a Whig. He was Pres- 
ident of the Oakland County Bar Association and 
continued to hold this important position in the 
profession of the county until his death. A devout 
Christian, he belonged to the Congregational 
Church at Pontiac. lie was a personal friend of 
A. W. Hove3', and their chief diversion was in go- 
ing fishing together. The mother of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Eliza Payne and was a 
daughter of Phineas Payne, a Major in the Revo- 
lutionary War. Maj. Payne was of English de- 
scent, and his mother was a Babcock, of Welsh 
descent, and an early settler in Massachusetts. 

The boyhood of our subject was passed in his 
native town. He prepared for college iu the acad- 
emy at Marlborough, and was graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1833. He accompanied his [jarents 
to Michigan and began the practice of law in his 
father's office at Pontiac. In 1836 he formed a 
partnership with liis father, which continued until 
1851, when he entered into the partnership with 
A. C. Baldwin, which has never been dissolved. 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



After a time they associated with them James A. 
Jacokes, making a strong combination of legal tal- 
ent, and the firm now practices in State, Federal 
and local courts. 

In 1840 the Hon. Mr. Draper was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary E., daughter of Olrastead 
and Mary C. Charaborlin, the marriage being sol- 
emnized at the bride's home in Pontiae. Mrs. 
Draper is a native of Lewiston, N. Y., and in social 
circles is one of the most cherished ornaments. 
Mr. and Mrs. Draper have been the parents of five 
chihlrcn: Charles Stuart, who is an attorney in 
Saginaw, Mich.; Ella L., deceased; Warren N., an 
attorney at Duluth, Minn.; William C, a miner 
and ranch man in Montana, and an infant who died 
unnamed. 

The Hon. Mr. Draper was elected Prosecuting 
Attorney in 1842, and held the office three terms, 
a term then being two years. He was appointed 
Internal Revenue Assessor by President Johnson, 
but was removed by him on account of refusal to 
carry out his instructions. In the year 18G7 he 
was elected State Senator and took an active part 
in the discussion of important bills, among which 
were changes made in tiie law regulating the 
rights of widows in the estates of deceased hus- 
bands, and also the rights of husbands in regard 
to the wife's estate. He was a member of the 
Judiciary Committee in the State Senate and had 
charge of the Committee on the Asylum for the 
blind at Flint. He has been an active member of 
the Republican party since its organization and is 
very strong in his convictions of right and wrong. 
He was a member of the first convention which 
assembled "under the oaks," at Jackson, and which 
formed the Republican party in Michigan in tiie 
summer of 1854. Mr. Draper wasa member of tlic 
Committee on Resolutions, to whom two sets of 
resolutions were presented, one drafted by Jacob 
M. Howard and the other by Isaac Christlaucy. 
After consideration those drawn by Mr. Howard 
were adopted. This convention was not wiiat is 
commonly termed a delegate convention, but was 
rather an uprising of the peo|)le. Both Mr. Draper 
and his wife are consistent members of the Con- 
gregational Church, and their influence is felt for 
good in every direction. Their delightful home at 



No. 181 North Saginaw Street, is a pleasant resort 
for their many friends. 

A portrait of the Hon. Mr. Draper accompanies 
this brief biographical notice. 



IP^ICHARD E. PEPPER, an intelligent and 
ilj^ prominent farmer residing in Springfield 
tli \\\ Township, was born on the farm which he 
"^^ now occupies, December 20, 1850. His 
father, Robert Pepper, was a native of County 
Cavan, Ireland. He was a weaver by trade and 
came to America when a j'oung man and settled 
in Genesee County, N. Y., where he worked in a 
factory for several years. In 1835 he removed 
his famil}' to their present home in Springfield 
Township. They came by canal and lake to De- 
troit, and from there to Springfield Township, with 
two 3-oke of oxen, one of which died on the waj'. 
He bought the present farm, then all wild land, one 
hundred and eighty acres from the Government, 
and the family lived with a neighbor until he could 
erect a log cal)in which was to be their home. 
Deer were then so plenty that he frequentl}' found 
a drove of ten or fifteen herding with his cattle, 
when he went into the woods after them in the 
evening. He had to go to Pontiae, eighteen miles 
away for provisions and clothing. He helped lay 
out what is now known as the White Lake Road, 
running past the farm north and south. He was a 
great woiker, and at his death, which occurred in 
1881, when he was eighty years old, he had his once 
unbroken farm finely improved. In Ireland he 
was an Orangeman. 

Lydia Urwin, tho mother of our subject, was 
born in County Cavan, Ireland. All of her five 
children grew to maturity and are yet living, 
namely: Wiiliain J., John T., Margaret (Mrs. Stin- 
son), Richard E. and Martha, (Mrs. Cogsball ) 
Their mother died at sixty -one years of age. Both 
she and Mr. Pepper were members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. Our subject now owns and 
lives on the homestead farm a mile and a half 
southwest of the village of Davisburg, upon which 
he was born and reared. He attended the log 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



267 



schoolliouse on a corner of bis father's farm. His 
latest schooling was taken in the Business College 
at Flint. He worlied the home farm on sli.ires 
until tlie death of his father, when it was willed to 
him on condition that he would buy the interest of 
tiie oilier heirs. He raises a great number of cat- 
tle and horses, and also some fine Shropshire sliecp. 
lie makes most of his profits on wheat and stock. 
His pleasant home is conspicuously placed upon a 
rise of ground and stands back from the main road 
where it easily attracts the eye of the traveler. 

Mr. Pepper was married May 4, 1870, to Juliet 
Rhone, who was born in Niagara County. N. Y., 
Jlay 19, 1850. This has proved a union of un- 
usual hap|)iness and congeniality, Mrs. Pepper be- 
ing a lady of great loveliness and ability. She 
became the motiier of three children, two of whom 
are living, namely: Lena C, now attending school 
at Flint, and Kthel M., who is at home. Both Mv. 
and Mrs. Pepper are active members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Cliurcli at Davisburg. Mr. Pepper 
is a Kei)ublican in his [lolitical views and socially 
is a member of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 60, A. O. 
U. W., at Davisburg. 



^^^ 



El^ 



EORGP: D. COVERT, an old settler of 
Groveland Township, is one of tlie men who 
have seen both prosperitj' and hard times in 
Michigan. He has a fine farm witli excellent 
barns and a pleasant home, but tells us that he cried 
for hunger when a boy, for his father and mother 
were very poor, and settling in the woods, under- 
went great hardships and privations. 

Our subject was born in Seneca County, N. Y., 
July l."), 1832. His father was Henrj-, and his 
grandfatiier Josiuia Covert, both natives of New 
York, and of Holland descent. The grandfather 
was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. The 
fallier came to Michigan, traveling by Erie Canal 
to Buffalo, and by boat to Detroit, and bought 
eighty acres of land where he built a log house. 
He traded at Pontiac and Detroit, and cleared up 
his farm, using oxen instead of horses. He w.as a 
hard worker and fared poorly. He was famous as 



a rail splitter. His political views were Demo- 
cratic. His wife, Ann Emmons, was the mother of 
eight children, five of whom grew to maturity. 
She used to go on foot twelve miles to neighbors 
and do their washing to earn a little money in the 
early days. She was seventy-one years old wlien 
she died in 18G5, and her husband |)assed away in 
1866, when seventy-two years old. 

The boy George was in his fifth year when lie 
came West, but he recollects the journey distinctly. 
He attended a log schoolhouse two or three miles 
from homo under the rate bill system. The woods 
were full of deer and bears. He often stood at the 
door and counted as many .as twenty deer in one 
drove, and he used to lie awake at night and hear 
the wolves howl about the cabin. He began life 
for himself at the age of nineteen years and worked 
out by the month and day, often cutting as much 
as five cords of wood a da}-. He built his present 
home in 1874, having erected his fine barns in 1860 
and in 1870. 

Mr. Covert w.as married October 15, 1855, to 
Anna McBratney, a native of Ireland. Three chil- 
dren blessed this union: James H.. who married 
Elva Clark, and faims in this township; Charles 
A. living in Denver, Col., and George L., who is 
still at home. One hundred and thirty acres form 
the home farm, ninety of which are under cultiva- 
tion. He raises both stock and grain. His jioliti- 
cal views are in .accord with the principles of the 
Democratic party. This old settler looks back 
with just satisfaction upon tlie life which has re- 
sulted so prosperous!}'. 




_ ICHAEL HENNESSY.a prominent farmer 
|\\ on section 24, Holly Townshij), was born 
1^ in Count}- Kerry, Ireland, in 1830. His 
father, Patrick, was a f.armer in that 
county, and lived and died there. He was an ad- 
herent of the Roman Catholic Church. His wife, 
Abbie Farrill, the mother of our subject, was a 
native of the same county. Four children were 
granted unto them, namely: John, Thomas, Johan- 
na and Michael. Of this number the subject of 



268 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



this brief notice is the only one now liring. Tlie 
mother died in Ireland. 

Young Michael spent his boyhood days in Ire- 
land on a farm and there attended school. lie 
came to America in a sailing vessel in 1847, and 
was forty-four days on the water. He located at 
Syracuse, N. Y., and worked there in a brickyard, 
and at odd jobs for five years. He then removed 
to Auburn, N. Y., and worked for seven or eight 
years in the shops of the New York Central Rail- 
way. 

Tlie subject of this sketch came to Oakland 
County, Mich., in 1859, and bought the farm where 
he now resides. Only thirty acres of it had then 
been cleared of trees, and the onl3' buildings on it 
were a log house and log barn. Seventy acres of 
his one hundred are now under cultivation, and 
he raises stock and grain of all kinds. He now 
has fine buildings on his land, having erected his 
commodious and capacious frame house in 1881, 
and his large frame barn in 1878. 

The marriage of Mr. Ilennessy with Anna Ash 
look place at Albany, N. Y. She was born in 
Count}' Kerry, Ireland. Eight children were sent 
to brighten their home, only four of whom are 
now living, namely: .Joanna, John, Thomas and 
Mary. The subject of this sketch is a member of 
the Catholic Church, as is also his wife, who is an 
exceptionally fine woman in both character and 
ability. Mr. Hennessy is a Democrat in his polit- 
ical affiliations. He has a nice frame residence, 
much better furnished than the average farm- 
house, brightened with pictures and cheered with 

music. 

- <x^ - 



^i^APOLEON B. ARMSTRONG. An hon- 
I . jfl orable station among the farmers of High- 
llit^ land Township is occupied by the gentle- 
man above named, who operates a pleasantly 
located farm on section 33. His landed estate in 
the township com])rlscs one hundred and twenty 
acres, and he has twenty acres in Milford Town- 
ship. He has put on the various improvements — 
buildings and fences, and has his land well stocked 
with good grades of Merino sheep, Short-horn 
cattle and Percheron horses. He began his career 



as a full-fledged farmer not long after he became 
of age, and has demonstrated his skill and good 
judgment by increasing his acreage and bringing 
it all into fine condition. 

Mr. Armstrong traces his ancestry to Connecti- 
cut, in which Stale his grandfather, Lee Armstrong, 
was born, reared and married. His wife was Edna 
Smith, and their family comprised seven sons and 
three daughters. Grandfather Armstrong died in 
his native State in 1817, but his widow breathed 
her last in New York while living with her eldest 
daughter, in the year 1836. Grandfather Arm- 
strong was a Presb3'terian in religion. In his fam- 
ily was a son, Stephen, who was born in Franklin, 
Conn., and who, in 1811, at the age of twenty-one 
years, went to Monroe Count}', N. Y. There he 
made his home until 1834, when he came to this 
county and located on section 33, Highland Town- 
ship. He bought seven luindred acres of land in 
this and Milford Townships, together with prop- 
erty' in the town of Milford, and in that place he 
also owned a half-interest in a grist and sawmill. 
Highland Township was his home from his arrival 
in the State until his demise, which took place in 
1843, and he was always engaged in farming. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812. He served as 
Supervisor and Overseer of the Poor. 

Stephen Armstrong was married in Connecticut 
to Eunice Peck, who bore him four children. He 
was again married in New York to Orpha Clark, 
daughter of Ethan A. and Lavina (Lock wood) 
Clark, natives of Massachusetts and New York re- 
spectively. The second union was blest by the 
birth of six children, named respectively: N. B., 
Thomas J., Andrew J., Fanny E., William G. and 
Stephen D. The eldest of these children was born 
in Monroe County, N. Y., April 2, 1830, and was 
a child of four years when he came with his par- 
ents to this county. He has since made his home 
in Highland Township, and he is perhaps as well 
known as any man now living within its borders. 
As a boy and man, he has helped to bring it to its 
present condition of prosperit}', and his influence 
has been especiall}' felt in the agricultural field. 
When he was twenty-two years old he bought forty 
acres of land, and when the father's estate wa3 
divided he inherited eighty acres. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



269 



March 31, 1859, Mr. Armstrong was united in 
marriage with Miss Rosetta Hays, the ceremony 
being performed in Milford. The bride was a 
daughter of John and Almira Hays, who were na- 
tives of Erie County, N. Y. The union lias been 
blest by the birth of three cliiidren — Leroy L., 
who is now living in Milford; Calvin, whose home 
is in Tuscola County; and Effle, who is lier father's 
companion and housekeeper, the wife and mother 
having died in 1866. The political allegiance of 
Mr. Armstrong is given to the Republican part}'. 



^PBRAHAM L. CRAFT. No one can be 
§0 better deserving of representation in a 
volume of a biographical nature than those 
who are giving their attention to the guid- 
ance of the young and endeavoring to cultivate 
their minds and morals. We are therefore pleased 
to represent in the pages of this Albdm, Mr. Craft, 
who has acceptably filled the position of Principal 
of the Clarkston High School for the past six 
years. In gaining his own education he showed 
the quality of his character as well as his mind, and 
the determination he manifested in his early years 
and his eager desire for thorough schooling gives 
him an added fitness for the work which he has 
undertaken, as he knows how to encourage and 
guide as he might not otherwise have done. 

Mr. Craft is the son of Charles B. and L3dia 
(Lyman) Craft, and was born in Springfield Town- 
ship, this county, July 30, 1854. Prior to his 
eigiiteeuth year he lived on a farm and attended 
the district school. He then spent two years in 
pursuing the studies that belong to the curriculum 
of the High School of Holly, after which he taught 
a year and. earned the money with which to pay 
his expenses at Fenton. There he still further 
advanced his knowledge, studying industriously 
three years and being graduated in 1880. 

Mr. Craft next taught at Highland two years, 
and then took a commercial course at IJryant & 
Stratton's Business College in Detroit. Returning 
to Highland he again took up his work there, and 
continued it until he was elected Principal of the 



Clarkston High School. He is a worthy represen- 
tative of one of the families that made an early 
settlement in what was then the Territory of Mich- 
igan, his grandfather, Abraham Craft, having come 
hither in the '30s and settled on the farm now 
owned by our subject's father. Grandfather Craft 
was a native of Wayne Count}-, N. Y. 

The marriage rites between Mr. Craft and Miss 
Belle Jennings, daughter of H. N. Jennings, editor 
of the Fenton '^Independent" were solemnized at 
the bride's home August 14, 1889. The 3'oung 
couple now occupy an attractive residence on Main 
street, which was recently erected. Its doors are 
ever open to the intelligent and upright people of 
the place, and to those who desire aid or encour- 
agement in mental growth or progress toward 
noble characters. 

In the political issues of the day Mr. Craft takes 
quite an interest, and his judgment concurs in the 
principles laid down in the Republican platform, 
which he therefore earnestly supports. He is a 
Mason of high degree, and his name is found on 
the rosters of Cedar Lodge, No. 60, F. & A. M., 
Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., Pontiac Com- 
mandery No. 2, K. T., and Council, No. 3. He is 
also identified with the Maccabees Lodge, No. 85. 
and Pontiac Lodge, No. 19, K. P. 

/, ,, MERIC M. JOSLIN, one of the old set- 
( @^l [ tiers of Hollj' Township, can look back 
(fc upon a life well spent. He and his estimable 
wife will, if living, celebrate their golden 
wedding in July, 1891. He is a man of substantial 
character and is beloved by all his neighbors. He 
W.1S born in Madison County, N. Y., October 2, 
1813. His father, Daniel, and grandfather, Thomas, 
were both natives of Rhode Island. The familj' 
came from Wales to America in Colonial times. 
The grandfather died in middle life when the 
father of our subject was but thirteen years old. 
This lad became a mechanic and worked at the 
trade of a carpenter and joiner. When quite a 
young man he came to New York State, and was 
there married. He both farmed and worked at 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his trade. In 1841 he retired from business and 
came to Midiigan to mixke his home among his 
chihhen. Here he tarried until death called him 
at the ver}' advanced age of eighty -six years. He 
was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and a kind-hearted Christian man. He 
was a Democrat and conservative in his political 
views and was Supervisor for a great many years 
in New York State. He was a. hearty, healthy man, 
broad chested and full in habit, weighing from one 
hundred and eighty to two hundred pounds. His 
wife, Martha Jinks Josliu, the mother of our sub- 
ject, was born in Connecticut. She reared nine 
children and lived to be sixty years old. She took 
an active interest in religious matters and was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 
early girlhood. Her father, Dickerson Jinks, was 
an old Revolutionary soldier and a pensioner until 
his death. 

The subject of our sketcli worked on the farm 
and at the carpenter's trade during his earh* 
j-ears. He never attended any school except in a log 
schoolhouse. He began for kimself at nineteen 
years of age, making the journey to Buffalo, a dis- 
tance of one liuudred miles, on foot. He crossed 
the lake to Detroit and then footed it to Romeo, 
Macomb Count}-, this St.-itc, where he had a brother 
living. For a 3-ear he lived with liis brother and 
worked at his trade. He was then seized with 
fever and ague, and obliged to return East on 
account of his health. Two years later he returned 
and bought forty acres in Macomb County-. He 
finally sold that an<l in December, 1842, came to 
Oakland County and bought the fort}' acres where 
his house now stands. He first built a rude log 
cabin and began to clear up the farm. Fenton was 
his nearest tr.ading point. No building stood where 
Holly now stands, and he helped to put up the 
first building erected there. He now has one hun- 
dred and twenty acres here and a handsome frame 
residence, in which he now lives a retired life. 

Mr. Joslin took to himself a wife, July 28, 1841, 
in the person of Margaret Van Allen. She was 
born in Canada, near the Vermont line, Januar}' i 
31, 1823. She came to Michigan in 1840 with | 
her brothers, as her parents had died when she w.ns 
quite young. Nine children h'lve been granted I 



to Mr. and Mrs. Joslin, namely: Edwin, Thomas; 
Sarah, Mrs. Hadley; James; Carrie, Mrs. Rodden; 
Imogene and John. The famih- finds its religious 
home in the Methodist Church. Mr. Joslin is a 
Republican through and through, and has held office 
as Treasurer of the township for a great many years, 
and also as Commissioner of Highwa^-s. In this 
capacity he has helped to lay out almost every 
road in the township. He has served on juries at 
Pontiac man}' times, and is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order at Holly. 



;EN. .STl'RtilS. This venerable man has a 
ij^ fine farm of two hundred and thirty-three 
acres on section 23, Troy Township. Like 
the village blacksmith, he can look -'the 
whole world in the face, for he owes not any man," 
and his worldly possessions have been gained by 
toil and perseverance, as he was a poor boy when 
he came to the Stale. He has reared a large family 
and has been able to meet all his obligations and 
lay up a store for his old age. He was born in Mt. 
Pleasant, Canada, September 3, 1808, and was 
about nine years old when his parents removed to 
Detroit. Thence he came to Troy Township, and 
the father died in Michigan. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania and was a soldier iu the War of 
1812. Thomas Sturgis and Lucy Winstead were 
married in Canada, whence they came to this Stale 
as before noted. They had twelve chihlren, eleven 
of whom lived to manhood and womanhood. 

The second child and eldest son in this family is 
tlie subject of this biographical notice. Having 
scarcely passed school age when he came to this 
.State his first pursuit of the knowledge found in 
text books was in a log schoolhouse in Troy Town- 
sliii). He obtained as sound a foundation as the 
circumstances would permit, but the curriculum 
was not extended nor did his yearly instruction 
cover a period of more than a few weeks. He 
left home when twenty-one years old to make his 
own way, and his first occupation was farm work 
which he did by the month. Ere long he married 
and located in Avon Township, where he remained 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



271 



six years, improving a tract of land. In 1840 he 
traded the property for that on which he now livos, 
where but three acres iiad been broken. He built 
a log house 18x20 feet with a stick cliimney, and 
undismayed by the toil tiiat he saw before him, set 
bravely to work to hew out a gootl farm and carve 
out his fortune. He carried on tiie first store that 
was opened in Troy Township. 

Mr. Sturgis was married in 1830 to Caroline 
Umstead, who was born in Ohio in 1814. She 
bravely and cheerfully shared in his hardsliips and 
privations during llie early years of their wedded 
life, and aided him in bringing about their later 
prosperity. She lived until December 29. 1889, 
when she closed her eyes in death, after more than 
half a century of married life. They had twelve 
ciiildren, nine living. Mr. Sturgis is a sound Re- 
publican having united with the party in its in- 
fancy. He had previously been a Whig, and his 
first vote was cast in 1840 for William Henr}' 
Harrison. 

-J^^S- • 



^^)[10MAS N. TURK is the senior member of 
(((^^ llie firm of Turk Bros, in Pontiac, which 
'^^T' carries on the most extensive trade in gro- 
ceries and produce in the eount3^ Tbcj' occupy 
a large double brick store, with tliree stories and a 
basement, and the entire building is used in their 
business. One room is devoted exclusively to 
crockery, queensware and lamps, and the rest to 
the other business. Mr. Turk is a native of Pon- 
tiac, born July 1.3, 1850, and is tlie eldest son of 
Thomas and Maria Turk, of whom a biograpliical 
notice is given on another page. He started to 
school as soon as he was old enough and attended 
steadily until his thirteenth year, when he entered 
his father's store in the capacity of a clerk. He 
continued to discharge the duties of that position 
until 187G, when he and his brothers, William G. 
and Gregory H., bo\ight out the business and con- 
tinued at the same stand until 1886, the firm name 
being Turk Bros. 

During the year mentioned Gregory H. retired 
from the grocery business, selling his interest to 
his brothers, Thomas N. and William G.,3nd the new 



firm continued the name of the old. The retiring 
partner engaged in the sale of clothing and gentle- 
men's furnishing goods in a building opposite his 
old stand. The brothers who now carry on the 
grocery business are what in Western parlance 
would be called "hustlers," always on the alert to 
increase their business and supply the people with 
articles of use and beauty in the one department 
and make provision for the inner man in the other. 
At the same time they are perfectly courteous and 
genial, and quiet in demeanor. 

In the year 1881 Thomas N. Turk was married 
to Miss Lizzie Sharp, daughter of C. C. Sharp, Esq. 
Her parents came to this oounty from New Jersey 
and she was born in Belvidere, N. J. Her educa- 
tion was principally obtained in Michigan. She 
had, however, attended school at Belvidere, N. J., 
being twelve years old when she came here with 
her parents. She is a lady of intelligence and good 
breeding. Mv. Turk is a stockholder and director 
in the Pontiac National Bank and has been since 
its organization. Politically, he is a Democrat. 
Being well situated financially he and his brother 
iiave an adv.antage over many dealers in that they 
are able to pay cash for all goods, and they can 
thus put the commodities they handle upon the 
market at more reasonable rates or secure a higher 
percentage than manj'. 

IjlL^ GRACE A. RANDALL, a commercial trav- 
r)i* eler, of Birmingham and a brother of Mc- 
iJ\^ Allister Randall, was born in Barry, Orleans 
(^ County, N. Y., May 29, 1843. He is a son 
of George C. and Esther (McAllister) Randall, and 
is the second in a family of eight children. He was 
seven years old when he came to Birmingham and 
here he received a common-school education. lie 
gave up farming in 1875 and began traveling and 
selling goods for the American Eagle Tobacco 
Works of Detroit. He was with them for nine 
years and then traveled for the Hop and Malt Bit- 
ters Company, of Detroit, for a year. After that 
he took a position with the Banner Tobacco Com- 
pany, of Detroit, until June, 1890, when he began 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



traveling for the Detroit Heat and Lighting Com- 
pany. He lias been a resident of Birmingham for 
thirty-five years and has one of the pleasantcst 
homes in the village. 

January 31, 1863, was the wedding day of Hor- 
ace Randall and Miss Julia Hunt, of Bloomfield 
Township. This lady is a daughter of James M. 
and Mary (Beardslee) Hunt. Three children came 
to cheer their home, namelj': Horace T., Kittie M., 
and Broax. Their daughter Kittie died at the age 
of fourteen years. Tiie son, Horace T., makes his 
home in Birmingham and is married to Miss Fan- 
nie Medsker, of Centerville, St. Josepli County, 
Mich. This gentleman is a Democrat in bis views 
l)ut takes little interest in politics. He is a Free 
and Accepted Mason of the Third Degree and is 
connected with lodge No. 44, at Birmingham. 




NDREW J. ARMSTRONG. On a well- 
tilled tract of land in Highland Township, 
this gentleman is carr3'ing on the Inisiness 
of a general farmer in a manner that pro- 
duces good results, both in the way of income and 
reputation. The estate consists of one hundred 
and fort}' acres on section 28, and thereon are the 
usual farm buildings that are put up by a man of 
good judgment when prosperity smiles upon him. 
Mr. Armstrong was born in Monroe Count}', N. Y., 
April 24, 1834, and is the son of Stephen and Ori)ha 
(Clark) Armstrong, of whom further mention is 
made in the biography of N. B. Armstrong on an- 
other page. He was first married in Connecticut, 
to Eunice Peck, who bore him four children. 

Our subject was but a babe when his parents 
came to this State, and his home has been in the 
township of Highland since that time. He resided 
under the i)arental roof until he was of age, pur- 
suing the usual course of study and learning how 
to carr}' on the work to which he purposed to de- 
vote himself. He fell heir to one hundred acres of 
land, which he developed and to which he added, 
some years later. He was married November 1, 
1856, to Sarah E. Bennett, daughter of Edwin L. 
Bennett, a native of New York, who came to this 



State in 1854. That gentleman died in Milford in 
1888, a 3'ear after his wife had been borne to the 
tomb. Mrs. Sarah Armstrong became the mother 
of two children: Edwin, who is now deceased; and 
Jessie F., who is now living in Wayne County. 

A second marriage was made by Mr. Armstrong, 
February 26, 1873, his bride on this occasion be- 
ing Miss Almedia J. Laming. This lad}' is the 
second child in one of the pioneer families of High- 
land Township, to which her parents, Joseph and 
Mahala (Hanes) Laming, came years ago. Their 
family included Rufus, Almedia, Amanda, Emily, 
Etson, Martha and Esther. The older son enlisted 
in the Union army in 1864, was taken sick, and 
died in the hospital at Grand Rapids tiie same year. 
That year also Mrs. Laming died, but her husband 
survived until 1876. He was born in New York 
.State, and his wife was a native of Canada. When 
he came to this State Mr. Laming took up eighty 
acres of Government land, and by purchase he 
subsequently added forty acres to his estate. 

The present Mrs. Armstrong has borne her hus- 
band one son. Ford H., whose birth took place 
October 4, 1874, and who is with his parents. Mr. 
Armsti-ong belongs to the Republicaa party. He 
is a Master Mason, and one of the charter members 
of Milford Lodge, No. 165. Mrs. Armstrong is a 
member in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Both husband and wife are intelli- 
gent, enterprising and whole-souled, and their po- 
sition in society is enviable. 




'^A\ cALLISTER RANDALL, who occupies 
the responsible position of Postmaster at 
Birmingham, is a native of that town, 
where he first saw the light April 14, 1854. 
His parents, George C, and Esther A. (McAllister) 
Randall, were natives of Orleans County, N. Y., 
wiience they came to Michigan in 1848, and made 
their home for a short time at Battle Creek. The 
father is now at Advance, Charlevoix County, 
Mich., where he is still pursuing the business of 
farming. His political affiliations are with the Re- 
publican party. 






(Hu<>d^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



275 



The subject of this sketch is the 3-oungest of eight 
children who were named : Seth C, Horace A., Will- 
iam M., Sophrouia E., Aldridge C, George F., Jay 
P. and jNIoAllister. A sketch of his brother Horace 
will be found in connection witii this brief biog- 
raph}'. McAllister was reared and educated in the 
town where he now resides. Until sixteen years of 
aire lie followed farming. He then engaged in the 
meat business in the village and continued in it for 
fourteen years. Upon New Year's Day, 1890, lie 
received his commission as Postmaster. He has 
filled various responsible positions at the request 
of his fellow citizens, having been Town Treasurer 
and Town Clerk of Bloomfield Township. He is a 
member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Lodge 
No. 27G, at Birmingham, and is an ancient Free 
and Accepted Mason of the Royal Arch Degree in 
Loiige No. 44 at Birmingham. 

The marriage of Mr. Randall to Libbie M. Con- 
verse was solemnized January 23, 1879. This lady 
was born in Lapeer County and is a daughter of 
Lewis and Pruella (Beebe) Converse, of Birming- 
ham. Three lovely children cluster about the 
hearlhslone of our subject. They bear the names 
of Mildred, Nellie and Lewis Mc. 



W 



IVILLARD MORSE McCONNELL. Death 
robbed the world of a noble character when 



.'%' the late Mr. McConnell was laid low, and 
bereft Pontiac of a citizen who had long been a 
promoter of her interests, moral, educational, so- 
cial and material. The readers of the Alisu.m will 
be pleased to notice his portrait on the opiiosite 
page, and will read with great interest this brief 
account of his life. He wielded a potent influence 
for good, and was active in every progressive 
inovenaent, and identifled with numerous public 
schemes, such as the construction of railroads, the 
erection of educational and benevolent institutions 
and the founding of financial corporations. 

Mr. McConnell was connected with the Eastern 
Michigan Asylum for the Insane from its earliest in- 
cipiency, first as one of the Committee on Location, 
then as resident Building Commissiouer, and lastly 



as Trustee. He was for several years one of the 
Trustees of the public schools, and was one of the 
founders of the Second National Bank of Pontiac, 
and during the last years of his life its President. 
During the war he was appointed Provost Marshal, 
and in the trj-ing and gloomy times of the Rebel- 
lion he conducted the affairs of the office in a most 
satisfactory manner. An Act of Congress in July, 
1862, created the Union Pacific Railroad and Tele- 
graph Company, and Mr. McConnell was appointed 
by President Lincoln, one of the two Commission- 
ers for the State of Michigan; he was likewise one 
of the incorporators of the company. The first 
meeting of the Board of Commissioners was held 
at Bryan Hall in the city of Chicago, Tuesday, Sep- 
tember 2, 1862. 

The birthplace of Mr. McConnell was Floyd, 
Oneida County, N. Y., and his natal day February 
14, 1813. He was the eldest son of Joseph and 
Roxy (Morse) McConnell, and in the paternal line 
was of Scotch descent. His great-grandfather, 
George McConnell, was born in Berwick-upon- 
Tweed, and was a graduate of the university of 
Edinburgh, where a warm friendship had been 
formed between him and the eldest son of the Duke 
of Hamilton. The two young men traveled to- 
gether for three years over F^urope, the Holy Land 
and Egypt, Mr. McConnell acting in the capacity 
of tutor and companion. He accompanied young 
Hamilton to the Bermuda Islands as Secretary, 
when the nobleman was appointed Governor, and 
remained with him several years, until failing 
health obliged him to resign his position. Mr. Mc- 
Connell then went to New York, and remaining in 
the United States became the founder of this 
branch of the family. In Bedford, Westchester 
County, N. Y., he married Martha Seeley, daugh- 
ter of Jonathan and Electa Seeley. 

A few years after the birth of our subject, his 
parents removed to Vienna, now called McConnells- 
ville, in the same county in which the lad was born. 
He received his academic education in Cazenovia, 
and at the age of eighteen years entered the dry- 
goods titore of Mudge & Doty, in Rome, for the 
purpose of thoroughly acquainting himself with the 
mercantile business. Two years later his father es- 
i tablished him in the dry-goods trade in McCon, 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



nellsville, where lie remained three years. He then 
came West, and in September, 1836, opened a dry- 
goods store in Pontiac, which continued under his 
name and supervision — except during the inter- 
ims occasioned by two fires which necessitated a 
removal and rebuilding, until the year 1869. The 
proprietor then retired from business in favor of 
his sons H. P. and W. C, the former of whom 
eventually became the sole proprietor of the estab- 
lishment, and still enjoys the heritage of his father. 

In July, 1836, Mr. McConnell was married to 
Miss Cleantha B. Parke, eldest daughter of the late 
Capt. Ilervey Parke, of Pontiac, one of the earliest 
Michigan pioneers, a Government Surveyor, and a 
highly esteemed and widely known citizen. Mr. 
McConnell died April 13, 1885. His widow and 
four children survive him: Hervey Parke, of Pon- 
tiac; Willard C, of Adrian; Ada C, now Mrs. H. 
C. Wisner, of Detroit; and Florence L., now Mrs. 
W. H. Butts, of Orchard Lake. His second son, 
Joseph, laid down his life for the Union, dying in 
the hospital near Murfreesboro, Tenn., January 14, 
18S3, of wounds received in the battle of Stone 
River. He was First Lieutenant in the Eighteenth 
United States Infantry. 

From his earliest residence in Pontiac Mr. Mc- 
Connell was zealous for its interest and that of the 
county, and sought to bestow a legacy upon the 
community that should reach into the future and 
prove a blessing to the generations that should 
come after him. He was a man of noble and gen- 
erous impulses, and comprehensive views, his hos- 
pitality was unbounded, and his purse ever open to 
the deserving poor. In 1842 he united with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and from that time he 
labored, planned and sacrificed for its prosperity. 
In him the minister found a true friend, and in the 
early da^s of the church in Michigan his home was 
regarded .is a welcome retreat by the poorly-paid, 
way-worn itinerant, who was warmly welcomed and 
sent on his way rejoicing. 

Mr. McConnell was Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school for twenty-five years, and several times 
was a lay delegate to the annual conference. In 
his early life he was a Democrat, but being un- 
compromisingly opposed to the further extension 
of slaverv, he was soon identitied with the Free- 




Soilers, and later was among the very first in the 
organization of the Republican party, and one of 
its stanchest supporters. In 1867 he was elected 
delegate to the convention to revise the State Con- 
stitution, and at the meeting he was thoughtful for 
the people's good, and broad in his outreaching 
over the State. 

' ^^' 

HARLES M. RAYNALE. M. D. It is not 

altogether a knowledge of herbs and nos- 
trums that brings success to the physician. 
In order to attain true eminence he must possess 
the sjjirit of ))atient research into the intricacies of 
the human form,aiid kindly sympathies which will 
give to those who have called him in counsel, con- 
fidence in his humanitj' as well as his skill. The 
career of Dr. Raynale, one of the leading practi- 
tioners of this county, has been creditable in the 
extreme, both personally- and as a. physician. He 
commands an extensive practice, stands high in 
social and financial circles, and is one of the best 
know and most highly respected citizens of Birm- 
ingham. A man of fine attainments intellectually, 
with broad and liberal views, he in addition to his 
habit of thought and observation, has fortified his 
mind with a store of useful knowledge, not only in 
connection with his jirofession but concerning mat- 
ters and things generallj-. 

The parents of our subject were Dr. EbenezerX/ 
and ¥Aiza. (Cassedy) Raynale. His father was/ 
born in Ilartland, AVindsor County, Vt., October 
12, 1804, and acquired a fair education in his 
youth. Early in life he began the study of iiicdi- 
eine, reading in Niagara County, N. Y., and at 
Springfield, Pa., and in 1828 received the degree 
of Doctor of Medicine. Shortly afterward he 
came West and located at Franklin, this county, 
practicing medicine two years, then returning cast 
married in 1830, Miss Eliza Cassedy, bringing his 
young bride to his Western home, hut ere long 
removed to a faim in Bloomfield Township. He 
still gave all his time to his profession, and until 
within a few j'ears of his death, which occurred 
when he was ripe in years, he was constantlj* and 
successfully engaged. His professional ability was 



PORTKAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



277 



unquestioned, and for many years he stood in the 
foremost ranks of the physicians of the county. 
He was liberal to a fault, and would often deprive 
himself of comforts in order to help the poor. No 
one ever called for his services in vain and no 
weather prevented his attending a patient. On 
one occasion he went several miles into the eoun- 
tr}^ to see a sick lady who was very poor. On his 
return he was lost in a snow storm and traveled 
over sixty miles, being out all day and night, yet 
his bill was only S3. 

In 1839 Dr. Ebenezer Raynale removed to Bir- 
mingliam, which was then in its infancy, and here 
he remained until his death, March 24, 1881. He 
was one of the men of the early days who were 
always willing to lend a holpinj; liand to enter- 
prises calculated to upbuild and better the com- 
munit}'. He was not only favorably known in liis 
own county, but his reputation as a politician and 
statesman extended over the State. lu 1835 he 
was chosen one of the delegates to assist in framing 
tlie first constitution and the fall of the following 
year was elected to the first State Senate. While 
in the active discharge of his duties in Detroit he 
was taken violently ill, and his brother senators 
l)rovided a covered wagon and placed him on a 
bed therein, sending him home as they supposed 
to die. But he recovered and outlived them all, 
being tlie last survivor of the first State Senate. 
He was a stanch Jeffersonian Democrat, and was 
intimately associated with Gen. Cass and Hon. 
Stephen T. Mason. His death left but two living 
who were members of the first Territorial Conven- 
tion of Michigan — Dr. .Joseph Howell and John J. 
Adams, of St. Joseph County. Dr. Raynale assisted 
in forming the first Stale Medical Association of 
Michigan. He was a member of ilie Masonic fra- 
ternit}' and always exhibited a keen interest in the 
order. A gentleman of the highest type, beloved 
by all wlio knew him, his deatii cast a gloom over 
the entire coramunit3% and it is doubtful whether 
the count}' ever had or will have a citizen whose 
name will live longer than that of Dr. Raynale. 

The wife of tliis gentleman and mother of our 
«ubject, was born in Springville, Pa., October 30, 
1805. She was a lady of marked intellect and was 
alwajs found drawing around herself and family 



the best social influences, such as are calculated to 
upbuild the moral and religious elements. Were 
this record to fail to perpetuate her good name in 
connection with her husband's, it would fail in one 
of its chief purposes — lliat of recording lives 
worthy of emulation. Mr. and Mrs. Raynale had 
five children, one of whom died in infancy. The 
parents lived to see the others take their places as 
good and useful citizens. The eldest of the family 
was Harriet E., now deceased, who was the wife of 
Ezra R. King, of Pontiac; the second was Spencer 
B., a bright young attorney, who is now dead; the 
third is Mary E., now the wife of George A. Pat- 
terson, of Detroit; the youngest is Charles M., the 
subject of this biographical sketch. 

The birthplace of Dr. C. M. Raynale was Bir- 
mingham and the date of the interesting event 
December 29, 1846. He grew up in his native 
place and his boyish days did not differ materially 
from those of others in the locality. He was 
trained to habits of industry and usefulness and 
the sentiments of honor which have followed him 
through life. His first studies were pursued in the 
schools of Birmingham, and later he attended 
school atCorunna for a time and then began read- 
ing medicine with his father. He subsequently' 
entered the Lake Forest University' at Cleveland, 
Ohio, and took one course of lectures; and next 
entered the Detroit Medical College, from which 
institution he was graduated in the spring of 1869. 

The young physician at once located in Birming- 
ham and began the practice to which he has given 
his time and thought, he having taken his father's 
place in the profession and enjoying a large and 
lucrative practice. Following in the footsteps of 
his honored father he is politically a decided Dem- 
ocrat, but he has taken no more interest in politics 
than is expected of every good citizen. He has 
taken a Chapter degree in Masonry and stands high 
in fraternal circles. As has been intimated, he is 
a man of thought and intelligence, well read and 
a good conversationalist, while iiis high moral 
principles and courtesy have given him the position 
in which he stands among his fellow-raen. Finan- 
cial prosperity has accrued to him and is merited, 
as it is by all of similar character and attainments. 

The presiding genius of Dr. Uaynale's home is 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the lady who became his wife December 25, 1873. 
She was at that time living in Birmingham, but her 
birtliplace was Danville, Pa., and her maiden name 
Hannah M. Bodine. She is a daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Hefley) Bodine, to whose sketch 
the reader is referred for the history of her ances- 
tors. She is one of those noble women whose gen- 
erous sympathies, gentle wisdom and loveableness 
endear them to the hearts of all who become 
familiar with their good qualities, and who are 
respected by even their casual acquaintances. She 
has in all respects been the assistant of her hus- 
band, taking pride in his success and in sustaining 
the reputation and standing of the family. Dr. 
and Mrs. Raynale have had one son born to them, 
George P., whose natal d.iy was Ma^' 31, 1880. 



EV. SYLVESTER CALKINS, who is now 
engaged as a florist and market gardener in 
iii 'A\ Lyon Township, can look back over a long 
\^ and useful life, including a quarter of a 
century of earnest, zealous labor for the cause of 
Christianity. For that length of time he was en- 
gaged in the Christian ministrj', and from 1857 to 
1861 he was Presiding Elder of the Romeo Dis- 
trict. Too energetic to be idle, Mr. Calkins is now, 
in his declining years, carrying on the largest green- 
houses in the State, with the exception of those at 
Detroit. He has over half an acre under glass and 
his regular sales of plants extend over an area from 
Ionia to Plymouth, and from Romeo to Jackson, 
while his occasional sales cause the shipping of the 
products of his garden as far away as Colorado. 

The immediate progenitors of the Rev. Mr. Calk- 
ins were Eleazer E. and Anna (Blood) Calkins, na- 
tives of New York and Massachusetts. The father 
was born in 1797, and the mother in 1798, and 
their marriage occurred in 1818. In 1832 they 
came to this State, and coming direct to Lyon 
Township, they located on land included on sec- 
tions 21 and 27. Mr. Calkins bought one hundred 
and sixty acres from the Government, and subse- 
quently added forty acres adjoining. He died there 
in 1867. His attention had been divided between 



farming and work at the trade of a carpenter, in 
which he was well skilled. Mrs. Calkins was a 
daughter of Israel and Sarah (Upton) Blood, of the 
Bay State, and both family names are well known 
in the East. She was the mother of one daughter 
and three sons, of whom our subject was the first- 
born. 

The Rev. Mr. Calkins was burn in Monroe 
County, N. Y., in 1819, and landed in Detroit the 
day he was thirteen ^-ears old, October IG, 1832. 
His early advantages did not differ materially from 
those of other boys who lived in rural districts, but 
he had sufHcient love for learning and determina- 
tion of character to make good use of his oppor- 
tunities, and become practicall}' well-informed. He 
worked with and for his father until he was of age, 
soon after which he bought eighty acres of wild 
land and began to clear up a farm. For seven win- 
ters he taught a school, spending the intervening 
months in developing his propert3-. He then be- 
gan his work in the ministry, and the first 3ear was 
in Mason, Ingham County. He has been engaged 
to some extent in the trades and mercantile pur- 
suits, having at one time carried on a wagon and 
blacksmith shop, and at other periods managed a 
hardware store and a drug-store. 

In Maj', 1849, Mr. Calkins was married to Jliss 
Harriet A., daughter of Israel and Julia A. (Par- 
son) Arms. She was the eldest of five daughters 
and three sons born to her parents, and was her 
mother's close companion and assistant. She was 
carefully reared, with all the knowledge of house- 
wifely arts which is characteristic of the natives of 
the New England States, and grew to womanhood 
with a fine character and much general intelligence. 
Mr. and Sirs. Calkins are childless, but they have 
reared several children, and given them good edu- 
cations. One of those to whom the}' acted the 
part of father and mother, is now in Paris, France. 

The first Presidential vote cast b\- Mr. Calkins, 
was for the opponent of William Henry Harrison, 
and tlie last one he has deposited prior to this dale 
(1891), was for Gen. Fisk. He has been a Good 
Templar and Mason, but is now a demitted mem- 
ber of the last order. During the war he was con- 
nected with the Union League. His neighbors and 
fellow-citizens have considered him worthy of their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



279 



suffrages for responsible local positions, and he has 
been Township Clerk, Justice of the Peace and 
School Inspector. The good he accomplished while 
working in the ministry, cannot be estimated until 
time shall be no more, as it is a constantly widen- 
ing circle. Sufficient is known, however, of his life 
and character to stamp him as one worthy of re- 
spect and deep friendship. Having first visited 
Detroit when its population was about four thou- 
sand, and Woodbridge Street was the onl3- one of 
any consequence, he has a good fund of early re- 
collections from which to draw entertainment. He 
remembers being all daj' traveling nine and a half 
miles from that city, and three days in reaching 
Lyon Township. He has furnished a very inter- 
esting series of pioneer sketches for the local pa- 
pers. 



-S^^* 



,,.. NGUS McCALLUM. Many beautiful farms 
^/yl will be seen by the traveler through West 
1) Bloomfield Township, but none more at- 
tractive than that of Mr. McCallum, on 
section 9. It consists of one hundred and fifty 
acres of land which is carefully and intelligently 
tilled and systematically managed. The land is at 
the west end of Orchard Lake, from the waters of 
which the residence is but thirty or forty rods dis- 
tant. The dwelling is a two-story frame, comfort- 
able and home-like in appearance and giving evi- 
dence of the presence of an orderly and refined 
woman within. The grounds in front of the house 
are adorned with evergreens that are kept well 
trimmed and form beautiful vistas through which 
to gaze upon the clear waters of the lake. Among 
the farm buildings are two large barns and such 
granaries and sheds as the extent of the work car- 
ried on makes convenient. 

As the patronymic indicates Mr. McCallum is of 
Scotch blood and his birthplace was Paisley, Scot- 
land, where he opened his eyes to the light Septem- 
ber 20, 1847. He was the first child born of the 
union of Archibald and Mary (Taylor) McCallum, 
the other members of the family circle being Mar- 
garet, Peter and Archie (twins) and Mary. Arch- 
ibald McCallum had been previously married and 



by his first wife, whose maiden name was Robert- 
son, he had three children — Elizabeth, John and 
Ellen. The parents emigrated in 1850, and in July, 
shortly after their arrival on American shores, were 
settled on the farm which the son now occupies. 
There they s|3ent the remnant of their days. 

The father was a tanner by trade and followed 
ihat occupation in his native land, and for nine 
years after his emigration he operated a tannery in 
Pontiac. From that time he devoted himself en- 
tirely to agriculture. He purchased seventy-nine 
acres of land in 1850 and in 1864 bought eighty 
acres more. He died well off. He had an excel- 
lent education, was a man of wide reading and 
information and was an earnest, working member 
of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a mem- 
ber of the same religious body and she too was 
active in the work carried on by the same. Mr. 
McCallum took little interest in politics except to 
keep posted regarding the issues of the day and 
vote the Republican ticket. 

Angus McCallum was but three years old when 
his parents came to this State and his life thus far 
has been spent on the farm he now owns. After 
the death of his parents he bought out the interest 
of the other heirs and retained the homestead in 
which ho had a share. Naturally deeply interested 
in matters pertaining to the welfare of agricult- 
uralists, he is a member of the Patrons of Industry. 
He has held the offices of Township Clerk and Treas- 
urer and always votes the Republican ticket. He 
was married April 16, 1873, to Miss Lucy Crick- 
more, a native of West Bloomfield Township, and 
daughter of Robert and Mary (Neat) Crickmore. 
Their marriage has been blest by the birth of one 
daughter, Mildred E. The McCallums have good 
standing in society and have many warm friends. 



-*^- 



^_^ IRAM CURTIS was born in Addison 
]j) Township, on the farm where he now re- 




sides, November 5, 1848. His father, Zimri 
Curtis, was a Vermonter, who came to Mich- 
igan at an earlj- day and was one of the first to en- 
ter land in this township. Here in the days when 



\ 



280 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the country was full of game anri Indians, he built 
a log house and cleared and improved his land. 
His death occurred in 1873 when he was sixty-five 
years old. His wife was Amanda Lock wood of 
New York. She survived her husband nine years 
and died in her seventy-first year. 

Seven children were given to Zimri and Amanda 
Curtis, all but one of whom are still living. Mr. 
Curtis was liorn in the log house which his father 
built and attended school in the log schoolhouse. 
He began life for himself about the year 1870, and 
at that time undertook the management of the old 
homestead upon which he still lives. Shortly after 
his father's death he bought tho property from the 
other heirs. His marriage took place in 1872, his 
wife being Aluiira Burns, a native of Addison 
township and a daughter of Alanson and Julia 
Burns. 

Tiiree children have been sent to cluster about 
the hearthstone of our subject. They are by name, 
Maude, Zimri and Blanche. The parents of these 
children, with true benevolence have added to their 
household an adopted daughter. Alvira by name. 
The political preferences of Mr. Curtis are em- 
bodied in the platform of the Democratic party. 
He, however, has taken only a quiet part in polit- 
ical movemeuts, being satisfied with casting his bal- 
lot on election day for the men and the measures 
which he esteems best. His two hundred acres of 
fine land are in an excellent state of cultivation 
and a credit to the farmer who owns them. 



RASTUS AVOODRUFF, a prosperous and 

E progressive farmer of Novi Township, is a 
son of John Woodruff, who was a farmer 
and soldier in the "War of 1812, and whose native 
home was Canandaigua, N. Y. He removed to Mon- 
roe Count}', the same State, in 1808 and remained 
there till 182S. His father, Charles, was an Eng- 
lishman who came to America and settled in Con- 
necticut upon a farm before the Revolutionary 
War, in which he served as a Dragoon, and bore 
to his grave a slight wound received in that 
contlict. The mother of our subject, Polly (Sage) 



Woodruff, was born near the Susquehanna River 
in Pennsylvania. She was of Welsh descent and 
her father also was one of the Revolutionary hereos. 

The parents of our subject were united in mar- 
riage in New York and resided there in various 
localities until 1834, when they came to Michigan 
and made their home in West Bloomfield Town- 
ship, on an unbroken farm for which they obtained 
a Government patent signed by Andrew Jackson. 
Here they had to cut their own wa}- through the 
woods and clear a spot to erect the log house in 
which to establish their happj' home. They lived 
on this place until 1843, when they removed to 
Ionia County, and made their home again in a 
shantj' on a new farm in Orange Township. Mr. 
Woodruff was fatally injured while felling trees 
and died June 1844. His wife followed him to the 
grave two years later. Of their seven children two 
only are living. 

The birth of Mr. Woodruff took place January 
20, 1820, in Monroe County, N. Y. He was 
thirteen 3'ears old when he came to the West and 
enjoyed greatly the pioneer life, intercourse with 
the Indians and adventures with wild animals. 
There was no school near him for several years and 
he received but little school education. He had 
command of his own time after he was nineteen 
years old and although empty handed anil without 
means he went to work in good earnest. For six 
years he served Jacob Hosner, at *12 per month. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Melinda 
Bullock, was solemnized b}- Elder Eri Prince, 
October 22, 1843. This lady is a daughter of 
Amos M. and Sallie (Allen) Bullock, both Now 
Yorkers who came to Michigan in 1836 and made 
their home in West Bloomfield Township. Here 
they took up thirty-six acres of land from the 
Government and for 3-ears lived in a log house 
with one window and no chininej'. Thej' were 
the i)arents of seven children three of whom are 
now living. Mr. Bullock died in 1851 and his 
good wife survived him until 1873. 

Mrs. Woodruff was by birth a New Yorker and 
her natal day was January 10, 1823. She received 
an excellent district school education which she 
improved to such an extent as to become a teacher 
after she came West, and received the munificient 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



281 



salary of $1 a week. This young wedded couple 
settled on the farm owned by .John Woodruff and 
remained there for three years. They then removed 
to a new farm in Orange Township, Ionia County'. 
Here again on a new farm they built a log house 
and cleared away the timber. After fifteen months 
they returned to West Bloom Held Township, and 
undertook the same work. After clearing thirty 
acres they exchanged it for land in Clinton County, 
but never removed there. 

It is now thirty-eight years since Mr. Woodruff 
came to Novi Township, and made his home on 
sixty-five acres of raw land. He afterwards added 
to his farm till he now has one hundred and twenty- 
six acres, twenty acres of which he cleared himself. 
Six years ago, he erected the neat residence which 
now takes the place of the little log shanty which 
was their first home on this land. The new house cost 
over |il,200 besides the labor Mr. Woodruff placed 
upon it. He is actively carrying on the farm him- 
self and with his noble and faithful companion has 
gained unaided the fine propert}' which they now 
possess. Five of their seven children live to cheer 
the hearts of their parents. 

The eldest son of the family, George O., is a 
husband and the father of one child. He was a 
soldier in the Tenth Michigan Cavalry and served 
his country for more than two years. He now lives 
on the Pacific Coast. John A., married Elizabeth 
Sagur and lives in Kansas. Jane A., Mrs. Hugh 
Porter, lives in Mecosta County and is the mother 
of ffve children. Lester and his wife, wliose 
maiden name was Sarah Taylor, live in this town- 
ship; they have one child. Libbie the wife of 
Jewett Randall, is the mother of two cliildren and 
makes her home in Farmington Township. One 
son Henry C, was a member of Company C, Fiist 
Michigan Cavalry. He enlisted in 1861, and 
served until his capture by the enemy at Fairfield 
Gai), Md. He was taken to Belle Isle and thence 
to Andersonville Prison and died from exposure 
and privations the day after his term of service of 
three years iiad expired. His death took place 
August 23, 186-1 and his remains are still in South- 
ern soil. 

Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff are members of tiie 
Baptist Church at Walled Lake in wliich he is a 



Deacon and where they find a broad field of 
Christian activity. He was a member of the local 
sciiool board and has also acted as Road Overseer. 
In politics he is an out and out Republican. He 
lias always been a man of strictly temperate habits 
and they are both j-et in the harness and doing 
elficient work in every department of life. 



ARRISON BALDWIN, of Oxford.was born 
in Cayuga County, N. Y., February 16, 
1825. He is a son of James and Hannah 
(Cushing) Baldwin, natives of Connecticut 
and Vermont, respectively. .Tames was but a year 
and a half old when his father, Josiah by name, 
removed to New York. This child grew up to be 
active and strong, and was a wagon-maker or 
wheelwright as the trade was then called. He 
moved to Ohio near Oberlin in 1834, and in 1836 
came to Michigan, locating in Oakland County. 
Here he followed the same business until his death 
August 26, 1857. His wife followed him to the 
grave November 6, 1860. To them were born 
seven children: Alvira, widow of Horatio Fuller 
of Grand Rapids; Martha, widow of Porter J. Lau- 
rence, at AVinnebago, III.; Alvin, who resides at 
]\It. Vernon, Mich.; Eunice, deceased ; Harrison ; 
Julia, widow of Joseph Burwcll, of Madison, Wis., 
and Sarah, wife of William Bland, at Flushing, 
Mich. 

Harrison was eleven years old when his parents 
came to this county, so that he has witnessed the 
growth and development of Michigan, and has seen 
the change from forest to city. He commenced to 
learn the trade of a car[)cnter and joiner at seven- 
teen years of age. A brother had followed this 
trade and encouraged him to take it up, which he 
did and worked at it for fifteen years. 

In 1849 young Baldwin came to Oxford, and 
pursued his trade. In 1861 he became the funeral 
director for this section of country, and combined 
with it the furniture trade, which he sold out in 
1887, so that he is now exclusively engaged in un- 
dertaking. He has taken charge of over two thou- 
sand funerals since he went into this line of work. 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He keeps two hearses and a funeral car, and is far 
better equipped for the business than many under- 
takers in larger cities. 

Our subject cliose as his life companion, Martha 
Langworth}', a native of New York. Their mar- 
riage took place October 9, 1866. Three children 
have been granted to them, namely, Arthur D. and 
Judson C, who are both with their father in busi- 
ness, and Ina May. The mother of tliese children 
was called awaj- b}- death February 16, 1887. Mr. 
Baldwin Is a member of the Masonic order. He 
is an active and earnest member of the Baptist 
Church with which he has been connected for for- 
ty-nine years. He has also been Trustee in the 
local Church. He is Democratic in politics and 
has served faithfully when raised bj- his fellow-citi- 
zens to positions of trust. He was Alderman the 
first two years after the incorporation of the vil- 
lage and has been Treasurer three 3-ears and Clerk 
three years. Our subject is now President of the 
Board of Undertakers and General Manager of 
that body. 



'-^^ 



E^M- 




liALDING L. HELIKER, a resident of sec- 
iig-c. tion 14, Farmington Township, was born 

in Jasper Township, Steuben County, N. 

Y., June 1, 1827. His father, Benjamin, 
was a native of Dutchess County, where he fol- 
lowed the blacksmith's trade until the age of fort^' 
years, after which he engaged in farming both in 
New York and Farmington Township, this county, 
to which he came in 1 836, and where he resided 
until his death. His wife, Betsey E. Coonley, was 
a native of the same county with her husband and 
came with him to Michigan where she also passed 
away. Of their cliildren, nine grew to manhood 
and womanhood, and all are now living hut two. 
Balding was a little lad of nine years when he 
came with his parents to the new home in the AVest 
and he remained with them until their deatli. In 
1848 he married Rosamond .Spencer, a native of 
Farmington Township and a daughter df Merlin 
and Beulah (Power) Spencer; they were natives of 
Vermont and New York respectively, and arc 



deceased. Their six children all have grown to 
man's and woman's estate. They are named. Mer- 
lin, who resides near the home; Beulah, Mrs. Frank 
Culver, of Farmington Township; Alice, who died 
when twenty-one years old; Edgar, lives one mile 
north of the home place; Electa, who married 
Henry West, and died at the age of twenty-six 
years, and Charles resides at home 

Mr. Heliker was twentj--eight 3'ears old when he 
located on the fine tract of land where he now re- 
sides. He now has four hundred and two acres in 
the count}', upon all of which he has made great 
improvements. He also has three excellent dwell- 
ing houses, three good barns and other farm build- 
ings, and he and his sons are doing a general farm- 
ing business. For manj- years he ran a threshing 
machine in Oakland County, as did his father be- 
fore him and his sons have taken up that line of 
work. He and his brother and father have cleared 
many and manj' an acre of land in Farmington 
Township. He is a Republican in his political 
views but never cared to meddle with politics. 
This was well understood by his neighbors, who 
nevertheless at one time earnestlj' solicited him to 
take the office of Justice of the Peace, but he stead- 
fastly declined. He is a man who is higiily hon- 
ored and respected by all who know him. and his 
family arc among the best known and best liked in 
that part of the county. Thej"^ have in their pos- 
session a family relic, a clock that was his grand- 
father's, and is known to have belonged to the fam- 
ily for over one hundred years. 



#-^ 



-V-- 




(I ICHAEL MANEY, deceased, a former resi- 
dent of Royal Oak Township, was born in 
County Tipperary. Ireland, about 1810, 
and came to America when a boy and 
spent several jxars in Pennsylvania and New York. 
In 1830 he was married (o Mary Danahe, whose 
parents were natives of Ireland and died there 
when she was qnite 3'oung. She was the only 
daughter in a family of three, and came to this 
country with her older !)rother, Richard. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maney came to Oakland County 






-^ ^ y ^/ 

^r^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



285 



about the year 1832, and bought eight}' acres of 
land from a Mr. Stewart who had cleared about 
five acres of it. Here they made their home and 
brought up their eight children, whose names are 
as follows: Joanne, Richard, and James, deceased ; 
Rlargaret, Mary Ann; Michael and Thomas de- 
ce.ased, and Ellen. 

Joanne was the wife of Herman Bartels, and re- 
sided in Macomb County, Mich. Both she and lier 
little child, Herman, lie bj' the side of her parents 
in the cemetery at Detroit. Ellen is the widow of 
Thomas Handley, and lived on the old homestead. 
She is the mother of four children. Margaret was 
married in 1870 to Daniel Dunn, and is the mother 
of three children, two of whom died in infancy. 
She resides in Troy Township; Margaret and Mary 
Ann, own about two hundred and sixty-five 
acres of land in Royal Oak Township, and they 
make their home upon a portion of it on section 1, 
where they carr}' on general farming. They built 
the house where the}' now live and a new barn for 
cattle, of which tiie}' have twenty head. They are 
efficient and energetic farmers, and are highly re- 
spected in the community. They are devoted 
members of the Roman Catholic Church. 

The subject of this sketch was a Democrat and 
c.ist his first vote for Andrew Jackson. Both he 
and his faithful wife were members of the Catho- 
lic Church. He departed this life on C'liristmas 
Day, 1871, and his wife passed away June 14, 
1884. The}' lie side by side in the Mount Elliott 
Cemetery, at Detroit. 



^^ APT. HERVEY PARKE, whose portrait is 
(li n P'"''*^"''''' o" l-l'® opposite page, was born 
^^'' in Middle Iladdam, Conn., April 14,1790. 
His father, John I'arke, was a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary War, entering the army in 1776, at the 
age of sixteen years, and serving until tlie close of 
the war. He was Sergeant of the guard attending 
the execution of Maj. Andre and often related to 
his son the circumstances of that tragic event; 
also the memorable word* he heard from the lii)s 
of the young officer when he first saw the gallows, 



"I am satisfied to die, but not with the mode." 
Soon after the war was ended he marrried Bethiah 
Smith, also of Middle Haddam, and who, like him- 
self, waas descended from English ancestors. He 
was commissioned Major by Gov. Trumbull, and 
was for many years owner and captain of a sail- 
ing-vessel, engaged in the coasting trade and mak- 
ing an occasional visit to the West Indies. 

Having frequently accompanied his father on 
his voyages, young Hervey learned to love the sea 
and desired to study navigation, which his father 
opposed, and insisted upon his learning surveying. 
Concluding his studies at the age of nineteen, he 
went to what was then considered the West, and 
walking the entire distance, as was the custom of 
the times, located in Camden, Oneida County. 
N. Y. A few years later he married Mercy Bron- 
son, recentl}' from Connecticut, purchased a farm 
and engaged in school teaching during the winter 
seasons. We learn from his written reminiscences, 
read before the Oakland County Pioneer Society 
February 27, 1874, that in February, 1821, while 
returning from his school one evening he suddenly 
resolved that he would go to Michigan. He had 
learned from a New York City paper that there 
was prospective land surveying in that young Ter- 
ritory, and for hini to decide was to act. 

Although his starting out to an unknown land 
was opposed by his friends, and only his wife, a 
woman of great energy of character, approved, he 
immediately commenced preparation by securing 
letters of introduction to Gov. Cass from Gov. 
DcWitt Clinton, Henry R. Schoolcraft, and Judge 
Wright, Chief Engineer of the Erie Canal. On 
March 21, 1821, he started on foot in company 
with Samuel Treat Bryant and John Simonds (the 
first persons to leave Central New York for the Far 
West). During this entire journej' of five hundred 
miles Mr. Parke carried a knapsack of forty-five 
|)Ounds weight, including his surveying instru- 
ments. 

Arriving at Detroit after sixteen days of travel 
through mud and water in Canada, Mr. Parke im- 
mediately made the acquaintance of Gen. Cass, and 
soon proceeded to the little settlement, where now 
stands the village of Birmingham. It was then 
inhabited bj- four families, viz: Elisha Hunter, his 



286 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son, John West Hunter, Elijah Willett and John 
Hamilton. Three-fourths of a mile north, on 
Swan's Plains, now crossed by the Detroit, Grand 
Haven <fe Milwaukee Railroad, lived Dr. Swan, 
and a little distance further on his ':on-in-law, Sld- 
r.ey Dole, who was at the same time Postmaster, 
Justice of the Peace, Registrar of Deeds, and 
County Clerk of Oakland County, the jurisdic- 
tion of which extended as far north as Saginaw. 

At Hunter's Mr. Parke met Horatio Ball, who 
had received a contract for subdividing ten town- 
ships of land between Flint and Cass Rivers, 
covering the ground which is now occupied by 
the city of Flint. Our subject arranged to ac- 
company him as assistant and carry the com- 
pass half the time. Tliere was considerable delay 
in waiting for Joseph Warn pier, who had pre- 
yiously subdivided ranges 10 and 11, in Oak- 
land County, and who was now to run the 
town lines. In the interval the party suffered 
greatly from the want of provisions. On the com- 
pletion of the survey Capt. Parke accompanied 
Mr. Ball to ChiUicothe, Ohio, where he made his 
returns, and on presenting liis letters with an addi- 
tional one from Gov. Cass to the Surveyor-Gen- 
eral, Hon. P>dward Tiffin, he received the assurance 
of work in the near future. The ))urpose of his 
visit to Michigan being accomplished, he returned 
home after an absence of eleven months. 

All preliminaries arranged, ttie morning Ma}- 12, 
1822, was fixed upon for the departure of Capt. 
Parke to his new home, with his family consisting 
of his wife and one child, now Mrs. W. M. Mc- 
Connell. So remarkable an occurrence was the 
removal of this first family to a land so distant 
and comparatively unknown as Michigan, that a 
tearful company of neighbors assembled, and the 
Rev. Henry Smitli, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, ofifered prayer and gave them Ins blessing. 
The Erie Canal was completed to within eighty 
miles of Buffalo, and from this terminus they, 
with their few goods, were conveyed by wagons 
to Buffalo, where they found that the "Superior," 
the only steamer on the lakes, was absent on her 
first trip to Detroit, and the family waited a week 
for her return and next departure. 

The steamer stopped at Sandusky-, and there 



Capt. Parke first met Judge Burt, one of the early 
Blichigan surve3-ors and inventor of the solar com- 
pass. This was the commencement of a lifelong 
friendship. From Detroit the family proceeded to 
J. W. Hunter's, whose hospitable kindness, together 
with that of his excellent wife, always remained a 
delightful memory. By that gentleman our sub- 
ject was assisted in completing a partially built 
log house, containing one room, which the family 
occupied for nearly two years. In the spring of 
1823 his brother. Dr. Ezra S. Parke, having re- 
cently completed his medical studies, arrived with 
his wife and infant daughter, and the little settle- 
ment of Hunter's was then increased to five fam- 
ilies. The Doctor was an earnest, zealous Chris- 
tian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and soon after his arrival commenced holding in 
his own house religious meetings, consisting of 
prayer and Scripture reading, for which the few 
neigiibors assembled on Sunday afternoon. The 
interest was increased bj- the singing of his wife, 
who was remarkable for her rich, pure voice as 
well as for all womanly and Christian graces. 
These are believed to have been the first Protes- 
tant religious services held north of Detroit, with 
the exce|)tion of a sermon by a Methodist minis- 
ter, to which Capt. Parke listened in 1821, in the 
bar-room of the small log tavern kept b^' Elijah 
Willett. 

The services of Dr. and Mrs. Parke in those 
early days should receive a more extended men- 
tion than this limited space will permit. As in 
other new countries, the upturning by the plough 
and exposure to the sunshine of the rich soil, to- 
gether with the building of mill-dams, originated 
malarial fevers of a distressing and malignant na- 
ture; and while the kind, conscientious physician 
spent his days and often nights in ministering to the 
sick, often traveling long distances, supplying the 
necessary medicines, for which and for his per- 
sonal services, compensation was tlie exception 
rather than the rule, his wife watched by the 
bedside of the afflicted ones, closed the eyes of 
the dying, and with an innate tenderness, inten- 
sified 1)3' the love of the Master, comforted the 
hearts of the bereaved and suffering ones. She 
literally went about doing good, and her memory 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



287 



is green in the hearts of tlie few that remain, who 
will never cease to call her blessed. 

In the fall of 1823 Capt. Parke bought of Mr. 
Shubad Conant the southeast quarter of section 33, 
Pontiac Township, paying therefor 13 per acre. 
To this latter he added forty-seven acres. In Maj-, 
1824, he built a log house, which his family occu- 
pied until 1832, when he built the house near the 
toll gate on the Detroit road, which is still stand- 
ing, and the farm is occupied by D. M. Ferry as a 
seed farm. This was located about one mile south 
of the village of Pontiac, which at that time con- 
sisted of about a dozen frame and a_ few log 
bouses. Capt. Parke's first contract for surveying 
was in the winter of 1822, in township 4 north, 
range 1 1 east, and he commenced work seven 
miles south of Fenton. His second contract was in 
the vicinity of Adrian, while his later work ex- 
tended over different portions of Michigan, Wis- 
consin and Iowa. He ran all the town and most 
of the subdivision lines from Lake Huron to Sagi- 
naw Bay on the West and from Black River to 
Point aux Barques on the north. Nearly three 
winters were spent here. Messrs. Thomas & Chris- 
tian from Ohio had contracts, but after two weeks 
abandoned their work and reported at the Sur- 
veyor-General's office, declaring the country un- 
inhabitable and refusing to return. 

Capt. Parke, who was never known to turn back 
from «ny enterprise once commenced, remained 
and completed their work ag well as his own. The 
country was almost entirely low land, covered in 
the spring with water from melted snows, while 
dense cedar swamps abounded. For six or eight 
weeks in the spring the lands in the ricinity of the 
heads of Cass and Black Rivers were under water 
from knee to waist deep in many places, and the 
surveyors were obliged, while extending range and 
township lines, to carry their own blankets and 
provisions. At night thej' were fortunate if they 
could keep dry on their beds, made of poles piled 
high and covered with hemlock boughs. The last 
United States surveying done by Capt. Parke was 
subdividing twelve townships in Iowa, which was 
completed in January, 1838. 

The other United States surveyors residing in 
Michigan at this early date were John Mullet, Lu- 



cius Lyon, Judge Burt, Sylvester Sibley and Ori- 
gen Risdon. Capt. Parke survived them all ex- 
cepting the latter. It may be interesting to many 
persons to learn what constituted the outfit of a 
surveying party sixty years ago. Two French 
ponies, that could live on one pint of corn per 
day with browse from .young green trees and 
shrubs, carried the provisions for six persons from 
the nearest settlement — twenty, sometimes fifty 
miles distant. Their driver, guided only by pocket 
compass and marked trees, drove through the wil- 
derness by day and at night slept by the side of 
some fallen tree, wrapped in his blanket. The cook 
prepared the unchanging meals: for breakfast fried 
salt pork, hot bread — made of wheaten flour, cold 
water, and yellow with saleratus — and strong green 
tea. The "left-OTcr" pork and bread, carried by 
each man in his pocket, constituted the dinner, al- 
ways eaten on the march. Returning late at night, 
frequently walking several miles after concluding 
the day's work, they enjoyed their most delightful 
supper of hot bean soup and bread. There was 
no dyspepsia, and Capt. Parke never knew a case 
of sickness in his party, although the work was al- 
ways done in the coldest weather and the trips 
covered four or five months. 

In 1845 Lucius Lyon, the Michigan surveyor, 
was appointed Surveyor-General, and the ofHce 
removed to Detrroit. Mr. Lj'on had served one 
term as delegate to Congress from Michigan Ter- 
ritory some years previous, and one term after its 
admission as a State.' When not engaged in his 
regular business Capt. Parke attended to his farm 
and was frequently engaged in county surveying. 
He also held for one term the office of Sheriflf, to 
which he was elected about 1832. He was the 
third Sheriff of the county, William Morriss having 
been the first and Schuyler Hodges the second. 
As he was necessarily absent about ever}- winter 
and the business distasteful to him, he appointed 
Orison Allen his Deputy and the latter performed 
nearly all the duties of the office and succeeded 
him at the close of his term of service. 

In politics Mr. Parke had been an old-line 
Whig, but his abhorrence of slavery drew him 
early to the Republican party ,of which he continued 
a most earnest and faithful adherent. Possessins 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



great energy,indomitable perseverance and remark- 
able physical cudurance, he was admirabl}' fitted for 
the hardships incident to the surveyor's life. His 
early training by religious parents in the school 
of New England morality, witiiout any of its as- 
ceticism, doubtless aided in the formation of a 
character and presence in which were combined a 
dignified manner, a most amiable deportment, 
great sweetness of temper, the strictest truthful- 
ness and highest integrity. He was often heard to 
declare that a man's word should be as good as his 
bond under any and all circumstances, and that 
he never kept a person with whom he had made 
an engagement in waiting one minute. 

After the death of his wife, in 18G2. Capt. Parke 
made his home with his son-in-law, WiUard M. Mc- 
Connell until his deatii, wliich occurred October 
3, 1879, in the ninetieth 3'ear of his age. His 
daughter, Mrs. McConnell, and son, John H., sur- 
vive him. The younger daughter, wife of Levi 
Bacon, died in 1854. When seventy-six years of 
age Capt. Parke made a public profession of re- 
ligion and united with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Pontiac. Hopelessly afflicted with par- 
alysis for thirteen years, his intellect was scarcely 
clouded, his patience and faith unwavering; and 
coming to the close of his long and useful life he 
met the inevitable fate with saintly fortitude and 
Christian dignity, leaving to his friends the blessed 
assurance that "all is well." 



-^1= 



^^^^^ 



H. TOMPKINS is senior member of the 

^ firm of Tompkins <fe Williams, dealers in 

y furniture and undertaking supplies, in Pon- 



tiac. Tlie firm carries a heavy stock, having four 
rooms filled with well selected goods. Their en- 
terprise has grown to such an extent as to give 
them ail the work they can conveniently handle, 
and they do the principal part of the undertaking 
in the cit}'. Mr. Tompkins was born in Tomp- 
kins County, N. Y., July 18, 1839, and is the third 
of nine children comprising the family of George 
Washington and Martha (Barger) Tompkins. His 
parents were natives of Dutchess County and were 



of English descent and French extraction. His 
occupation was farming. Soon after their mar- 
riage the parents of our subject settled in Tomp- 
kins County, where the father died in 1876, in the 
seventy-second j-ear of his age, and the mother in 
1883, when seventy-eight years old. 

Our subject attended the district school in his 
native county and com])letcd his more advanced 
studies in Trumansburg Academj'. He remained 
with his parents until he had attained his majority 
and then began farming on bis own account. He 
carried on agricultural work in his native State 
until 1871, then came to Pontiac and for three 
years was a clerk in a haidware store belonging to 
Flower & Pitman. He then formed a partnership 
with Joseph Voorhees, under the style of Voorhees 
& Tompkins for the sale of furniture and under- 
takers' supplies. The firm carried on business 
three years, and Mr. Tompkins then bought his 
partner's interest and continued alone until 1 885, 
when William E. Williams became his partner. 
The firm occupies two stores, 20x100 long, and 
two large warerooms, and their immense stock is 
being constantly depleted and replenished on 
account of a business which is the largest of the 
kinil in this or the adjoining counties. 

Mr. Tompkins was married in November, 1862, 
to Miss Nancy A. Voorhees, daughter of Peter 
Voorhees, one of the early settlers of this county. 
She died in 1875, leaving two children — Mattie C. 
and Mary Grace. The latter lived to be but eleven 
years old, and then joined her mother in the silent 
land. Mattie is the wife of Washington P. Green, 
whose home is in Oakland. In 1877 Mr. Tomp- 
kins contracted a second matrimonial alliance, 
wedding Elizabeth A. Green, daughter of Daniel 
Green, of this count}-. Mrs. Tompkins' parents 
were among the early settlers here and Mrs. Tomp- 
kins is a native of this county. The results of 
this marriage are a son and a daughter, named re- 
spectively Charlie H. and May. 

In politics Mr. Tompkins is a Democrat. He is 
representing the Fourth Ward in the Common 
Council, and was formerly Supervisor from the 
Third Ward. He took an active part in establish- 
ing the electric light S3'stem in Pontiac and is one 
of the stockholders of the company, and was for 



i I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



289 




several years its Secretary and Manager. He and 
bis wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, have 
good standing in tliat religious society and among 
the |)eoi)le in general. Mr. Tompkins is enterpris- 
ing and honorable in his business relations, shows 
himself to be interested in the improvement of the 
city, and bears his part in the social pleasures of 
the intelligent and upright circles. 

AMUEL J. WILLSON. The beautiful home 
of the subject of this sketch attracts the eye 
of the traveler passing along the highway 
on section 16, of Roj'al Oak Township. He 
was born February 24, 1839. His father, James S. 
"Willson was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., in 1799 
and was a graduate of the Lancaster School there. 
His wife, Maria, to whom he was wedded in 1824, 
was a daughter of E. and Gennett (Campbell) Lan- 
sing. She was the fourth child and youngest 
daughter of that household. Her parents were 
both natives of New York and the Lansing family 
was originally from Holland. 

John Willson, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a farmer and a native of New York where he 
was born about 1765. He was a child at the time 
of the Massacre of Cherry Valle}- in 177C. His 
•wife, Ph(L'be Spencer, was of Scottish parentage. 
The great-grandfather, James Willson, was a native 
of Ireland, who came to America between 1750 
and 1760 and was-appointed high Sheriff of Albany- 
County, N. Y., under King George II. Our sub- 
ject's grandfather and grandmother, John and 
Phcebe Willson, were the parents of nine children, 
three sons and six daughters, of whom .lames S. 
was the eldest. This son and his wife, Maria, were 
the parents of eleven children. 

The son, Samuel J., left his home at Cherry Val- 
ley to attend school at WestBeld Academy in 
Chautauqua County, and iu 1860 went to Indiana 
and taught for one term. In the spring of 1861 he 
entered Wabash College, but as the Civil War just 
then broke out the boy dropped his books and 
shouldered his musket. He enlisted for a service 
of three months, April 21, 1861, in Company H, 



Eleventh Indiana Volunteers. This was the cele- 
brated Zouave Regiment which Col. Lew Wallace 
commanded and it was raised in response to Presi- 
dent Lincoln's first call. At the expiration of the 
three months of enlistment, the young man imme- 
diately re-enlisted in the same compan}- and regi- 
ment for a terra of three years, and was com- 
misioned as Second Lieutenant. 

Lieut. Willson was present at Ft. Donelson and 
at Shiloh. He was afterwards detailed to the Sig- 
nal Corps at Paducah, Ky., and in August, 1862, 
he resigned on account of ill health. He re-entered 
the service in November, 1862, as Captain of Com- 
pany K, Fifty-fourth Indiana Volunteers. He was 
present at the battle of Chickasaw Bluff in Decem- 
ber, 1862, and was wounded in the head by a frag- 
ment of shell. In May, 1863, he was present at the 
battle of Magnolia Hill. He took part in the siege 
of Vicksburg and immediately after the fall of that 
fort went with Sherman to Jackson, Miss., and took 
part in the fight with Johnston. He returned to 
Vicksburg, and in August went with McClernand's 
Thirteenth Army Corps to New Orleans. Tliere 
this valiant young Captain was given command of 
a Pioneer Corps of the Ninth Division. Being sent 
to Brazier City, La., he was taken sick and returned 
to New Orleans, where he remained till his dis- 
charge in 1863. Two brothers of our subject also 
fought in the War of the Rebellion — Robert C. and 
Albert W. The latter died from wounds received 
at Chaucellorsville. 

After his discharge Capt. Willson returned to 
Westfield, N. Y. to find the wife whom he had 
chosen. They were married on February 3, 1864. 
The lady was Sarah E., daughter of Daniel and 
Ann G. (Gibson) Shove. Mr. and Mrs. Shove 
were natives of New York, and Daniel was the son 
of Eli and Sarah (Hungerford) Shore. ISIrs. 
Shove's parents were of Irish descent. 

Soon after marriage the young couple went to 
Indiana and made their home near Attica, but did 
not remain there long. Returning to New York 
they made their home there till the fall of 1867 
when they went to Iowa and remained until 1874. 
In that year they came to Michigan and located on 
section 33, Royal Oak Township, on a rented farm 
of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1877 they 



290 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



came to the village of Royal Oak to make their 
home. Mr. Willson served for one j'ear as Town- 
ship Superintendent of Schools and was Inspector 
of Schools for two years. In 1882 he received a 
back pension of $4,400, with which he bought a 
farm of fortj' acres where he now lives. 

The subject of this sketch has served as Justice 
of the Peace for seven years and is now holding 
that office. In 1885 and 1886 he was employed in 
the office of the Secretary of State to assist in com- 
piling the census. He is also a Notary Public. He 
and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and earnest laborers in the Sun- 
day school. Mr. AVillson has been Steward and 
Trustee in the church and has sat as lay delegate 
in the Annual Conference. His politics are embod- 
ied in the platform of the Republican party and he 
delights to say that he cast his first vote for Abra- 
ham Lincoln and his last for Benjamin Harrison. 
He has served as delegate in County, Congress- 
ional, Legislative and State conventions. 

A family of seven children have gathered about 
this worthy couple, they are: Charles G., born Jan- 
uary 26, 1865; John Jay, February 28, 1866; 
Mary, June 28, 1867; Sarah, September 11, 1868; 
Albert W., September 28, 1869; Robert C, No- 
vember 14, 1873; and Anna, August 16, 1875. 
Sarah, Anna and Robert all died when young. 
Mary is the wife of Warren W. Heavener. She 
lives in R'lyal Oak Township and has two children, 
Margaret and Eleanor. Albert W. married Jennie 
Willson, and lives in the village of Royal Oak; 
they have two children. In 1830, Mr. Willson 
was the census taker of this township. He draws 
$24 per month pension which he richly deserves 
for the gallant service he rendered his country in 
her hour of need. 

TEPIIEN COOPER, a prosperous farmer 
and highly respected resident of Royal 
Oak Township, having his farm located 
partly in that township and partly in Soutii- 
field, was born November 29, 1820. at Qiiogue, in 
Suffolk County on Long Island, N. y. His father 




was a farmer and a native of the same place where 
he was born in 1765. His wife, Hannah, was a 
daughter of Enoch and Mehitabel (Post) Jagger. 
They were also natives of Long Island and were 
the parents of five children, of whom Hannah was 
second daughter and third child. 

John and Hannah Cooper were blessed with 
eight children having an equal luimber of sons and 
daughters. Their second son, Stephen, came with 
them to Waj'ne County, Mich., in 1833. John 
Cooper located land in Redford Township, and 
the deeds to his three hundred and twentj- acres 
were signed by Andrew Jackson. He remained 
for fort}' years on this farm and it is still owned 
by his son John. The father was a Deacon in the 
Presbj-terian Church, where both he and his excel- 
lent wife were active and consistent members. 

When Stephen Cooper was a boy in Wayne 
County he lived near the trail of the Shiawassee 
Indians and often saw them as thev passed on their 
way to and from Detroit. He was not much of a 
huntsman from inclination, but was active in 
guarding his sheep and young cattle from the 
wolves and frequently saw large herds of deer .ind 
bears. He started for himself when twent_v-one 
years of age and spent one winter in Long Island. 
The next spring when he returned West his father 
gave him eighty acres of woodland and he began 
the work of clearing the farm. Before he was 
married, nt the age of twenty -six years, he had his 
farm in quite good condition and had built a house 
and barns. His bride was Ann Eliza, daughter of 
Thomas and Mar}' (Crawford) Barcla}-. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barcla}- were New Yorkers and were the 
parents of four sons and one daughter. 

To Stephen and Ann Cooper were given two 
children. Mary B. was born in October, 1852. 
She is the wife of E. C. Poppleton and resides at 
Birmingham. She is the mother of four children, 
all but one of whom arc living. The second 
daughter, H. Jennie, was born in Februar}-, 1866, 
and is now a teacher in one of the high schools at 
Detroit. 

In 1860 Mr. Cooper purchased land in Oakland 
County, securing about ninetyeis^ht acres, one-half 
of which was improved. He rebuilt the house and 
improved all the buildings before moving his fam- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



2!)1 



ily to the new home. He has laid out about five 
miles of drainage tile on the farm. His faithful 
wife was called from him by death, .June 5, 1S76. 
and lies at rest in the Crooks cemetery in Troy 
Township. He has been Supervisor of Royal Oak 
Township for two terms, also Justice of the Peace 
for eight years and has seen three years service as 
Drainage Commissioner of the county. His earli- 
est political afHliations were with the Whig party 
and his first Presidential candidate was ne«ry 
Clay. Later he was a Republican until the elec- 
tion of 1872, when he voted for the Democratic 
candidate and has since cast his presidential ballot 
for the Democratic nominee, while at the State and 
count}' elections he votes for the men rather than 
the politicians. He is a great worker in the church 
and Sunday-school, having been Clerk of the ses- 
sion of the Presbyterian Church where he has been 
an Elder for about thirty years. He is also Super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school and is ever a lib- 
eral contributor to all worthy objects. 




■4-+ 



LAYTON McKENNEY, one of tlie pros- 
perous and energetic farmers of Novi 
Township, was born June 15, 1832, in On- 
tario, Canada. There he received a district school 
education and grew to manhood, learning the 
blacksmith trade and remaining at home until 
after he reached his majority. His father, Alex- 
ander McKennc}', was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
He was born in 17SI3 in Schenectady, N. Y. He 
was a farmer and blacksmith by occupation. His 
wife, Mary (Stringer) RIcKenney, was born in 
Welland Count}-, Ontario, Canada, in 1801. They 
were married in Canada and made that their per- 
manent home. He died in 18()5 and his widow 
still survives at the extreme age of ninety years. 
Seven of their eleven children are still living. The 
parents were both members of the Church of the 
United Brethren. 

The marriage of Mr. McKenney took place Sep- 
tember 19, 187,5. His bride was .Sarah Jane Rent- 
ley, a daughter of Benjamin and Christina (Stringer) 
Bentley. Their daughter Sarah was born April 



20, 1841, in Ontario, Canada. She grew to wom- 
anhood, attending the district school in Oakland 
County, this State, and taking a year's schooling 
at Ypsilanti. She then taught school both in this 
county and in Clinton County. After marriage 
the young couple resided in Canada for a. year and 
a half and then coming to AVest Novi, this county, 
made their home here for six years. He followed 
blacksmithing for that period of time and then re- 
moved to the farm where he now resides. He has 
two hundred and fifteen acres of fine land in an 
excellent state of cultivation. 

Nine years ago Mr. McKenney built the hand- 
some residence where he now lives, at a cost of 
$2,500. He also built an excellent blacksmith 
shop and built and repaired a tenant house. One 
child was sent to bless this union, Gertrude Ellen, 
who was born July 12, 1866. She is now the wife 
of John Erwin and resides in Commerce Township. 
She h.as one child, Christina. Mr. and Mrs. 
McKenney are both active and eflicient members 
of the Methodist E^piscopal Churcii at Walled Lake 
and he is Steward and Trustee in the same. The 
daughter has been a student at the Normal school 
at Fenton and has taught school in this county. 
Our subject takes deep interest in politics and also 
in every movement to promote temperance in the 
community. His political views are expressed in 
the platform of the Republican party. He has 
filled the office of Road Overseer. He has been 
school director for twelve years and has been fre- 
quently solicited to fill other offices of importance 
in the town, but refused, preferring to give his 
time and attention to home affairs. 

f B. PARKER, a farmer of Royal Oak Town- 
ship, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., 
(& June 8, 1816. His father, William M. 
Parker, was born in North Adams, Mass., 
in 1779, and went to Oneida County, N. Y, in 1793 
where he soon afterward married Miss Lydia Gil- 
bert Bull, daughter of Ashcr Bull, of Connecticut, 
of the Bull family well-known in the Revolutionary 
War. This daughter, Lj'dia, was born in New Hart, 




292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ford, ConD.,in 1 782 and went to New York with her 
parents in 1806. 

William M. and L3-dia Parker were the parents 
of eleven children, eight daughters and three sons, 
of whom our subject is the oldest son and eighth 
child. The family removed to Michigan in 1835 
and in 1839 our subject was married to Harriet N. 
Castle, a daughter of Heman and Naucj- (Wilmarth) 
Castle. Mr. Castle w,as born October 30, 1789, in 
Westford, Vt., and was a carpenter and farmer. 
He was at Plattsburg in the AVar of 1812. His pa- 
rents were David and Sarah (Vickery) Castle. His 
wife was born at Westford, Vt., in 1792 and she 
became the wife of Heraan Castle July 7, 1812 and 
in 1818 they moved to A'ictor, N. Y. The}' were 
the parents of four children, three sons and one 
daughter, the latter being the wife of our subject. 
The Castle famil}' came to Michigan in September, 
1830. 

Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been blessed l)y the 
birth of seven children, all of whom have grown 
to maturity and have taken their places in the work 
of the world. The eldest son R. A. Parker, born in 
1843, is an attorney in Detroit. Julia H., born in 
1845 is the wife of D. E. Wilber of Ypsilanli. 
Lora E., born in 1847, is Mrs. C. Holscrof Pouti.ac. 
Ella S., born in 1851, is the wife of Jolin Benjamin 
of Royal Oak. Will H., born in 1853, is a pul)lic lec- 
turer on mesmerism. Lydia Y. born iu 1857, is 
the wife of H. S. Blodgett of Royal Oak. Jessie F. 
born iu 1861, is the wife of John H. Keist, and 
lives on the farm at home. 

Going back in the history of the Parker familj', 
we find Ezra the grandfather of our subject a far- 
mer in Wallingford, Conn., where he was born in 
1746. He had a Revolutionary experience for he 
went as an Orderly with Arnold to Quebec and 
was with Gen. Stark at Bennington, Yt. and Sara- 
toga. Ezra Parker moved to Royal Oak, Mich, 
with his son AVilliam in 1835 and died there in 1842. 
His wife, Elizabeth Perrj', was born in Massachu- 
setts in 1760, and died at Saugerfield, Oneida Coun- 
ty, N. Y. November 8, 1826. The early educa- 
tion of our subject was obtained in the common 
schools and afterward in an academy at Watcrville, 
N. Y. When he first came to Michigan he came 
to Royal Oak Township, and then spent four years 



in Genesee County, but returned to the old farm in 
Royal Oak. His first vote was for William Henr}' 
Harrison and his last for Benjamin Harrison. He 
now has one hundred and sixt}' acres of well-im- 
proved land. In 1858 he built the house where 
he resides at a cost of S3, 000. During the war he 
was a member of the Union League. He has been 
a Justice of Peace for eight j'ears and has filled the 
oflSces of Road Commissioner and Revisor of the 
Taxes. 



/^, HRISTOPHER FOX. Prominent among 
[l( the citizens of Avon Township, was the 

^^"^ gentleman whose name introduces this brief 
biographical notice and who was known for many 
years as the owner of section 4. Although not one 
of the first pioneers of this count}- he was i<lentified 
with its growth for a long time and his upright 
life won for him the respect of the entire commu- 
nity. He was born iu Northampton Count}', Pa., 
January 4, 1817, and was a blacksmith by trade. 
He was united in marriage with Polly S. Ross, No- 
vember 17, 1838, and removed to Miciiigan in 1860, 
drojjping work at his trade and engaging in farm- 
ing. He was a very successful agriculturist and at 
the time of his death he owned three large farms. 
He was a well-known and highl}-respecte<l citizen 
and when he passed from earth May 1, 1886, he 
was mourned by all who knew him. His wife, who 
was born in Pennsylvania, August 8, 1816, still 
survives and makes her home witli her son. 

Our subject left to each of his three sons — 
James, George and William — a fine farm. James, 
the eldest, now lives on the old homestead first 
owned by his father. He was born iu Northamp- 
ton County, Pa., March 3, 1841, and accompanied 
his parents to this State a few years before he be- 
came of age. He married a Miss Burrows Decem- 
ber 31, 1863, and after a brief wedded life, the 
wife died May 17, 1872, leaving a little daughter, 
Hettie J., then eight years old, but now grown to 
womanhood, and a very amiable and interesting 
young lady. James Fox is a meml)er of the Odd 
Fellows fraternity; the American Order of United 




-!'% 




\. 






PEITER BREWSTER. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



295 



Workmen; tlie Patrons of Industry, and politically 
is a Democrat, takiuuf a lively interest in public 
affairs and is known as a prominent politician. 

George, the second son, lives on a farm adjoining 
that of his brother James. Ilis marriage occurred 
September 4, 1864, when Sabra Burrows became 
his wife, and one child, a daughter — May, was born 
to them. She is now married. Mrs. George Fox 
passed from earth December 1, 1871. William, the 
youngest son of our subject, occupies a farm adja- 
cent to those of his brothers. On February 15, 
1878, he was married to Ettie Dawson, and two 
daughters have been born to them. William is a 
model farmer, deToting considerable attention to 
fruit-growing and stock raising, and his farm bears 
all the improvements to bo seen on a first-class es- 
tate. 

ETER BREWSTER. This gentleman 
whose portrait is presented on the opposite 
page, is one of the earliest settlers of Oak- 
land County now living. He came here in 
1825, and has passed tiirough every phase of pio- 
neer life, and lived to see the once wild country 
changed into a liighlj' cultivated region, populated 
by happy and contented people. One of his chief 
delights during the early years of his residence here 
was deer stalking, and more than three hundred of 
these animals fell before his heavy rifle. He be- 
came llie most noted deer hunter of his neighbor- 
hood, and the first barn he built was known to the 
early settlers as ''hunters' deposit." Although he 
has passed fourscore years, Mr. Brewster still en- 
joys taking his shot-gun and going out for a hunt, 
and nenrly ever^' year he makes a trip into tiie 
north woods for that purpose. Bears were numer- 
ous when he came to the county, and exciting sport 
was found in the bear-hunts of that period. 

Mr. Brewster is a lineal descendant of one of two 
brothers who came to America in the ''Ma3'flower." 
His grandfather was Eliphas, and his father Ezra, 
and the latter was born in Vermont, and followed 
farming. lie was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
He made a settlement in Monroe County, N. Y., 
near Rochester. While living in Vermont, Ue mar- 




ried Hannah Shetler, who was a native of the Green 
Mountain State, and who was left an orphan in 
early life. In the spring of 1825 Ezra Brewster 
came West and spent some time in looking over the 
country in the then Territory of Michigan. He re- 
turned to his home, and the next spring accompan- 
ied by his son Peter, came to Oakland County. 
After a sojourn of considerable length, he again re- 
turned East, but soon made a removal and located 
in Mahopack. He remained there three years, oc- 
cupying himself in making shingles for a corapan}-. 
Indians were more numerous there than whites, 
there being fifty of the former to one of the latter. 
However, the Indians were kind, peaceable and ac- 
commodating. 

Having made enough to pay for eighty acres of 
Government land, the father of our subject located 
in Oakland Township and county, and bought an 
ox-team with which to carry on his work. He put 
up a log house and barn and went industriously to 
work to reclaim the land. He made it into a good 
farm and spent the remainder of his life there, dy- 
ing in 1878, in the seventy-eighth year of iiis age. 
lie was a Democrat in polities. He was one of the 
well-known and honored pioneers, and his wife was 
equally esteemed for her cheerful endurance and 
earnest efforts to improve their condition. She died 
itt 1870, in her seventy-fourth 3'ear. They were 
the parents of six children — Caroline, Peter, Owen, 
Deborah, Stephen G. and Allen. The last named 
lives on the old homestead. 

Peter Brewster was born in Rutland County, 
Vt.. October 27, 1809, and spent his early school 
days in Monroe County, N. Y. He accompanied 
his father to this State when fifteen years old, and 
wielded the ax on the heavy timber that covered 
their farm, managed the breaking plow and did 
other needful work such as must be undertaken in 
reclaiming wild land. Whenever it was possible to 
do so he attended school, but his privileges were 
necessarily limited, owing to the very sparse set- 
tlements. He remained with his father until he was 
of age, then began working by the month, and for 
a year and a half was employed by one man, his 
wages being $12. He saved all that he could from 
this stipend, and was tliua enabled to buy eighty 
acres of land upon which to establish a, home. 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Young Brewster removed the forest growth, 
brought the land under subjection, and put up good 
buildings, including every needful and convenient 
edifice. As a farmer he proved very successful, 
and the attention he gave to stock-raising was also 
well rewarded. In 1877 he left his farm and 
moved into Pontiac, wliere he resided until 1882. 
He then went to Dakota and took up a claim, and 
later added to it, making the estate three hundred 
and twenty acres. This he sold to a railroad com- 
pany for $3,000, but bought another tract of one 
hundred and sixty acres, of which he is still the 
owner. It is located in what is now South Dakota. 
Mr. Brewster spent the winters in this State, and the 
summers in Dakota until recently, but now makes 
his home in Pontiac, where he has retained his resi- 
dence since be first moved into town. He has a 
good home- and a competence sufficient to satisfy 
his wants during his declining J ears, and all has 
been secured by industry and good management on 
his part, with the hearty co-operation of his wife. 

On March 18, 1833, Mr. Brewster was united in 
marriage with Miss Amelia W. Sw.ayze, who has 
sliared his fortunes for nearly sixty years, and has 
faithfully borne her part in their battle of life. 
She was born in Warren County, N. J., April 20, 
1812, and was the youngest of twelve children 
comprising the family of Christopher and Sarah 
(Davis) Swayze. In the maternal line she is de- 
scended from a passenger on the '-Mayflower," and 
her grandfather Davis was a Revolutionary soldier. 
Her mother was boru in Orange Count}', N. J., and 
died in Oakland County, this State, at the vener- 
able age of ninety-three years. The family came 
West in 1832, and the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Brewster was solemnized in Oakland County. They 
have six children: De Witt A., who died June 5, 
1891; Martin S., a farmer; Sarah, a widow now 
living near Armada; Clark A., whose home is in 
the State of Washington; William A., a clerk in 
the store of P. A. Hitchcock; and Mary E., wife of 
Silas Hillman, of Pontiac. 

Mr. Brewster has borne bis part in carrying on 
the public affairs of the locality in which he has 
lived, having been Township Collector, Assessor, 
and Constable, and held office a number of years. 
Politically he is a Democrat, and bis list of Presi- 



dential ballots is headed by the name of Andrew 
Jackson, while the last he has deposited was for 
G rover Cleveland. He has been a Class-Leader 
for a number of years, both himself and wife hav- 
ing been identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church for six decades. He has never used intoxi- 
cating liquors nor tobacco, and this is probably one 
reason whj' he is so much more active in mind and 
body than mauj' men of even less years. He is 
well-known as one of the most noted threshers of 
this portion of Michigan. He was among the first 
to use steam thresliers, and followed the business 
forty years without a vacation. His upright life 
has won many friends for him, not only in Oak- 
land County, but in many other districts where he 
is known. 



'RANCIS INGERSOLL, a prominent citi- 
• zeu of Commerce Township, is a man high- 

, , ly respected by all his neighbors for his true 

Christian character and bis record as an industri- 
ous and successful farmer. His father was Samuel 
IngersoU, a native of Washington County, N. Y., 
where he was born in 1785. He was a soldier in 
the War of 1812 and was taken prisonerat Queens- 
town Heights, and there saw Gen. Brock before 
the latter was killed. He was a Corporal and after- 
wards a Sergeant in rank and was released on pa- 
role. He was the son of Francis IngersoU, a Ver- 
mont farmer who enlisted when sixteen years of 
age in Washington's Army, and served seven years 
in liie Revolutionar}' War, taking part in many bat- 
tles. 

The mother of our subject was Mary Nelson in 
her maidenhood, and was Dorn in 1787- in Dutch- 
ess County, N. Y. Her father was Phineas Nelson 
and at an early date settled at what is known as 
Nelson'* Landing, on the west side of the Hudson 
River. The parents of our subject were married 
in Tioga Countj', N. Y., and after seven years 
residence there went onto a farm in Genesee 
County. After awhile they retired from active life 
and came to Michigan and made their home with 
their son Francis for the last twelve years of their 
life. Both died here and lie in the cemetery at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



297 



Commerce. Tliey were the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, four of whom preceded them to the grave. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
was horn January 2, 1814. He lived in Wyoming, 
then a part of Genesee County, N. Y., and receired 
a district school education. He began for himself 
at twenty years of age and left home and went to 
Warsaw, where he learned the trade of a tanner. 
This trade he followed for twenty years. He mar- 
ried in 1842, Frances A., a daughter of Gurden 
and Rachel (Lee) Armstrong, thus becoming a 
brother-in-law of Orson H. Smith, whose sketch ap- 
pears in this volume. Frances Armstrong was born 
January 7, 1818, in Orangeville, N. Y. She taught 
scliool for eleven terms. The first liome of their 
wedded life was at the village of Perry, N. Y., 
where Mr. Ingersoll was forenjan of the tannery. 
He then went to Orangeville in 1855 and estab- 
lished a business of his own. After this he came 
to Michigan and settled on the farm where he now 
resides. He at first had sixty acres and has added 
to it until he has one hundred and thirty- five, thirty 
acres of which he has cleared himself. He is now 
retired from active work and rents his land. 

Mr. Jngersoll was deeply afflicted February 7, 
1888, in the death of his wife. Their two children 
have grown up to be an honor to their parents and 
a benefit to the communities in which thej' reside. 
The eldest, Charles L. was born Movember 1, 1844. 
He married Frances E. Stroud and makes iiis home 
in Fort Collins, Col. He has been president of the 
State Agricultural College, and has just resigned to 
accept a professorship in the Nebraska State Uni- 
versity at Lincoln. The second son, Lovias F., 
was born March 1, 1854, and married Flora Hen- 
derson. They live at Grand Junction, Col. He is 
a practising physician and assistant surgeon of the 
railroad from Denver to Salt Lake City. Mr. In- 
gersoll joined the Baptist Church when he was only 
eighteen years old, and his wife professed her faith 
in the same when quite young. He has been a Dea- 
con in the church at Commerce for over thirty 
years. He is also active in the Sunday-school, in 
which he has been a teacher and superintendent for 
many years. He is a member of the Sons of Tem- 
perance, of the Good Templars and of the Grange, 
and has held ofl3ce in all of them. He has held the 



office of Director and other scliool offices and has 
always taken an interest in educational matters. He 
is a stanch Republican and has been Highway 
Commissioner. 

Mr. IngersoU's son, Charles L., has a fine war 
record. He was a soldier in Company A, Ninth 
Michigan Cavalry, in which he held the rank of 
Sergeant. He was engaged in many battles, was 
always on duly, but escaped unhurt. He was with 
Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea. For 
six months he was Orderly for Gen. Shackleton; 
then as Regimental Clerk at Atlanta, was acting as 
Orderly Sergeant, and continued thus from there 
on till the close of the war. He took part in the 
Grand Review at Washington, D. C. After the 
war he followed teaching for awhile and took a 
regular course at the Agricultural College at Lan- 
sing. After graduation he received $1 ,000 a year 
as foreman at the farm of the college. He was 
the Professor of agriculture for two years and after 
that took a like (irofessorship in Purdue Univer- 
sity, Laf.ayelte, Ind. Lovias F. graduated in the 
same class with his brother, and after being at 
home a year and a half took a two years' course in 
the medical department at Ann Arbor, and took 
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Mrs. Ingersoll 
was an active member and Secretary of the Bap- 
tist Womens' Missionary Circle and was also a 
teacher in the Sunday-school. Her de.ath has thrown 
a shadow over the declining years of our subject; 
but his strong Christian faith strengthens him to 
bear this great afHiction with true fortitude. 



-^-fr^- 



V||OHN SHERWOOD is one of the oldest set- 
tlers in Milford Township, and is one of 
those men who have prospered by exercis- 
^^^ ing care and economy, and laboring indus- 
triously. He still lives upon a farm comprising 
one hundred and fifty-five acres on section 3, and 
eighty-one acres on section 9, but he does not now 
operate the estate. He built his present brick resi- 
dence in 1861 at a cost of 81,400. He dug the 
stone for the foundation and cellar, hauled it, and 
himself made the brick and tile roofing, burned the 



298 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lime and went fifty miles to cut the logs for the fine 
lumber. He also put on tlie roofing. The dwellino; 
is 22x33 feet in the main, with a wing twenty-five 
feet square and an "L" 16x18 feet. The main 
structure is two stories in height, while the wing is 
one and a half stories. All the improvements on 
the estate were made by Mr. Sherwood and include 
a good tenant house, built in 1880, cattle sheds 
20x50 feet, grain barn 32x40. sheep barn 20x70, 
horse barn 22x24, wagon house 18x20, corn crib 
16x26 and hog house 18x24. It will be seen that 
ample accommodations have been made for housing 
stock and storing fodder, and such crops as it is 
desirable to keep on hand. Mr. Sherwood has two 
hundred and Ihirtj'-six acres of farm land and a 
dwelling and three acres in tlie village of Milford. 
He gave his son eiglit}- acres of land, ))artially im- 
proved his farm and built him a two-storj' brick 
residence. 

The parents of our subject were John and Maria 
(Barnes) Sherwood, natives of County Suffolk, 
England, who died in their native laud, the mother 
in 1819 and the father in 1857. The latter made 
a second marriage, and there are two children 
of that union now living,' while our subject is 
the only survivor of the first. The father was a 
brick manufacturer. He was a constable for many 
years. Both parents belonged to the Episcopal 
Church. 

Our subject was born August 27, 1818, received 
instruction in the common school branches and 
worked with his father at brick and tile making. 
When eighteen years old he began to receive wages 
from his father, and when he emigrated in 1844 he 
iiad about $500. He went from New York Citj' to 
Geneva, then to Lyons, where Le remained a short 
time, working in a brickj-ard. He tlien came on 
to Michigan and selected Milford as his place of 
residence. He was sick nearly all the first year, 
but he worked as he could by the month or day. 
He bought thirteen acres of wild land, paying for 
it in English gold. He improved the land and in 
1845 started a brickyard, which he carried on un- 
til 1872. He liired three men to work and paid 
their board as well as his own, and he also hired a 
horse. After thirty thousand brick were made he 
was taken sick and got another man to lay up his 



kiln. As soon as he was able he fired the kiln and 
burned three days and nights, when the part that 
he had hired laid fell down, causing a loss of all he 
had there. 

During the winter Mr. Sherwood worked at the 
Ihresliing machine and in the fall of 1846 he bought 
one hundred and forty acres of land where he now 
lives. The price of the property was ?!l,000, ?300 
down and eight years' time on the balance. Not- 
withstanding the fact that misfortune fell to his lot, 
lie paid for the place within the specified time. He 
was aided by his father to the extent of thirty Brit- 
ish pounds. He bouglit a cow, which died before 
he got her home, and a sow that dug out of her pen 
and broke her back, and one of the horses for 
which he paid -1=110 was taken sick the first day he 
worked the team and could not be used for three 
months. He and his wife used to take turns 
watching that horse, as its life vvas more than usu- 
ally valuable to them. 

Iloiscs were ver}' scarce at that time in Michi- 
gan. Mr. Sherwood went to Detroit to buy a spaa 
of Indian ponies, but could not get tiiem for less 
than $75 cash, and was expected to lake his choice 
and catch them as best lie could. He returned 
home without them. However, he started off 
again, traveling on foot four days, and finally find- 
ing a team that suited him, tried to bargain for 
them. But the owner feared to take the mone3' 
offered him, thinking it might be "wildcat." He 
told Mr. Sherwood that if he would accompanj' 
him to Mt. Clemens, they could see the man who 
held a mortgage on his farm, aud if Ibis man would 
take the money Mr. Sherwood could have the 
horses. Accordinglj', Mr. Sherwood and his new 
acquaintance mounted the horses and went to Mt. 
Clemens, twenty-eight miles distant, where the gen- 
tleman who held the mortgage pronounced the 
money good, and Mr. Sherwood started for home 
rejoicing. 

During one of his early trips to Detroit Mr. 
Sherwood hauled nine barrels of tlour to that place 
and returned with a grindstone, to the great joy of 
his neighbors, as this was tlie first grindstone in the 
community. At the same lime Mr. Sherwood 
started in search of horses, his wife with her father 
went to Detroit to buy some hardware. She 



porthait and biographical album. 



299 



bought a pail, kettle, iron sauce pan and iron tea 
kettle, as well as some iron for horse shoes and a 
new wagon. It was then impossible to get a horse 
shod unless the iron was carried with which to 
make the shoes. The wagon which Mr. Sherwood 
owned was [lainted by himself, while he paid the 
wagon maker with oak posts for making the wood- 
work and the blacksmith with brick for ironing it. 
Good nionej- was very scarce. Wheat could not 
be sold at Milford, but had to be ground and the 
flour taken to Detroit. On account of b.ad roads 
the trips to the latter place could be made only 
during six months of the year. 

Mr, Sherwood claims to have manufactured and 
done more work in getting the material with 
which to build his house than any other man in 
the Slate. He dug his own well forty feet deep 
and at the bottom struck a stream of water on one 
side which it took a large quantity of stone and 
gravel to fill before the brick walls were put in. 
In 1848 he plaiiteil out an orchard. He had no 
money to buy trees, but Mr. Allison, who owed 
him, gave him an order on Mr. Goodnow for some 
clover seed. Mr. Sherwood could not afford to 
sow it, so lie gave the order to Mr. Potts, who 
bought the trees and let A[r. Sherwood have them. 
The first time pictures were taken in Milford Mr. 
and Mrs. Sherwood sat for theirs; however, they 
had only money enough to have one taken, for 
which they paid |!1.50 and which they sent back 
to England. 

Mr. Sherwood began clearing off the timber in 
order to burn brick and also improved the land, 
but after 1872 rented his yard to a man who man- 
ufactured brick and tile eight years, since which 
time it has been idle. When Mr. Sherwood paid 
for his place he iiad to go to Ann Arbor to settle 
with the person who held the mortgage. He arose 
at 3 A. M., rode to the city on horseback through 
the woods and swamp and after making his pay- 
ment had just enough money to buy some oats for 
his horse and crackers and cheese for liiinself, 
after which he mounted his horse and rode home. 
His first grain w.as hauled to Detroit. He once 
took a load of flour in barrels from Milford to De- 
troit at fifty cents |)er barrel and got money enough 
from it to pay expenses and the rest in bran and 



shorts. Three miles from Milfoi'd one wagon 
broke down and it was necessary to unload and re- 
pair it. Orcliard Lake was reached at dark, and, 
being lost in the woods, Mr. .Sherman did not get 
to Pontiac until 11 p. m. Early the next morn- 
ing, being told that he could not get into Detroit, 
he put part of the flour upon a train and divided 
the rest among the three teams, and so reached 
Royal Oak at dark. The journey was continued 
the third morning before day and Detroit reached 
at noon. The same day the party left for home 
and made eight miles. They reached Novi after 
dark the next day and on the fourth night got lost 
in the woods between that place and Milford, but 
finally reached home about midnight. Such inci- 
dents give a slight idea of what it was to live in 
remote settlements and through what experiences 
the early settlers passed. 

In January, 1846, Mr. Sherwood was married to 
Miss Susan Potts, whose parents, William and Mary 
Ann (Weaver) Potts, were born in County Suffolk, 
England, and came to America in 183.3. They 
came to this county the ssme year and settled 
upon a raw farm east of Milford. The place was 
improved, but after a. time Mr. and Mrs. Potts 
moved into the village. He was a first-class far- 
mer and the family was one of the highest respect- 
ability. Mr. Potts died in 1859 and his wife in 
1865. They have five living children, of whom 
Mrs. Sherwood is the youngest. She was born in 
County Suffolk, England, .Tune 26, 1828, and was 
not yet Ave years old when brought to America. 
Her girlhood daj's were spent among the pioneer 
scenes of Milford, and slje well remembers when 
the village contained but one log house and a saw- 
mill. She and her husband have had four child- 
ren, two of whom are living, namely: William J., 
who was born March 23, 1848, married Fanny 
.Sands, has one child and lives in Milford Town- 
ship; Charlotte Maria, born January 16, 1851, liv- 
ing in the village of Milford and the wife of Dennis 
Boyer and the mother of three children. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood belong to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Milford and he is now Trus- 
tee and has been Steward. He has been Master of 
the Grange several years. In earlier life he was a 
Republican, but he has recently joined the Prohi- 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




bition part}-. lie is temperate in all his habits, 
and although more than seventy-two years old, is 
in 6ne health. His beautifully furnished home 
contains a number of specimeas of taxidermy, at 
which he is an expert. Some years ago he made a 
pleasure trip to his native land and greatly enjoyed 
revisiting the scenes of his youth and places of 
world-wide fame, but rejoiced to return to the 
"home of the free." 

' LFRED SOULBY is one of the prosperous 
farmers of Milford Township. He is 
pleasantly located on section 27, where he 
has one hundred and seventy-two acres of 
One hundred and eighty of this is under the 
The propertj- was bought b}' him in 1872, 
when about eighty acres were cleared. He has con- 
tinued to remove timber, and has taken off stumps 
aud stones, put on new buildings and improved the 
old ones. Mr. Soulb}' is the son of Charles B. and 
Eleanor (Burriil) Soulby, natives of Lincolnshire, 
England, who came to this country in 1843. After 
landing they came at once to this State and settled 
in Milford, where tlie husband worked at his trade 
— blscksmilhing. They subsequently removed to 
section 16, Milford Township, and he gave his at- 
tention to farming. He is now living in the vil- 
lage of Milford. Mrs. Soulby died in 1852, leaving 
five children, who still survive. 

Our subject was born in Lincolnshire, November 
15, 1842, but his earliest recollections are of 
America, as he came here when an infant six 
mouths old. He was educated in Milford Town- 
ship and worked for his father until the Civil War 
began. He then entered the service, enlisting in 
August, 1862, in Company I, Twenty-second 
Michigan Infautrj'. After the organization w.ns 
perfected he was sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, where 
the boys had to borrow two rounds of am- 
munition apiece from the Eighteenth Michigan, as 
the enemy was in sight. The regiment served in the 
Second Division of the Army of Central Kentucky 
under the command of Col. Wisner, and their first 
campaign was in the Blue Grass State. They re- 



mained there until April, 1863, then took part in 
the Nashville campaign, which kept them occupied 
until September 5. The next objective point was 
Bridgeport, Ala., whence they went to Ross- 
well and Ringgold, Ga. They then built fortifica- 
tions at Moccasin Point, which place they left 
October 28. 

Next going to Chattanooga, Mr. Soulby was en- 
gaged in the duties of an engineering regiment. 
He helped build the road from Brown's Ferr}- to 
the Tennessee River, which occupied twentj' days 
in November, laid the pontoon bridge for the pas- 
sage of Gen. Sherman and his forces and another 
pontoon across the Tennessee at Chattanooga. He 
and his comrades moved on to the foot of Lookout 
Mountain, repairing bridges and railroads, then 
went into Chattanooga and built storehouses and 
other edifices. He and others were sent up the 
river to cut timber and raft it down to Chatta- 
nooga. May 26, 1864, Mr. Soulby reported in the 
field at Brown's Mill. Ga., and was attached to the 
Army of the Cumberland, and then placed in the 
reserve brigade and detailed for provost duty. 
During the Atlanta campaign he helped build 
bridges across the Chattahoochie River, and August 
29 aided in the destruction of a part of the Mont- 
gomery railroad. After Atlanta was reached he 
did provost duty there until October 31, then 
formed one of the escort which accompanied 
Maj.-Gen. Sherman from Marietta to Chatta- 
nooga. They reached the latter city November 6, 
having made a march of one hundred and thirty- 
eight miles over nuuldy roads in a little over six 
days. 

Provost duty occupied the winter, and guards 
were furnished for steamers leaving the port, and 
barracks built for soldiers who remained. In 
April, 1865, Mr. Soulby was transferred to Gen. 
Steadman's brigade, and June 20 was ordered to 
Nashville. He took i)art in the following battles 
during his army life : Danville, Hickman's Bridge, 
Peavine Creek, McAfee's Church, Chickamauga, 
Wautahatchie, Mission Ridge, and the siege of At- 
lanta. At Chickamauga the cartridges were ex- 
hausted and Gen. Whittakcr ordered the Twenty- 
Second to use the bayonet. The sun bad gone 
down on the bloody field, and it was difficult to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



301 



distinguish friends from foes. The enemy furiously 
advanced and the Twenty- second rushed for- 
ward with fixed bayonets under a terrible 6rc of 
grajie and musketry. They drove the enemy at 
every point, but when the order came to fall back 
they were closed in on both flanks and cut off 
from the main body. Having no cartridges the3' 
were at a disadvantage, and nearly all the living 
were taken prisoners. Mr. Soulby and a comrade 
managed to escape in the darkness, but not until 
they had seen many of their friends fall around 
them. Our subject lost but a week in sickness 
during his term of service, and escaped without 
wounds, but not without having had his accou- 
trements grazed by bullets. He was mustered out 
at Detroit July 11, 1865, and returning home 
worked bj' the month on a farm three years, and 
a few years later was located where he now lives. 

March 3, 1875, Mr. Soulby was married to 
Elizabeth A., daughter of William and Alice (Letch- 
field) Holmes. Mr. »nd Mrs. Holmes were 
born in Cambridgeshire, England, and in 1849 the 
husband came to America and made a location in 
Livingston County, this State. His family joined 
him two years later, and they remained in that 
county until 1863,then removed to Genesee County. 
Mr. Holmes was a blacksmith and worked at 
his trade, but in Livingston County he did some- 
thing toward improving a farm. He was born 
April 11, 1806, and died January 6, 1885. His wife 
passed away December 20, 1880, aged seventy-six 
years. She was a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. They had eleven children, and 
eight are now living. The j'oungest son, James 
J. Holmes, enlisted in Company H, Twenty-Second 
Michigan Infantry, and took part in all the battles 
of the regiment up to and including Chickamauga. 
There he was taken prisoner and incarcerated in 
Aniiersonville for eleven months. Hardship and 
exposure proved too much for his strength, and he 
died in captivity. 

Mrs. Soulby was born in Cambridgeshire, Eng- 
land, May 5, 1818, and was two years old when 
brought to America. She received a district 
school education, learned much of domestic arts, 
and grew to womanhood with a fine character. 
Her union has been a childless one, but she and 



her husband have reared one child — May Soulby, 
— now living in Sanilac County and married to C. 
E. Ruggles. Mrs. Soulby is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and she and her hus- 
band are connected with the Red Ribbon Order. 
Mr. Soulby belongs to a Grand Army Post at Mil- 
ford, and lias the rank of Senior Vice-Commander. 
He votes the Republican ticket, and has been a 
candidate for Justice of the Peace, but as the town- 
ship is Democratic he was defeated. Worldly pros- 
perity and an honorable reputation is his, and his 
wife shares in the esteem of their neighbors. 

" < - l >l' l '2 




ON. JOHN M. NORTON, the occupant of 
one of the finest farms in Michigan, has 
resided in Avon Township, for a quarter of 
a centurj'. He has owned three farms in 
the vicinity and still retains a tract of two hundred 
and eight acres, three miles south of the town of 
Rochester. The drainage of the estate is as nearly 
perfect as may be, the fences are neat and strong, 
and every necessar}' and convenient farm building 
has been put up, while the property is still farther 
adorned and made valuable by garden, orchards 
and shade trees. It would need but a cursory 
glance to give rise to the belief that Mr. Norton 
thoroughly understands his vocation and is en- 
dowed with a large amount of good sense and 
taste. 

Mr. Norton comes of the old pilgrim stock, and 
his parents, John and Naomi (Short) Norton were 
natives of the old Bay Stale. His father was a 
farmer and was also a preacher in the Free-Will 
Baptist Church. He removed from his native 
Slate to New York and thence came to Michigan 
in 1824, having bought land in this county the 
year previous. He was a conspicuous figure during 
the early settlement of this county, built the first 
house in what is now Oakland Township, preached 
the first sermon and peiforraed the first marriage 
ceremony. He died in June, 1839, after a life 
that had won the respect and esteem of all who knew 
him. 

The subject of this notice was born in Ontario 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



C'ouutj', N. Y., Ma3' 5, 1820. He is a natural farmer 
.ind earlj' in life manifested a decided inclination 
in tlie direction of cultivation of the soil. Born 
of sturd}' stock, endowed by nature with a large 
frame and iron constitution, he was fitted for 
the hard blows of pioneer life, and his natural 
qualiflcations for a life of hardship and toil have 
been supplemented by habits that added much to 
his capacity to meet the duties of a farmer. He 
still has unusual energy for one of his age and by 
industr}' and prudence he has mastered difficulties 
and reached the goal of his ambition, becoming an 
independent farmer. After his marriage he took 
possession of a one hundred and sixty-acre farm 
in DeWitt Townshi|), Clinton County, but remained 
there only one season. lie then sold out and 
bought in Novi Township, this county, lived there 
eight years, then removed to Tro}' Township, and 
in 1865 came to bis present home. 

Wlien twenty-six years of sge Mr. Norton was 
married to Miss Nancy Hazen, a native of Ontario 
County, N. Y., who was ten years his junior, 
liaving l)een born January 22, 1830. Their mar- 
riage took place October 14, 1847, and to them 
have been born six children; viz: Alvira, wife of 
John King of Tawas City; William, a resident of 
Avon Township; John T., a druggist in Rochester; 
Dr. Clarence S., living at Killmaster; Grant, who 
is with his parents; and Abbie Ma}-, who died 
October 2, 18G8, at the age of nine mouths and 
two days. 

The education of Mr. Norton was very limited, 
but being of a studious mind he gathered much in- 
formation which gave him prominence with neigh- 
bors and friends, and his advice and counsel were 
sougiit b}- man}' and when given were prompted 
by good intentions. Both in private and official 
life Mr. Norton has given much attention to 
iigriculturil interests, and making a study of 
political questions, he has delivered lectures on 
various subjects to local grangers' and farmers' 
institutes. He was originally a Whig, his first vote 
having been cast for William Henry Harrison. He 
was a delegate to the meeting under the oaks in 
Jackson County where the Republican party 
originated and he has always been active in polit- 
ical work. He is recognized as one of the best 



workers for the party that he thinks is in the right, 
and when he has changed his political connection 
it has been by reason of a change in the status of 
affairs and the prominence of new issues. 

In 1876 he joined the Greenback movement and 
in 1880 was the nominee of the party for State 
Treasurer and polled the full vote. In 1882 he 
was nominated for Slate Senator to represent the 
Fifteenth Senatorial District and w.is elected by a 
majority of two hundred and ninety-three over 
Herbert Wjdioff the regular Republican candidate. 
He served as a delegate to the National Convention 
at Indianapolis when Peter Cooper was nominated 
for President, and to that held in Chicago when 
Gen. Weaver was the nominee. He was also 
present at Cleveland, Ohio, when the party was 
organized, and he has attended every State con- 
vention. He is decidedly- in favor of a union of 
industrial interests, politically, and his platform is 
broad and comprehensive. He believes in legisla- 
tion for the greatest good to the greatest number, 
and being decided and outspoken in his views, he 
has considerable influence in shaping the views of 
others. lie is a member of the I'atrons of Industry 
and the Grange, in which he is Overseer of 
Pomona Council, and also belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity. 

<« IkATTS J. BACHELOR, M. D., residing at 
\/\/// Oakwood, Brandon Township, was born at 
^^ Dryden, Tompkins County, N. Y., October 
29, 1849. His father, Erastus, a native of New 
York and of Yankee stock, was a shoemaker b}' trade, 
and is now running a small grocery store at Oak- 
wood. He came to this county in the spring of 
1876. His wife Charlotte (Oltz) Bachelor, the 
mother of our subject, was of German and English 
descent and was born in New York State near the 
Hudson River. She had onl}- one child besides our 
subject, a daughter who died at two years of age. 
The mother was called away from earth in 1876. 
She was an earnest and devout member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The subject of this sketch attended the village 










, >?%i^;%''% ^/i 




..^ /^..^..^yfc'^^^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



305 



school and speut three years in the academ}' at 
Dr3'don, N. Y., stiidj'iiig Latin and the hiifber 
branches. At eighteen years of .ige he began 
reading medicine in his native town under i)r. 
Voorheis. After spending one year in his ofliee 
he attended the Pennsylvania Medical University 
for two j'ears and was graduated in 1871. He 
practiced for five years at Danby and at West 
Uanb3', N. Y., and in the spring of 1870 came to 
Oakwood, wliere he lias carried on a general prac- 
tice. He has a very large practice in this vicinity 
and a good p.aying one. 

In 1882 he supplemented his early studies bj^ 
attending part of the winter term upon lectures at 
Rush Medical College at Chicago. Dr. Bachelor 
was married in 1871 to Essie Garrison, a native of 
Bridgeton, N. J. They have had no ciiildren of 
their own, but adopted two, Katie when eight years 
old and John when only four. They are a brother 
and sister by birth and are now eighteen and six- 
teen 3'oars of age respectively. Both Dr. and 
Mrs. Bachelor are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. The Doctor is a member of Oak- 
wood Lodge, No. 100, A. E. & A. M. at Oak- 
wood. He is a Republican and two 5'ears ago 
was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he 
is still holding. This iiousehold enjoy iiome life 
more tlian most families, and all unite in making 
home happy. 



r^ 



ON. DON CARLOS BUCKLAND, late of 
Pontiac, was born August 22, 1813, in Tun- 
bridge, Orange County, Vt., to wliicii place 
his fatlier, Asher Buckland, a nativeof Con- 
necticut, had removed with his family two years 
previousl}'. In 1818 the family removed to Nor- 
wich Plains, Vt., and at this place they remained 
two years, when in 1820 they went to Malone, 
Franklin County, N. Y., where Asher Buckland had 
established a milling business and clothing-works 
the year previous. Here for the succeeding live 
years our subject attended the district schools. In 
1825 his father sold out liis business there, and 
with his family, came West, landing in Detroit 



about-August 25, that year, after a two weeks' pas- 
sage from Buffalo on a small sailing-vessel. 

Leaving Detroit almost immediately, they came 
through the woods to Pontiac, at that time a village 
of about twenty-fire families, where Col. Stephen 
Mack, the maternal grandfather of our subject, had 
located in 1818. Col. Mack was one of the early- 
settlers in Detroit, to which place he had emigrated 
from Vermont in 1815, and was for a number of 
years engaged in business there in partnership in a 
general store, at that time one of the largest there, 
under the firm name of Mack & Conant. Col. 
Mack built a sawmill and afterward a gristmill at 
Pontiac, and the latter was for a long time the only 
gristmill in the State. As Asher Buckland was a 
practical miller, he at once took charge of his fa- 
ther-in-law's mill at Pontiac, and continued here 
until tlie death of Col. Mack in 1827, when he en- 
tered into partnership in the grocery business, the 
firm being A. B. Newcomb & Co., Mr. Buckland 
being the partner: and this partnership continued 
until the day of his death, which occurred June 6, 
1842, he being at that time fifty-three years of 
age. 

Our subject attended the district school about 
three months during the winter season, the balance 
of his time being emplo^'ed in his father's mill. 
During the summer and fall of 1820 he was left in 
sole charge of the work in the mill, both his father 
and the miller being sick, and there being nobody 
in or near the town who understood how to run 
the mill. Notwithstanding his youth, and the fact 
that a part of his time was devoted to caring for 
the other members of his father's family, all of 
whom had the then prevailing complaint, fever and 
ague, he managed to run the mill successfully night 
and day, and ground all the grain brought to him. 
In 1828 ho went to Rochester, where Col. Mack 
had erected a second gristmill, being the second 
built in the State, and where Alman Mack was pro- 
prietor of a store; and here he remained two years, 
engaged as clerk in his uncle's store, and attending 
the district school during the winter. AVhile here 
he learned the Indian language, a part of the store 
trade being with the Indians. Returning to Pon- 
tiac, he remained one summer employed in his fa- 
ther's store, and then went to Sidney, Ohio, where 



306 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his uncle, John Buckland, lived, and whose em- 
ploy he entered as clerk in his drj'-goods store. 
Here he remained aliout three years, during which 
time he gradually assumed charge of his uncle's 
business, becoming in turn book-keeper; his uncle 
being old and feeble, he soon assumed the respon- 
sibility of buying the supplies. 

His uncle selling out and removing to Spring- 
field, Mr. Buckland remained for a time at Sidney, 
settling up the business, and from there went to 
Cincinnati, where his uncle had procured him a po- 
sition as clerk in the dry-goods house of Goodman 
& Emerson. He returned to Sidney about a year 
later on some business for his uncle, and while there 
he was engaged by a Mr. Humphrey, of the Arm of 
Humphrey Ai Benedict, of Auburo, N. Y., to aid 
him in purchasing horses. They were fitting up a 
peddling expedition to consist of at least sixty men 
to go into the Southern States, witii a view of sell- 
ing eight-day brass clocks, solid silver ware and 
high-priced ladies' diess goods, selling from il-AO 
up to §200 per pattern. These goods were all sold 
on credit, notes being taken ranging from one to 
three years in time for payment. At this time Mr. 
Buckland, although twenty-three years of age, 
weighed not over one hundred and ten pounds, and 
he had been advised by his physicians that in order 
to live, he must procure out-door work. He was 
induced by Mr. Humphrey to make a two-years' 
contract with him at a salary of $75 per mouth, 
which was *50 better than he had ever before re- 
ceived. 

Going to Kentucky, the expedition, numbering 
about sixty-five men and teams, divided up, and 
Mr. Buckland, with some sixteen others, making 
their headquarters at Wiliiamstown, commenced 
work. It was, however, not many mouths before 
he became discouraged, and buying his contract 
back at the price of his whole salary for the time he 
had been at work, he determined to return to Cin- 
cinnati. He was, however, induced by Mr. Humph- 
rey to continue his work, this time under a contract 
to sell on commission; and milking a fresh start, he 
continued the work for about four j'ears, traveling 
during tliis period over portions of Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. An idea 
of the success he met with may he had from the 



fact that his commissions during this time netted 
him about «1 1,000, and in addition to this he had 
made ^^ 1,300 more b}' repairing clocks. He after- 
ward accepted the position of Collector for the 
compan}' on a contract by which twenty per cent 
of liis collections were to be retained by him as a 
salary, he being required to paj- his own expenses. 
In this work he collected about $70,000 in Ken- 
tucky; thence he went to Tennessee, Alabama, 
Florida, Mississippi and Georgia, where he finished. 
Going to Cadiz, Trigg County, he bought out a 
merchant, and sorting up the stock with fresh goods, 
continued in business there for a period of two 
years. Selling out this business, he entered into 
partnership with Vincent J. Scott, and together 
they purchased from Messrs. Jennison & Harrison 
a varied stock of goods amounting to $32,000, and 
took them to Carroll, Carroll County. Mo., sit- 
uated about two hundred and fifty miles above St. 
Louis on the Missouri River, adjoining Caldwell 
County, where the early Mormon settlement then 
was. Far West being the county seat and the prin- 
cipal Mormon town. 

Here they opened their store and commenced 
business, amounting to about $70,000 per year. 
Their goods were sold mostly on credit, the actual 
cash taken in over the counter not amounting to 
enough to pay their freight bills, and over a terri- 
tor}' covering perhaps a hundred miles in either 
direction. At the expiration of about two years 
the firm found themselves in debt, and with about 
$.')0,000 outstanding, consisting principally of book 
accounts. Mr. Buckland being determined to meet 
their obligations, purchased in New Orleans twenty 
thousand gunny-bags, and spent the following win- 
ter gathering up all the corn raised the previous 
summer within a radius of one hundred miles. For 
this he paid sixteen and two-thirds cents per bushel 
shelled and delivered at warehouses along the river, 
they furnishing the sacks. Chartering two steam- 
boats, he loaded the corn with the intention of dis- 
posing of it at New Orleans, but on arrival there 
found that it was worth eighty cents per bushel in 
Boston, and he at once shipped it to that point. In 
conscquenc* of dampness in the holds of the vessels 
the corn arrived there in rather bad condition, and 
he was compelled to dispose of it at auction, where 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



307 



it brouglit sixty- eigUt cents per bushel, leaving 
them a margin of about thirty-two cents a bushel. 
With the proceeds of tliis shipment the firm was 
enabletl to paj' ui) outstanding debts, and purchase 
a new stock of goods for their store, consisting of 
groceries, hardware, clothing, boots and shoes, 
drugs and medicine, dry-goods and millinery. 

About this time occurred the trouble with the 
Mormons, who had previously been driven by. the 
people of Missouri from Jackson Count}' to Cald- 
well County, which was settled wholly by the Mor- 
mons. The Mormons, who were constantly increas- 
ing in numbers, and Caldwell being a barren county, 
became restless, and sought to extend their settle- 
ments into Daviess County, on the north of Cald- 
well. With this view they purchased a small town 
site in Carroll County, on the Missouri River, 
twelve miles below Carrollton,and commenced set- 
tling there in large numbers. Against this the 
whole State objected, and their protest cidminated 
in the people organizing with the avowed intention 
of driving the Mormons out of the .State entirely. 
Tiie Governor ordered to the vicinity eight regi- 
ments of militia to quell the disturbance. Mr. 
Buckland, although having relations among the 
Mormons, closed his store, and taking ids gun, went 
to the scene of action with the Missourians. But 
even this was not sufficient to prove his hostility' 
to the Mormon cause, and on his return to town 
one day he was handed dispatches from Gov. Boggs, 
appointing him colonel and giving him authority 
to make all subordinate appointments and to organ- 
ize and equip a mounted regiment. This he has 
good reason to believe was the work of a lawyer 
named Jones, with whom he had formerly had 
some trouble, and who thus undertook to prove Mr. 
Buckland's loyalty to the State as against the Mor- 
mons. It would also appear tiiat trouble had been 
expected, as a large crowd from the surrounding 
country had collected in Buckland's store, appar- 
ently for the purpose of hanging him, as had been 
threatened, in case he refused the Governor's ap- 
pointment. 

Mr. Buckland promptl}' accepted, however, thus 
saving his neck, and retaliated upon Mr. Jones by 
immediately appointing him Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and ordering him to at once organize and equip 



the regiment. Thus was Mr. Buckland's loyalty to 
the State demonstrated satisfactorily to the people, 
and in a short time the regiment was in the field. 
Tlicy had received instructions to proceed at once, 
first to the Grand River, and then follow it up to 
Far West, in order to interjept any of the Mor- 
mon leaders who might attempt to escape that way. 
A compromise was a few days afterward effected 
with the Mormons, by which they agreed to leave 
the State entirely by the 1st of May, it being then 
November. In the meantime a formal surrender 
was made by the Mormons, and Colonels Buckland 
and Reese were detailed to receive their arms. Tak- 
ing their positions, the Mormons, he.aded by their 
great in-ophet, Joseph Smith, arm in arm with Brig- 
ham Young, passed between these in double file. 
Col. Buckland had the honor to receive the sword 
of Brigham Young, who happened to be upon his 
side. The arms were piled behind them, and made 
rather a curious collection. They consisted of 
shot-guns, rifles, pitchforks, wooden spears tipped 
with steel or iron, while others had nothing but 
wooden clubs, and a few of the officers, perhaps 
ten, had swords. The Mormons immediately com- 
menced preparations for removal, and finallj' all 
went to Nauvoo. III. 

Mr. Buckland, returning to CarroUton, endeav- 
ored to look up his lost trade, which he found ter- 
ribl}' demoralized. He, however, continued his 
business about a year, being compelled to make an- 
other purchase of corn, which he disposed of to 
Southern planters, to enable them to pay their 
deb's. After ihe Mormon surrende.* he found they 
had about $10,000 in accounts against them, and 
of this amount he was able to collect only about 
three-quarters, principally by seizing their stock 
and grain, which was disposed of at public auction. 
About this time he purch.ised his partner's interest 
in the store, and a few months subsequently dis- 
posed of his interest in this business, and also of a 
business which he had established at tiie town of Chil- 
licothe, Mo., about thirty miles north of CarroUton, 
and returned with his wife, by nay of St. Louis, to 
Springfield, Ohio, where his uncle, John Buckland, 
had taken up his residence. Remaining here a few 
days, lie told his uncle he had come out about even 
in the South, when he was induced by him to take 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



$2,000 which John Buckland had in the bank, and 
with this he came with his wife to Ponliac, in 1840, 
after an absence of about ten years. With the 
$2,000 presented him by his uncle, and $1,500 ad- 
ditional, which his father had saved, he built a 
frame building on the corner of Lawrence and Sagi- 
naw Streets, Pontiac, and securing a slock of grocer- 
ies in New York, commenced business. At the ex- 
piration of about fiTC years he sold out, and found 
that he had made about $10,000 by the investment. 
He then commenced building small cottages for 
renting purposes iu Pontiac, which he ever since 
continued, and which paid him about ten per cent 
annually on the capital invested. 

Subsequentlj- Mr. Buckland purchased a one-half 
interest in a dry-goods store of Francis Darrow, of 
Pontiac, the firm being organized under the title of 
Darrow & Buckland, and also became interested in 
the lumber business, and for a long time was the 
owner of the onl}- yard in Pontiac. Three years 
later he sold out his interest in the dry-goods busi- 
ness, retaining the lumber yard for some years, 
finally disposing of that to H. W. Lord, receiving 
the retail price for stock on hand, and $1,000 bonus, 
Mr. Buckland agreeing to remain out of the busi- 
ness for the succeeding ten years. About this time 
he accepted the posilios of manager and salesman 
in the house for the State of Missouri, for John 
Stewart, Jr. & Co., New York, wholesale dry-goods 
merchants, and was very successful both in collect- 
ing the outstanding accounts of the firm and selling 
new bills of goods, receiving as compensation 
$.5,000 per year. Here he remained four years, 
when, the partnership expiring, a new firm was or- 
ganized, and he was offered a partnership, Mr. Stew- 
art proposing to furnish Mr. Buckland's capital for 
five per cent. Mr. Buckland declined, however, 
and returned to Michigan to look after affairs at 
Pontiac. Shortly afterward he established the New 
England flour-trade. He visited New England, 
and api)ointed an agent in each town to sell his 
flour, either by purchase or on commission, and re- 
turning to Michigan he arranged with a number of 
mills to grind his flour, and made a contract with 
the Grand Trunk Railro.ad Company to transport 
it. He then purchased large quantities of grain 
throughout the State, and this business attained to 



large proportions, his annual shipments amounting 
to some sixty thousand barrels. He also estab- 
lished a grain commission business in Detroit, tak- 
ing into partnership two 5'oung men, giving them 
one quarter each of the profits. This was after- 
ward changed to the produce business, of which 
they handled large quantities. 

Mr. Buckland was married to the daughter of 
Col. B. H. Evans, of Williamston, K3'., by whom 
he had two daughters. The elder died while he 
was in the employ of John Stewart <k Co. The 
younger. May E., is now the wife of Jacob Selig- 
man, of East Saginaw. His wife died shortly after 
his return from New York. He was married to his 
second wife, Miss Sarah A. Gregory, daughter of 
John C. Gregory, of Geneva, N. Y., a prominent 
physician of that place, M.'iy 8, 1858. Mrs. Buck- 
land is a most estimable lad}', of reflned and cul- 
tured manners, and preserves to a great extent the 
pleasing features and expressions which must, in 
her younger days, have made her one of the most 
attractive and handsome women of her time. 

Arriving at the age of seventy, Mr. Buckland 
closed up his New England flour business, and sold 
out the Detroit partnership, and after a year de- 
voted to buying barley' in Oakland, Genesee, and 
Lapeer Counties, which he was afterward able to 
dispose of, owing to the failure of Canadian crops, 
at a large margin over the paying price, he retired 
from active business, and engaged in looking after 
his leal estate and other interests. He was a stock- 
holder in the Calumet and Hecia copper mines, the 
Detroit Iron Mining Companj' at Ishpeming, Mich., 
and other iron mines in the Upper Peninsula, and 
in numerous Michigan, Dakota, California and Col- 
orado mines, and was the owner of pine lands in the 
State of Michigan. On his return from the South, 
in 1840, Mr. Buckland found the Harrison-Van 
Buren Presidential campaign at its height, and 
having imbibed Whig principles from his uncle, he 
became very active in political work during the 
campaign, and again in 1844 he took an active part 
in political work, spending about $2,000 of his 
own funds to further the interests of the Whig can- 
didate, who. however, was doomed to defeat. 

Mr. Buckland, b^- his work, acquired a high repu- 
tion among the members of his party, and he was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



309 



conceded many honorable positions in the Repub- 
lican party after its organization. He was a dele- 
gate to the convention held at Jackson, at which 
♦bat party was founded in 18.56, the first Kepuoli- 
can organization in tiie United States, and was af- 
terward Chairman of the Republican Stale Central 
Committee, and the Republiciin County Committee 
of Oakland County. During this time he gained 
the reputation of beinpf the hardest-working mem- 
ber of the party in the State without olfice. In 
1860, being Ctiairman of the State Committee, he 
took charge of the entire ca.upaign in the State, and 
was also a delegate to the National Convention held 
at Chicago, which nominated Lincoln, and was 
present in Washington at his inauguration. He 
was offered by the Republican delegation in Con- 
gress many pocitious of honor, among them the Cus- 
tom-house at Detroit, but refused them all, as he 
did not desire any office as reward for his work. 
About this time, however, a contest occurred over 
the position of Postmaster at Ponti.ac, which ended, 
much to his surprise (as be was not a candidate for 
the office), in his appointment. He, however, ac- 
cepted it, and notwithstanding repeated attempts 
to oust him from the position, retained it for eight 
years. Mr. Bucklaud led an exceedingly active 
life, extending over a period of more than fifty 
years, and his experience was a varied and more 
than ordinarily interesting one, as the above out- 
line of liis career would indicate. He died at his 
home in Pontiac on the evening of Sunday, Sep- 
tember 23, 1888, at tlie age of seventy-five years 
and one month, leaving a charming wife and a jilcas- 
ant circle of friends, honored and respected by the 
community. 




RS. LUCY A. KESBY. Among the citi- 
zens of Milford who are able to relate 
many incidents of pioneer times in this 
vicinity, is Mrs. Kesby, who came to the 
county in her girlhood, in the year 1832. Her 
father, Eleazer E. Calkins, was born in Dutchess 
County, N. Y., was the son of a local minister in 
the Methodist Church, and traced his lineage to 



Wales. Mr. Calkins was a carpetrter by trade and 
for some time was captain of a canal boat, his 
home tiien being in Monroe County. He was one 
of the first settlers in Lyon Township, this county, 
where there were but four or live families when he 
brought his wife and children here. He bought 
eighty acres of Government land in tiie spring of 
1832, and the next year entered one hundred and 
sixty acres. 

Blr. Calkins lived in the typical log house of 
hewed logs, vvith a stick chimney, basswood floor 
and blankets hung over the door and window open- 
ings. He was a wheelwright, and by that trade he 
earned a few boards which he put u]) for a door. 
The next year he secured a door properly made. 
He lived in the log house man}' 3'ears, improving 
the land around it and. finally died thereon at the 
age of seventy years, lie was commissioned Jus- 
tice of the Peace by Gov. S. T. Mason, and filled 
the office fifteen years and also served in other 
capacities. He was a Democrat and was Class- 
Leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
wife was Anna Blood, a native of Massachusetts 
and of the old Puritan stock. She lived to the 
age of seventy-seven years. 

The family of which Mrs. Kesby was next to the 
oldest member, included three sons and one daugh- 
ter. She was born in Monroe County, N. Y., 
March 19, 1821, and was about eleven years old 
when she came West. She grew to womanhood in 
Lyon Township, continuing her studies in the 
common school and learning to spin and knit and 
do other household duties. She was married March 
10, 1861, and lived happily with her husband until 
1875. when he was called hence. She rented the 
farm one year, then sold it and located in Milford, 
buying a house and lot. She is one of the oldest 
settlers of the county living in this locality and 
looks back over fifty-nine years of experience in 
Michigan. The courage displayed by her good 
mother and the industry of her father have been 
shown in her own life as well, as they were by all 
those who struggled through the experiences com- 
mon to early settlements. 

The gentleman to whom Mrs. Kesby gave her 
hand was born in County Kent, England, and was 
the son of Robert Kesby, an English farmer. Th.it 



310 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gentleman purposed to make a home in America, 
crossed the ocean with his family but died and 
was buried on Staten Island. His son John w.is 
then about eighteen years old and he worked on 
the island and in New Jersey for some time. He 
then went to Cooperstown, N. Y., where he was 
married to Mrs. Betsey Moore. In 1837 lie came 
to this State, located in Milford Township and im- 
proved a tract of wild land. It consisted of one 
hundred acres on section 21, which was left in ex- 
cellent condition at his death. His inulhcr died 
on Staten Island. Mr. Kcsby w.as a Christian gen- 
tleman and identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was a member of the Grange and a 
Democrat in politics. Some time after the loss of 
his first wife he married our subject. Mrs. Kcsby 
is one of the most active members of the Metho- 
dist Church in Milford, and is liberal iu her con- 
tributions toward any good cause. She belongs 
to the Foreign Missionary Society connected with 
the church of her choice. Personally she is pleas- 
ant and entertaining, very intelligent and kind. 



^ 



E^ 




ANIEL JOHNSON, a prominent farmer 
and stock-raiser of Novi Township, is a 
son of Daniel Johnson, Sr., a native of 
Rockland County, N. Y., and born Janu- 
ary 31, 1799. The father was a blacksmith by 
occupation and later became a farmer. He was 
married three times. His first wife, Rebecca, 
daughter of Samuel and Hannah Smith, was born 
in Seneca County, N. Y., and was united in mar- 
riage with him at Ovid, that State, in 1818. Her 
wedded life was brief, her death occurring August 
29, 1829. She had two brothers, George and 
Honry, and one sister, who married William C. 
Bishop, for many years residing in Ovid and 
Waterloo, Seneca Count}', N Y. 

The second wife of Daniel Johnson, Sr.. bore the 
maiden name of j'fbigail Ketchum, and was born 
in Westfield, Ohio, in 1811. Their marriage was 
solemnized in Northville, Wayne County. The 
third wife of Mr. Johnson bore the name of ftlaria 
Ketchum, and they lived happily together until the 



death of the wife in Wixom, in 1875. She left 
one child. William, who is still living and resides on 
section G, this township. The first wife left six 
children, one of whom survives, George, who lives 
in Milford and has a family- of three children; the 
second wife left three children, two of whom are 
now living, our subject and Jane, now Mrs. 
Chaunc^f Larcum, of Wixom. Daniel Johnson, 
Sr., had one brother and two sisters; Libbie mar- 
ried Daniel Cornell, of Orange County, X. Y.; 
Susan became the wife of Walter Lawrence, of 
Ontario County, N. Y. 

The father of our subject settled in Northville, 
Wayne Count}', and carried on his trade as a 
blacksmith. He took a farm of one liundred and 
sixty acres from the Government, and while work- 
ing at his trade employed others to clear his farm. 
IMr. Johnson, of this sketch, w,as born April 15, 
1841, on the farm where he now lives. He attended 
the district schools during his childhood and at 
the proper age was sent awa}' for liighcr educa- 
tional advantages. He passed one winter in Battle 
Creek, and one term each at Ypsilanti and Milford 
High School. He began life for himself upon 
reaching his majority, and has been a farmer from 
that day to this. He went West and spent a year in 
Kansas. He taught school for nine months a little 
north of St. Joseph, ftlo., and then taught in 
Doniphan County, Kan. Soon after his return 
home he enlisted as a private, August 15, 1862, in 
Company I, Twenty-second Michigan. 

This regiment was sent to Covington, Ky., and 
was made a part of Gen. Rosecrans Arm}' of the 
Cumberland. They participated in the battle of 
Chickamauga under Gen. George Thomas, who is 
known as the '"Rock of Chickamauga." On this 
battlefield our subject was captured by the enemy 
September 20, 1863. He was taken to Atlanta for 
a few days, spent five days at Belle Isle, several 
weeks in Pemberton prison, Richmond, and was 
then sent to Danville, Va., for the winter. April 
21, 18G4 he was sent to Anderson ville, where he 
remained in that loathsome stockade until Septem- 
ber 10. He was afBicted with scurvy and rheuma- 
tism. He was transferred to Charleston S. C, and 
remained three months on the Beaureguard race- 
course. He was next sent to Florence prison, then 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL AI;BUM. 



311 



back to Charleston by boat and on to Fortress 
Monroe and Annapolis where he was exchanged 
and sent home on a furlough. He was in a wretched 
condition and not able to walk, but after iiis fur- 
lough returned to his regiment at Ciiattanooga and 
remained with them until they were discharged Jul}' 
5, 1865. Wiiile at home on this furlough he pur- 
chased of his father the farm where he now resides. 

The marriage of Daniel Jolmson and Charlotte 
Perrigo was solemnized March 9, 1865. This lady 
is a native of Hector, Schuyler Count\^, N. Y., 
where she was born August 31, 1810. Her parents 
were Lemuel B. and Roxann (Clapp) Perrigo. The 
father was born September 2, 1814, in Canajoharie, 
N. Y., and died April 16, 1884, aged sixty-nine 
years. Upon arriving at years of maturity he was 
married .lanuarj' 19, 1837, at Covert, Seneca ~ 
County, N. Y., his bride being Roxann Clapp who 
was bom in Connecticut, January 16, 1816. In 
1852 they came to JMichigan, making their home 
in Novi Township, this county; after some j'ears of 
active work he retired from his more arduous 
duties and removed to AVixom, where he died. 
Thej"- were the parents of five children, namel}-: 
Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Harriet Baker, George A., 
Lyman C, and Augustus who died November 12, 
1845, at Hector, Tompkins County, N. Y. The 
parents were members of the Baptist Chuicli. 

Mrs. Johnson was educated in the district school 
and the High School at Northville. She also took 
a year at Ypsilanti in the seminary and a term 
liiere at the State Normal School. She has taught 
twelve terms in Oakland Countj'. The two chil- 
dren which were granted to her are Schuyler C, 
born June 6, 1868, now a member of the Class of 
'92 at the Normal school at Ypsilanti, and one 
unnamed. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Free 
Will Baptist Church at Sibley Corners and has 
always been an active and earnest teacher in the 
Sunday-scliool, and a member of the choir for 
twent3-two years. During six years she was organist 
and one year of this time she never missed a single 
service either morning or evening. 

Mr. Johnson takes a u interest in politics and is a 
stanch Republican. He is considered a lea<ler 
among the part}' men in his locality and is fre- 
quently sent .is a delegate to county, district and 




State conventions. He is a strong advocate of the 
theory that public sentiment should stop all selling 
of liquors as a beverage, but he does not make this 
a political issue. He has been for many \-ears one 
of the Directors of the local schools and is a mem- 
ber of the G. A. R. Post at Milford. He has one 
hundred and forty acres of land, one hundred and 
ten of which are under cultivation. Besides gen- 
eral farming he raises Durham cattle to some ex- 
tent. 

JLLIAM ALGOE, a manufacturer of and 
dealer in flour and feed, at Ortonville, was 
'''¥J born December 12, 1826. His father, John, 
came from Scotland to Nova Scotia before the birth 
of his son, and in July 1836, he emigrated to Mich- 
igan and settled at Groreland Township, Oakland 
County, purchasing Government land. That was 
in the days of the earliest pioneers, log houses, 
deers and Indians. This gentleman cleared up and 
improved a good farm and died in 1845 at the age 
of sixty-one years. His wife, Margaret McElrath, 
of Scotland, was a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Ciuirch for a grest many years and passed 
awaj' in 1883, at the extreme age of ninety-one 
years. She was the mother of twelve children, 
seven of whom are living. 

The subject of this sketch was nine years old 
when he came to Michigan. He remained at home 
attending the district school and helping on the 
farm through his early youth, and at his father's 
death took charge of the farm. During the win- 
ters he worked in the flouring mills at Goodrich. 
In 1 853 he purchased a farm in Brandon Town- 
ship and began independent farming. Two years 
later, he sold out and bought near Kipps' Corners, 
Atlas Townsiiip. Four years Later he removed to 
Ortonville and engaged in the milling business, 
but after two years he sold out this establishment, 
and returned to the farm. 

In 1866 Mr. Algoe and Nelson K. Elliott, pur- 
chased a gristmill together with a considerable tract 
of land, which they platted and sold for town lots. 
After four years Mr. Algoe bought Mr. P^lliott's 
interest and pne year later sold hrdf of the prop- 



312 



-PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



erty to M. H. Fillmore who, two \eais afterward 
purchased the entire business from his partener 
who returned to farming. In 1879, Mr. Algoe 
again purchased the mills and has continued to 
run them. In 1889, he toolc his son Otis as a 
partner. At this time the mills were entirely 
remodeled and a new roller process added. Besides 
doing a large custom business, he manufactures a 
great deal of flour for the market. 

The gentleman of whom we write was united for 
life in 1852 with Sarah L. Tucker, a lady from 
New York. Their six children are, John L., S. 
Anna, Otis L., Joseph W., Dora and James R. He 
has given them all excellent opportunities for 
education. He is often a delegate to Republican 
conventions in county and State, and both he and 
his excellent wife are earnest and devout members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In 1861 when Mr. Algoe came here there was 
not a store in the place. He has always encouraged 
every legitimate enterprise that would be a benefit 
to the town. He is a man who is universally- est- 
eemed for his excellent qualities of mind and hcait 
and he has proved again the possibility of a poor 
boy reaching financial success in life, through 
improvement of opportunities, diligence and integ- 
rity. 



WARD F. CHATFIELD. A well culti- 
vated farm on section 18, Troy Township. is 
the abiding pLace of 5Ir. Chalfleld and the 
center of his business efforts. His property con- 
sists of one hundred and fortj- acres, which is the 
Chatfield homestead, on which his father located 
earl}' in the '50s. Since the death of his parent 
our subject has made many important improve- 
ments, such as the length of time spent here by his 
father did not give opportunity for. Jlr. Chat- 
field gives his principal attention to the cultivation 
of the soil, keeping only a moderate number of 
domestic animals, but he feeds a good manj' hogs. 
At this writing (1891) his drove contains about 
seventj- head, and he has ten horses and ten head 
of cattle. 

Mr. Chatfield is the grandson of Roswell Chat- 




field, a prominent man in the Green Mountain 
State, and a patriot of the war for independence. 
That gentleman spent some years in New York, 
where his son Stephen, father of Edward, was born 
in 1797. The son had a common-school education 
and Februarj- 7, 1819. in Ontario County, was mar- 
ried to Susannah Johnson, the year of whose birth 
was the same as his own. In 1832 the good couple 
removed to this State, making their journey with 
a team from Detroit to Troy Township, and estab- 
lished their home on section 17. Their first dwel- 
ling was the primitive log bouse common to the 
time and their experiences such as fell to the lot 
of all early settlers. They improved the place as 
fast as possible, and made it their home a score of 
years, then removed to the place now occupied by 
our subject. Mr. Chatfield died in 1856, but his 
wife survived many years, living to the advanced 
age of eighty-nine and breathing her last in 1887. 
The}' h.ad nine children, named respective!}', Isaac, 
Alvina, Josiah, Daniel, Edward. Hiram, Ira, Otis 
and Chester. The first, third, fourth and eighth 
of these are deceased. The father was Justice of 
the Peace and generally respected. 

Our subject was born in Ontario Counly, N. 
Y., March 28, 1828, and was a child of four 
3'ears when his parents removed to this State. The 
only schooling he received was in District Xo. 3, 
Troy Township, and the curriculum of study was 
not as extensive as that of to-day. He learned 
much regarding farm work, and was thoroughly 
capable of taking charge of a farm when he mar- 
ried and established a home. He won for his wife 
Miss Ellen Brooks, who was born in McComb 
County, this State, December 23, 1834. Her par- 
ents, Alanson and Desira (Frink) Bi'ooks were 
born in New York and came to this State in 1833. 
They set up their home in McComb County, but 
subsequently removed to Troy Township, this 
county, where the father died in 1882 and the 
mother still lives. 

The record of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Chat- 
field is as follows: Albert, born in 1861, is mar- 
ried and living on a farm in Troy Township; Ell 
N., born in 1863, is now in Oregon; Bruce, born in 
1865, is married, but living at home; Jay was 
born in 1868, Mack B. in 1870, Stephen A. in 1873. 





^OL/<^ 



^/O'O^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



315 



The last three named still remain with their par- 
ents on the homestead. 

The political record of Mr. Chatfield began 
with a vote for Franklin Pierce, and for years he 
lias been a stanch Republican. He belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and contributes lib- 
erally to its support. Mrs. Chatfield is an earnest 
Ciuustian, belonging to the same denomination, 
and botli are well regarded by their acquaintances. 
In addition to his farm in Troy Township, Mr. 
Chatfield Las fifteen acres of timber land in 
Bloomfield Township. 






^p^ HARLES DAWSON. For many years this 
111 n g6"''''-'roan has been a conspicuous figure in 
^^^ I'ontiac, being connected with its business 
interests as a miller, merchant and banker, and the 
owner of real estate, both in the city and the rural 
districts, lie is an excellent type of the Scotch- 
man, displaying in his management of affairs the 
energy, frugality and strict integrity that charac- 
terize the nationality. He has been connected with 
the olllcial circles of Pontiac and has borne his 
part in public enterprises and religious projects, 
giving earnest heed to whatever he took in hand, 
resolved to make a success of the undertaking. 

Mr. Dawson was born in Clackmananshire, Scot- 
land, October 13, 1815, and is the 3'oungest of the 
five sons and three daughters comprising the fam- 
ily of .lohn and Janet (Carraichael) Dawson. The 
father, whose occupation was that of a manufact- 
urer of Scotch blankets, died when our subject was 
but nine years old. The lad attended school in 
his native place and at the age of fifteen years em 
igrated to America in companj' with his mother, 
two sisters and two brothers. An older brother 
wns living in Pittsfield, Mass., and there the winter 
was spent. The following spring the family came 
to this State, and property was bought twenty 
miles west of Detroit on the Chicago Turnpike. 
They remained in AA^ayne County a number of 
j'ears, developing the land and adding to the pros- 
perity of the community. 

In 1843 the gentleman of whom we write came 



to Pontiac where he has since made his home. lie 
was engaged in the sale of merchandise with a 
growing trade until 1852, when he closed out and 
built the Cass Lake Mills, which were run by water- 
power thirty years. As a merchant-miller Mr. 
Dawson proved very successful. In 1882 the roll- 
er system w.as put in and Mr. Dawson's three 
sons operated the mills upon an extensive scale. 
The business is wholly managed by the sons 
as Mr. Dawson has virtually retired from active 
life. While carrying on the mill he also operated 
two farms, which he sold within the past few years. 
In .addition to these enterprises he has been con- 
nected with the banking interests of the city, hav- 
ing been Vice-President, President and Cashier of 
the First National Bank for over twenty years and 
still having stock iu the company and being one of 
the I>oard of Directors. 

The lady whose hosjiitalily and kindness add to 
the i)leasure found in the home of Mr. Dawson, 
became his wife July 16, 1846, prior to which time 
she was known as Miss Elizabeth Beatty. She was 
born in the north of Ireland, on the 4th of Feb- 
ruary, 1826, and came to Canada with her father, 
George Beatty, when she was six years old. 
There she grew to womanhood, and when twenty 
years of age came to Oakland Countj' with her 
brother. She is the mother of twelve children, 
ten of whom are living: JNIargaret, is the widow 
of Albert Jewell; Robert E., is now living in Su- 
perior City Wis.; George, Charles and Richard 
live in Pontiac and operate a store and flouring 
mill; Elizabeth, married Roliert McBride, who is 
the agent for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 
Railroad; Launcelot, is a physician, and a gradu- 
ate of the University of Michigan; Marj' W., is 
the wife of Dr. John Elliott, of Bay City; James 
H., who is a graduate of the University of Michi- 
gan, is i)racticing medicine in Marquette; Rachel 
E., who was graduated from the Stale Universit3' 
at Ann Arbor, is a preceptress in the High School 
at Owosso, Shiawassee County. The deceased chil- 
dren are Janet, who died in 1890, and Willie, who 
lived to be but two and a half years old. By his 
first marriage in 1841, when Miss Julia Ann El- 
ston became his wife, our subject had one son, 
John, who died when about thirty-three years oM, 



316 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



For two years Mr. Dawson was the incumbent 
of the Mayor's chair in Pontiac, and he has held 
the office of Assessor four years. He is a man 
who is strong in his convictions, and not easily 
moved when he has formed an opinion, but charit- 
able toward those of opposing views and hospita- 
ble and benevolent. In politics he is a stanch 
Democrat. He and his wife are devoted members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is one 
of the Trustees. His portrait presented in connec- 
tion with this brief biographical notice represents 
one of the most widely known and highly esteemed 
of all Oakland County's citizens. Both he and 
his estimable wife keep themselves well informed 
regarding events of general interest, show a de- 
cided interest in the welfare of mankind, and are 
particularly devoted to the interest of their own 
community, toward the progress of which they 
have done so much effective work. 



^= 



El^ 




OBERT YERKES, a representative citizen 
of Kovi Township, tvcU and widely known 
for his active interest in public enterprises, 
especially tlie cause of education, resides 
in an elegant home which is furnished with t.aste 
and luxury and in which a reBned hospitality is 
dispensed. His father was William Yerkes, a native 
of JMoreland, Montgomery Couut\', I'a., and was 
born September 9, 1794. He was a cooper by trade 
and later a boatman on the Mohawk Kiver and 
Erie Canal. He sold out his boat and bought a 
little rocky farm of forty acres near Romulus, Sen- 
eca Count}-, N. Y. He afterward tr.aded that prop- 
erty for a sixty-acre farm. His father was .Joseph 
Yerkes who fought through seven years of the 
Revolutionary War, and was married in 1793 to 
Mary Purdy. The origin of this family in America 
is traced to two brothers who in the early days 
came from Hanover, Germany. One went South, 
the other, Harmon or Herman, born in 1C80, set- 
tled in Penns3'lvania. He had a family of eight 
sons, who were noted as a sturdy set of men. 
The}- were even tempered, of good moral charac- 
ter apd ver^- systematic in their work. From these 



eight sous all the Yerkes in the United States can 
be traced. The grandfather of our subject was the 
son of one of the younger brothers, Ste|)hen, born 
August 3, 1827. Our subject belongs to the fifth 
generation in America. 

The mother of our subject was Hester Dennis, 
who was born in New Jersey, March 21, 1799, and 
who removed when an intant to Seneca County, 
N. Y. Her marriage with William Yerkes took 
place at Romulus, N. Y., November 5, 1817. In 
the spring of 1825 William and his cousin, Thomas 
Pinkerton, made their way on foot from New York 
to Michigan and located in Novi Township, which 
was then an unbroken wilderness as there was 
not another settler in the township. The}' returned 
to New York and the following spring they again 
made the journey to Michigan by wa}' of Canada. 
Mr. Yerkes built a log house upon his claim and 
then went to Detroit to meet his wife and four 
children who came by boat to Detroit. He bought 
an ox-team and wagon with which to convc}' his 
family and goods to his new home, and in this 
purchase exhausted his finances. They had to fol- 
low an Indian trail until the last eight daj-s of the 
i journey when the}' were obliged to cut their way 
through the woods. His father, Joseph, accompanied 
the family and bought a farm in Plymouth Town- 
ship, Wayne County, near his son. There he died 
January 10, 1850. 

William Yerkes and wife settled upon their 
rough, wild farm. She was by nature a woman of 
surpassing energy and endui-ance. The wants of 
her growing family stimulated her to a life of un- 
common activity and self-denial. For many years 
after marriage she spun, wove and made up the 
every-day wear of the household, and all this in 
addition to routine work in the care of her huge 
family. Indeed so thorough was the discipline of 
toil through which she passed tliat her industrious 
and careful habits were continued long after her 
children had one by one made homes for them- 
selves and thus greatly lessened her cares. He 
remained on th.at farm for lifty-eight years, p.ass- 
ing away January 5, 1881. His good wife had 
preceded him to the better world September 11, 
1881. 

Of the ten children of this worthy couple the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



317 



following are now living: Joseph D. William P., 
Silas A., Robert, Charles, George and Harrison. 
Tha parents were earnest and consistent members 
of the rresl:>3'terian Church in whicli the father was 
an Elder from 1839 until 1884. lie was active in 
piil)lic mstters and helped to organize Novi Town 
ship in 1828. He received a commission from Gov. 
Lewis Cass as Justice of the Peace, and in 1834 
became Supervisor for two years. After Michigan 
was admitted as a State he held the same office for 
five years longer. He was a member of the first 
Legislature under the State Government in 1837, 
and again was sent to tlie Legislature in 1856. He 
was a man of few words but was concise and clear- 
cut in his remarks. His faculties were unimpaired 
by age to the very end. He was ever a temperate 
man in his habits and a friend of education. He 
built the first frame house and barn in Novi Town- 
ship. The boys used to take turns in helping tlie 
mother with her weaving until eleven o'clock at 
night, and they were ever helpful, even to the last 
sad services, as the seven sons acted as pall bearers 
to both parents when their bodies were laid away 
to rest. 

Robert Yerkes was born September 26, 1829, in 
tlie did homestead. He began for himself at the 
age of twenty-one b}' working land on shares, but 
remained at home until after he was twenty-six 
years of age. His marriage took place October 7, 
1866; he was then united with Sarah E., daughter 
of Rosecrans and Salome (Wakeman) Holmes. Mr. 
Holmes was a native of Albany County, N. Y., and 
was born February 28, 1797. His wife was born 
in Seneca County, N. Y., September 11, 1800. 
They were married October 25, 1818, in Lockport, 
N. Y., and resided in that State until 1827, when 
they emigrated to the Wolverine State and made 
their new home upon a heavily limbered farm in 
Plymouth Township, Wayne County. 

After buying the farm the young man's purse 
was entirely exhausted, and the^' saw pioneer trials 
and did pioneer hard work for years. He died at 
the age of forty-seven years and his widow lived 
until 1883. They were earnest and active mem- 
bers in the Christian Church, and became the par- 
ents of thirteen children, nine of whom are now liv- 
ing. Mr. Holmes never attended school after he was 



ten years old, but was a good scholar and an excel- 
lent teacher, which profession he practiced in New 
York State. He was active in politics and a Whig 
in his political views. 

Mrs. Yerkes was born in Roj'alton, N. Y., Au- 
gust 25, 1827, and started on her Western trip at 
the early age of six weeks, so that she calls herself 
a Western woman. After taking what education 
she could gain in the district schools she studied 
at Ypsilanti, attended teachers' institutes and was 
for some time a member of a young ladies' school 
at Dexter and also returned for a short period of 
instruction to Lockport, N. Y. She began teach- 
ing when seventeen years old and devoted most of 
her time to this profession for ten years. She 
taught in the Lockport (N. Y.) ward schools for 
two years, and in Michigan was a teacher in Dex- 
ter, .South Lyon, Northfield, Northville and Ply- 
mouth. 

The first home of Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes was upon 
a farm on section 26, Novi Township. Here he 
bought one hundred and sixty acres at|25 per acre 
and sold it fourteen years later for $60 an acre. 
He brought it from a rough condition to a high 
state of cultivation. He then bought what is now 
his home farm and brought it also from a condition 
of wildness to that of a splendid farm. He has 
put thirteen hundred and fifty rods of tiling under 
it. In 1870 he built^the beautiful home where he 
now resides at a cost of $4,000 besides his own 
work, which he did not estimate. He has four 
hundred and forty acres of richly cultivated and 
arable land upon which he carries on general farm- 
ing. He has had five children, all sons, four of 
whom are still living. Willie II. married Helen 
Blackwood and makes his home in Northville; 
Donald P., a noted base ball pitcher married Nellie 
McRobert and lives on this farm; Robert C. is still 
unmarried. To all of these sons have been granted 
a liberal education. 

Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes are earnest and {active 
members of the Presbyterian Church at Northville 
where Mr. Yerkes has been an Elder for twenty- 
four years and where he has been also a Trustee 
and Sunday-school Superintendent. For many 
j^ears this worthy couple have been active in 
Sunday-school work. Mr. Yerkes is a strong poIN 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cian and affiliates with the Republican party but 
has alwaj-s declined office except as he could serve 
his fellow citizens in some local office. lie has been 
Director in the Norlhville School Board and was 
also County Treasurer for one terna. He was Jus- 
tice of the Peace for twelve years and iias always 
been a man of temperate habits and belief. His 
wife, who is a lady of broad culture and refined 
tastes. i» an active member of the Woman's Chris- 
tian Temperance Union. 



y/i, NSON W. BAKER, a farmer on section 7, 
^^11 Highland Township, is a son of Royal 




Baker, a son of the Rev. Thomas, a native 
of the Green Mountain Slate, To him 
and his good wife Jcrusba Waldo were born four 
sons and four daughters. The Rev. Thomas Baker 
came to Michigan in 1838. Here he engaged in the 
work of the ministry, and traveled on foot for 
many weary miles and preached in various parts of 
Oakland County. His work in this count3- con- 
tinued until his death in 1845. He was then a man 
of four-score years and his ministry had extended 
over forty 3'ear3. In 1849 his wife followed him 
to the grave at the age of sevent}'-five years. In 
bis early boyhood he had been left an orphan by 
the death of his father who was killed by the In- 
dians. One of his uncles was a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary War and drew a pension through the 
remainder of his life of ^100 a year. He was shot 
in the arm and the bullet went through and landed 
in his cartridge box and he kept this interesting 
relic for mauj- years. 

Royal Baker, the father of our subject, was born 
in Vermont December 19, 1801. At an early day 
he emigrated to jNI.assachusetts and then to New 
York where he was married, March 14, 1824, to 
Lorane Cronover. By this wife he had three daugh- 
ters. Louisa, Mrs. Palmer; Jerusha, Mrs. Sigler, 
and Maria, Mrs. Hinkley. His second marri.age 
was with Sarah Shaw. The wedding was celebrated 
February 8, 1831, in New York. To Ihem were 
born the following children: Anson, our subject; 
Thomas F.; Emily J.; Edward; Laikiu, and Will- 



iam II. In 1842 Mr. Baker came to Michigan and 
settled on the farm now owned by his son Anson. 
He now purchased forty-five acres. He had vis- 
ited Michigan a number of times and had taken up 
two hundred and forty acres in Livingston, Shia- 
wassee and Oakland Counties. All that is left in 
the family of the original purchase at the present 
date is forty-five acres. He was a shoemaker by 
trade and followed this calling most of his life. He 
lived at Rochester when there were only a few log 
houses there. Both he and his good wife were 
active members of the Baptist Church. He died 
April 10, 1853, and his wife followed him to the 
grave the following year, breathing her last Au- 
gust 16, 1854. He cleared one hundred acres of 
land. He was a Whig and took an active patt in 
both politics and church matters, and in a word 
was one of the prominent men of his day. 

Anson W. Baker was born January 6, 1832, in 
Pittsford, Monroe County, N. Y. He came with 
his parents b}' boat and team to the new home. 
An uncle who accompanied them, Maj. F. Lock- 
wood, was one of tl)e pioneer settlers, and built the 
first sawmill and the first gristmill in Highland 
Township. He eulisted in the United .'States ser- 
vice and was killed by the guerrillas. 

The subject of this sketch remained at home 
until he was of .age when he undertook the manage- 
ment of his father's farm, which he continued until 
it was divided. He then with his brother Thomas 
bought the four shares belonging to their sisters, 
and the property was then divided among the four 
brothers. Our subject sold his share and moved 
to Fentonville, where he bought a farm on which 
be lived for a short time, but he was not contented 
and he sold this new purchase and bought the or- 
iginal homestoad of fortj-flvc acres on which he 
now lives. He has since added one hundred and 
forty acres but has sold part of it and now owns 
one hundred and five acres. He has been a hard- 
worker and in his earl^- days worked for many- 
weeks at fifty cents a da}'. He has been a success- 
ful bree<ler of Merino sheep. 

The lady who presides with so much grace and 
dignity over the home of our subject, bore the 
maiden name of Julia A. Cowles. They were 
united in marriage October 30, 1854, Mrs, Baker's 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



319 



father, Elias Cowles, was one of the fust settlers of 
Highland Township, and was born in Connecticut 
in 1797. His sister PhQ?be who died was the 
second person to be buried in Highland Town- 
ship. The otiier sister, Emma married the younger 
brother of JMr. Baker and they reside in Highland 
Townsliip. The famil}- came iiere during the Ter- 
ritorial days. Tlie mother is still living here at 
the advanced age of four-score years and six. 

Mrs. Baker's father was a drummer in the State 
Militia when living in New York. His son Elias 
took part in the Civil War, and served for about 
seven months. He saw a number of battles and was 
present at the surrender of Richmond. He belonged 
to the vSixteentli Michigan Infantry and only two 
were left in his company. 

To our subject and his wife have been born three 
children: Wilson W., born January 12, 1860; 
PLdith M., April 24. 1867, deceased; Winifred L., 
born April 7, 1878. The family of Wilson W., 
consists of two sons, Ray and Earl. His wife bore 
the maiden name of Bertlia Clark. This young 
man is an Odd Fellow. Mr. Baker is connected 
with the Republican party, lias been Justice of the 
Peace for sixteen 3ears, Constable for two years, 
and Highway Commissioner for two years. He 
was educated in the common schools and at the 
Union School at Flint. Botli he and his wife are 
highly educated and well informed, and she was a 
teacher previous to her marriage. At the time of 
the war he sent a substitute in his place although 
he was not drafted. His brother Thomas was 
drafted and fLirnislied a substitute. His brother 
Larkin served three years in the Twentj^-Second 
Michigan Infantry, and William H. was in the 
Light Artillery for two years. Both now draw 
pensions. 



II^RANCIS SCHOCH. This gentleman is one 
\\r& ^^ ''''® enterprising and progressive farmers 
It^ of Troy Township, and in the pursuit of 
his chosen vocation is obtaining a satisfactory in- 
come, so that he can enjoy the comforts of modern 
life and take a part in 'public-spirited movements 



which call for money as well as time. His residence 
is on section 6, where he has seventy acres of land, 
and his estate also includes sixty-five acres on sec- 
tion 5. The most of tiie land is under the plow 
and it as fine a tract of land as one could wish to 
see. The buildings are sufficiently numerous and 
ample to answer every purpose, and there are two 
good farmhouses on the estate. 

Mr. Schoch is a native of Northampton County, 
Pa., born near Williamsboro, March 8, 1835. His 
paternal grandfather, Jacob -Schoch, was born in 
Germany and established his home in the Key- 
stone State during the eighteenth century. There 
Henry Schoch, father of our subject, was born in 
1796. He married Mary Hagerman, a native of 
New Jersey, whose birth occurred in the year 1 800. 
Their marriage occurred in Penns3'lvania, and they 
lived there until 1858, during which year they 
came to this county and established their home 
where their son Francis is now living. The father 
was a weaver by trade and died January 11, 
1878, and the mother November 9, 1881, aged 
eighty-one years, eight months and three days. 
The parental family included two children older 
and two younger than our subject. Hannah, who 
was born August 18, 1815, is the wife of John 
M. Johnson, of Rochester, this State; Anna M., 
born in 1833, is the wife of Henry Barber, of 
Troy Township; William H., born in 1837, lives 
in Shifiwassec County, and so also does Samuel, 
who was born in 1840. 

Francis Schoch, our subject, was reared in his 
native place and made his first visit to Michigan 
in 1855. He returned to Pennsylvania and came 
hither again in 1858, when his parents established 
themselves here. His educational privileges were 
such as the common schools of the time and place 
ensured, and upon the practical foundation laid 
thereon he has built much information on general 
topics and current events. Immediateli' after his 
marriage he made his home on the parental estate, 
of which he became the owner, and which he still 
continues to operate. 

The wife of Mr. Schoch bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Shug and was born in Northampton 
County, Pa., December 10, 1833. She is the sec- 
ond of ten children comprising the family of John 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Eliza (Kortz) Sliug. Her' marriage was sol- 
emnized in lliis State. She is tlie mother of a son 
and a daughter, wliose names are Fred S. and 
Carrie E. Fred was born in Troy Townsliip in 
1868: he is a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 183, 
I. O. O. F., and now holds the station of outside 
guard. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Troy, and to the Epwortli League con- 
nected therewith. Carrie was also born in this 
county, the date of the event being October 11, 
1869. She, too, belongs to the Methodist P^pis- 
copal Church, and she takes an active part in Sun- 
daj'-school work. 

Mr. Schocli has served liis fellow-citizens in the 
capacity of Pathraastcr. His political belief cor- 
responds to that expressed in the platform of the 
Democratic party, and he has supported every 
candidate since the days of Buchanan. 



mOMAS GROW. A goodly number of re- 
tired agriculturists have made their homes 
f'' in Pontiac, in order to enjoy the social 
privileges afforded in the cit}', after years of in- 
dustry have secured to them a competence. One 
of this number is the gentleman above named, who 
still owns his farm lands. After he removed into 
the city he built a handsome residence of the latest 
design, and fitted it up in fine shape. It is of the 
Queen Anne style of arcliitecture, and is finished 
in hardwood throughout, and heated by steam. 

Mr. Grow is one of a family of seventeen chil- 
dren, all of whom lived to mature years, except 
one. Fourteen of the family attended school at 
the same time during one winter. Their i)arents 
were Elisha and Lois (Palmer) Grow, natives of 
Connecticut and New York, respectively. The 
father was a son of Thomas Grow, who was born in 
Connecti-jut, and was of English aneestrj'. After 
their marriage Elisha Grow and his wife settled on 
a farm in Cortland County, N. Y., and remained 
there until their removal to this State irt 1837. 
Upon coming AVest, they made their home on a 
farm in Waterford Township, this county, where 
very slight improvements had been made, and 




where much work was to be done in clearing the 
land and erecting good buildings. Mr. Grow re- 
mained on the place, carrying on general farming, 
until the fall of 1850, when he died in his seventy- 
first year. His faithful wife breathed her last Sep- 
tember 5, of the same year. 

Thomas Grow was the seventh son of his par- 
ents. He was born in Cortland County, N. Y., 
March 22, 1818, and his schooldays were spent in 
pursuing his studies in the home districts. After 
he accompanied his parents to this State, he re- 
mained with them about eighteen months, then 
went to Chicago, 111., from which place he drove a 
team to the Desplaines River, hauling powder with 
which to hlast rock. After a few months thus em- 
ployed he returned to this county and began farm- 
ing on the homestead, continuing that line of life 
until his marriage. 

On October 13, 1841 , Mr. Grow became the lius- 
band of Miss Margaret Morris, who was born in 
Wayne Count}-, N. Y., and was a daughter of 
Lewis L. .and Eve (Van Valkenburg) Morris, who 
came to this county in 1839. After his marriage 
Mr. Grow put up a house on the farm and occupied 
it two years, then removed to White Lake Town- 
ship, and lived on his father-in-law's farm. He 
subsequently bought the tract, which comprised 
one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, 
but after living upon it five years he made his 
home in Waterford Township. After a few j-cars 
another change was made, the farm being traded 
for another in Pontiac Township, of which he still 
holds the deed. This property consists of one hun- 
dred and thirtj'-flve acres of well-improved land 
with good buildings and farm equipments. Mr. 
[ Grow left the farm in 1873 to take up iiis residence 
! in the city, and in 1887 built the fine residence he 
now occupies. 

Jlr. and Mrs. Grow have had six children, of 
whom the survivors are Andrew, Elisha Palmer,- 
Dcwitt W. and Thomas, .Tr. The eldest son is 
farming in Montcalm County, and the others live 
in Bay Citj', and the daughter is still with her par- 
ents. Our subject and his wife lost one child in 
infancy, a daughter, Mary Jane. Mr. Grow has 
filled the office of Pathmaster very acceptablj', and 
as a private citizen he is well respected. Politically 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



321 



he is a Republican. His wife dispenses the hospi- 
tality of their beautiful home with cordial grace, 
and their daughter adds toils attractiveness by her 
inlellioeace and culture. 




■iILLIAM PARITY, miller and farmer, lives 
on section 3, (Soutlifield Township, where 
^NP he now owns one hundred acres of land. 
He has been engaged in milling since 185.5 and 
now has a well-equipped establishment with eight 
pairs of rollers, and two four-foot burrs and a ca- 
pacity of fifty barrels of flour in twenty-four 
hours, or two thousand bushels of wheat. A saw- 
mill owned by him will turn out five thousand 
pickets per day or two thousand feet of lumber. 

Mr. Erity was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., 
September 22, 1829, and is the third son of Edward 
B. and Melissa (Garrett) Erity. His father was 
born in Ireland and came to America wlien of age. 
He was married in New Y^ork, although his wife 
was a native of Connecticut. He carried on farm- 
ing near the town of Mentz and died at his home 
there. The widow came to Michigan and died in 
this locality. The family consisted of one daughter 
and four sons, and our subject was the fourth in 
order of birth. He started out for himself when 
ten years old and lived with a farmer four years. 
He then, in 1843, came to this State and worked on 
a farm for his board and clothes, until he was of 
age. Mr. R. Hunter, for whom he had been work- 
ing, then gave him $100 in money and a yoke of 
oxen and with this capital he was ready to begin 
life. He worked by the month for a couple of 
years, then, having secured a companion, he located 
where he is now living. For a year he worked the 
place on shares, then bought it. He has made all 
of the improvements and h.as accumulated sufficient 
means to feel that he is above need, although he is 
not ready to give up business. Indeed he is too 
enterprising to be idle. 

The wife of Mr. Erity bore the maiden name of 
Orpha M. Reynolds and their marriage was solemn- 
ized in this county in 1852. The bride was born 
in New York in 1828 and is the eldest daughter of 



Chester Reynolds, who removed to this State when 
she was quite small. The family of our subject 
and his good wife consisted of three children — 
Sarah E., wife of John W. Basselt living in South- 
field; Mary J., who married Chancey Nixon; and 
Althea M., who was the wife of Will W. Masters, is 
deceased. The Bassetts have one son, Will, and 
the Nixons have a daughter, Alta. 

Mr. Erity is a member of the Republican party. 
The first office he held was tiiat of Justice of the 
Peace in which he served four years. He was 
Township Supervisor eleven years, Treasurer two 
years and has been Director of Schools many 
years. He has also held the other school offices. 
He belongs to Birmingham Lodge, No. 44, F. & 
A. M., and is also connected with the Grange. He 
is spoken well of on all sides as a useful citizen, 
not only in business matters, but as one who is 
public-spirited and anxious to see those around him 
prosper. 



>^^ 



E^ 



y,lLLlAI\ 
utable 
^ ^ owning 



ILLIAM B. DICKIE is one of the rep- 
farmers of White Lake Township, 
g and occup3'ing a well-regulated 
tract of land on section 29. He started out in life 
as a general farmer with $2,800, and has displ.ayed 
such qualifications for his work and such good 
judgment in investments, that he now has three 
hundred and sixt\- acres of good farm land and a 
house and lot in Flint. His farm is under cultiva- 
tion, except forty-seven acres which are devoted to 
timber, and a full line of farm buildings and such 
adornments as befits a country home ma}' be seen 
upon it. 

The grandfather of our subject was John Dickie, 
a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, who emigrated to 
Canada and spent the rest of his life in County 
Waterloo. His wife was Marian Cutiibertson, and 
his family consisted of four sons and three 
daughters. The first-born was John, Jr., who 
opened his eyes to the light in Scotland July 17, 
1830, and who grew to manhood in his native land. 
He was married there to Janet B. Miller, whose 
mother was an own cousin of Robert Burns. She 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was born January 28, 1809, and died in September, 
1877. .Tolm Dickie. Jr., left his native land 
soon after his marriage and made his home in Can- 
ada, where he reared a famil3' of six children, 
named respectively, John, James, David, AVilliam 
B., Marian and Jessie. In 1854 he came to this 
State and bought a farm of two hundred and forty 
acres in West Bloouifield Township, this county. 
" It was his intention to bring his family hither the 
next spring, but he died in February, 1855, before 
his purpose was accomplished. His widow and 
five children soon located pn the farm, which is 
now owfied by David, the third son. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was born March 6, 1841, in Count}' 
AVaterloo, Canada, and was fourteen years old 
when he came to this county with his mother and 
other members of the family. He remained at the 
family home until his marriage, after which he set 
up his own household on an eightj'-acre tr.act he 
had bought. He retained that property two 3cars, 
then changed his locatiou to White Lake Town- 
ship, bu3'ing one hundred and twenty acres, near 
which he now lives. He next bought the one 
hundred and twenty acres on which his present 
residence stands, and still later added another one 
hundred and twenty. His accumulation of prop- 
erty shows that he has been industrious and thrifty, 
and that he merits a high position among his fel- 
low-agriculturists. 

July 4, I860, our subject was married to Miss 
Ilattie Malcolm, daughter of George and Janettc 
(Andrews) Malcolm. Her father was born at 
Lelham, Fifeshire, Scotland, and came to America 
in 1827, locating in New York Cit}'. There he 
worked at his trade — that of a carpenter. He was 
married February 10, 1828, to a daughter of Si- 
mon Andrews, who was born near Glasgow, Scot- 
land. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm were 
named James, Mary, George, John, Annie, Robert, 
Elizabeth, Hattic and AVillie. She who became 
Mrs. Dickie is well informed, thoroughly acquainted 
with household duties and has an estimable char- 
acter. Mr. and Mrs. Dickie have had ten children, 
viz.: Charlie, Fred, Roy, Kittle, Harrison, Jenn^' 
B., Annie, Malcolm, AVillie and May. Of these 
children Charlie is deceased, and Jennie B., Annie 



and Malcolm are still living under the home roof; 
Willie is married and farming near New Hudson; 
May is the wife of George AV.iger and her home 
is in AVhite Lake Township. 

Mr. Dickie is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to 
Mdford Lodge No. 1 and Blue Lodge No. 121, in 
Commerce. He is and alwajs has been a Repub- 
lican. He served three consecutive years as Town- 
ship Supervisor and discharged the duties of oHice 
in a manner creditable to himself and his constitu- 
ents. Mrs. Dickie is a member in good standing 
of the Baptist Church. 



mmi^sm 



WILLIAM H. GREGG, a merchant of Ox- 
W "\'// ft)''<L was born in Oakland County August 
\i'pfl 22, 1851. He is a son of Robert and 
Catherine (Adams) Gregg, both of whom were 
natives of Nev.- York. This coui)le when young 
came to Michigan and located in Oakland County 
in 1840. Here Robert engaged in farming. He 
did not live to bring up his family', but died 
in Gratiot County in November, 1854, when the 
subject of our sketch was scarcely out of infancy. 
His good wife was spared to care for her flock of 
little children and remained with them until No- 
vember, 1890, when she was called to her heavenl\' 
home. The eight children of this household are 
all living, tut are scattered far and wide, four of 
them being in Nebraska and some still remaining 
in Michigan. The Greggs are of Scotch descent. 
AA'illiam H. Gregg was reared on a farm, where 
he remained until he was eighteen years of age. 
He then decided to go out into the world and 
take hold of some other work. He entered the 
mercantile business for G. AA''. Alger, for whom he 
clerked nine years on a salary. He had been fru- 
gal and industrious, and had laid by each year 
what he could spare of his salary, and was now 
prepared to begin business for himself. He bought 
a stock of goods and opened up a grocery store. 
He prospered in business and received the patron- 
age of the community to such an extent that he 
was enabled, from time to time, to add largely' to 
his stock. After awhile he varied his business by 




*«*-«^'^ 




u 



PORTRAI I' AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



325 



adding a general stock of dry -goods, and now car- 
ries a full line of these goods besides boots and 
shoes, groceries and wall paper. 

Mr. Gregg had already established a home be- 
fore he began in business for himself. He was 
married September 2, 1870, to Elizabeth, daughter 
of Robert Baile}'. Two children have brightened 
their home — Stuart and Howard. Mr. Gregg is 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the 
Knights of the Maccabees. He is a Republican in 
politics and keenl}- alive to the interests of town 
and county. Our subject is also a member of the 
Masonic order. 



^UDGE JAMES A. JACOKES. This gen- 
tleman is one of the prominent lawyers of 
Pontiac and was formtrlj' Judge of Probate 
for Oakland County. He is a member of 
the law firm of Baldwin, Draper it Jacokcs, enjoys 
a good practice and stands well among his associ- 
ates as a wise counselor ami one whose opinions 
are sound and based on studj- and investigation. 
He has held various offices and has ably discharged 
the duties that devolved ui)on him, governing his 
actions by the high moral principles which animate 
him in private life as well. 

Judge Jacokes was born in Geneva, N. Y., No- 
vember 21, 1834, and is the son of the Rev. Dr. 
D. C. Jacokes, whose biograpliy is also found in 
this volume. He was educated at home, mostly 
under the instruction of his father, until he had 
made considerable progress in the studies of a 
collegiate course, when he entered Albion College, 
Mich. After spending two years in that institu- 
tion he entered upon the stud}' of law in 1857, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar in Pontiac, 
where he has since practiced. He was a student 
under Judge Baldwin, with whom he was after- 
ward associated several years as a partner. At a 
much later date the present firm was organized. 

In 1880 Judge Jacokes was elected a member of 
the School Board and has held the oftice continu- 
ously until the present time (1891.) In 1862 he 



was elected Circuit Court Commissioner and held 
that office four years and was again elected in 1870. 
He was City Attorne}' four years and in 1876 
was chosen Judge of l^robate, which he held four 
3ears. He was elected to these positions by the 
Democratic party, of which he is an active mem- 
ber. His religious connections are with the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. Judge Jacokes has been 
a student from early life and he has a wide ac- 
quaintance with literature and science. He has a 
pleasing address and fine social qualities, and the 
general verdict of those who know him is expressed 
by a friend who says, ''He is one of those good 
kind-hearted men who have a smile and an honest 
hand for all." 

The residence of Judge Jacokes is situated in 
one of the best neighborhoods of the city and is 
built of brick with neat and attractive surround- 
ings. It was until (juite recently presided over by 
a true-hearted wife, who joined her fate with his, 
October 15, 1867. Mrs. Jacokes was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Camilla Manning and was a 
daughter of the late Randolph Manning, Associ- 
ate Judge of the Supreme Court of Michigan. She 
was well and favorably known and had a large 
circle of friends. .She was a devoted member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and when she en- 
tered the valley of the shadow of death Novem- 
ber 22, 1890, she was supported by the rod and 
staff that are promised to al! Christians. 

A portrait of Judge .lacokes is [iresented on an- 
other page of this volume. 



<lf)AMES M. ANDREWS, an old settler of 
1850, a successful farmer, and a man of ex- 
emplary life, makes his home on section 16 
Holly Townshi|), He was born in Washing- 
ton county, Vt., February 13, 1814. His father, 
Eleaser Andrews, was a native of Vermont, as was 
also his grandfather, Elijah. The father of our 
subject removed to Onondago Courity, N. Y., 
and farmed there. He was a verj' thorough going 
and industrious man, a member of the Close Com- 
munion Baptist Church in his early d.ays, and later 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in his life a Universalist. Politically, he saw a 
number of changes, being first an anti-Mason, then 
a AVhig, later a Republican, and finally a Demo- 
crat in his old age. He held some township offices 
with credit. He died in New York State in his 
ninety-third year. His wife. Daphne Goodin, 
the mother of our subject, bore thirteen children, 
eleven of wliom lived to be married. She was a 
Baptist in religion and lived to the advanced age 
of eighty years. 

The subject of our sketch was reared on the 
home farm in New York, to which he had moved 
■with his parents when one year old. When 
twenty-one years old he worked one year for his 
father on wages, then he and his brother farmed 
the home place until he came to Miciiigan in the 
winter of 1849. In the spring of ISaO he came to 
this county. He bought two hundred and 
forty acres at tliat time and lived in a log house 
for fifteen years. He lias improved his farm and 
built neat frame buildings upon it. He has been 
an extensive stock-raiser. 

The marriage of Mr. Andrews took place in 
1836. He was then united with Eliza Joslin, who 
is still living. She was born in New York State. 
Nine children have blessed their union, namely, 
James, Daphne, Sabin J., George U., Htlen. John, 
Emma, Hosie aid Ezra. Our subject is a Repub- 
lican and has had some township offices, and was. 
for a long time. Justice of the Peace. He helped 
organize the Republican party in this, township, 
when there were but seven Republican votes here. 
He now rents his place to his son-in-law and lives 
a retired life. 



OHN W. MORGAN. This gentleman has 
been numbered among the agriculturists of 
While Lake Townshii) but a comparatively 
short time, yet he has become known as one 
who thoroughly understands his vocation and can- 
not only produce good results in general work, 
but do well with specialties. He breeds fine-wool 
sheep, markets large crops of potatoes and sells 
good fruit, paying particular attention to these 



three items. The house in whicli he is living is a 
comfortable and attractive dwelling, built under 
his oversiglit in 1888, and surrounded by ninety 
fertile acres, every rod of which is devoted to use 
or ornament in accordance with good taste and 
judgment. 

Grandfather Morgan, whose given name was 
William, was born in New Jersej' and in his early 
life went to Tompkins County, N. Y., where he 
reared his family and spent his remaining years. 
His wife was a Miss White who was nearly related 
to Mr. White who owned much of the land on 
which Philadelphia is built. Four sons and four 
daughters were born to William Morgan and his 
wife and liie second son was Nelson, father of our 
subject. That gentleman was a native of Tomp- 
kins County, N. Y., born April 10, 1814. After 
his marriage he removed to the western part of the 
State and in 1866 came West and bought two hun- 
dred acres of land in Independence Township, this 
county, on which he is still living. He is a car- 
penter by trade and has followed that handicraft 
most of his life, but is now retired. 

In Tompkins County, N.Y., Nelson Morgan was 
married to Sarah George who was born there in 
1815. Iler father, Thomas George, was a native 
of New Jersey', but made an early settlement in the 
Empire State and passed his later years there. The 
family in which our subject is the third son, in- 
cluded also George, Hans. William B., Louisa, (de- 
ceased) and Clara. The son of whom we write 
was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., March 19, 
1844. He pursued his studies in the neighboring 
schools and fitted himself for the occupation to 
which his taste led liini. He remained in his native 
State until 1873, then came hither and settled on 
an eighty -acre farm in S.ashabaw Plains, this county. 
In 1884 he sold that property and removed to 
White Lake Township, buying his present estate. 

At the bride's home in Davisburg, this county. 
Mr. Morgan was married to Mary Struble. daughter 
of Robert Struble. Her father was a native of 
New Jersey but spent his last years in Waterford 
Township, this count}-, and is well remembered by 
manj' of the old settlers there. Mrs. Marj- Morgan 
died in 1884. leaving three children — Hattie, Sam- 
uel and George. Some time after her demise Mr. 



POKTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



327 



Morgan was married to Mrs. Antoinette Horn, 
a (laughter of Tlionias Cornell, wlio was a native 
of New Jersey. Mr. Morgan has always voted a 
Republican ticket. He never aspires to office but 
tal<os an intelligent interest in political questions 
and has a sound reason to give for his party faith. 
He is a member in good standing of the Methodist 
Church. 

-l^^ 




YRON YOORHEIS, a farmer on section 
6, While Lake Township, is one of the 
representative farmers of Oakland County. 
He is a son of Sebring Voorheis, whose 
father, Peter, lived in Seneca County, N. Y., and 
reared a family- of ten children, namely: Isaac, 
Joseph, ijebring, Peter, Jackson, John, Jacob, 
Abr.iham, Mary and Jane. The great-grandfather 
of our subject was in the War of the Revolution. 
Sebring Yoorheis was born in Seneca Count}-, 
N. Y., January 7, 1815, and in 1839 came to Michi- 
gan and settle<l in A\'hite Lake Township, wheie he 
ended his da3S. At that period he owned one 
hundred and flftj' acres, most of which he had 
cleared and broken. He bad also devoted con- 
siderable time to teaching school. He had been 
married in New York to Sarah, daughter of Jacob 
Bachman. Two children onl}' bless this union — 
our subject and his brother Peter. The second 
marriage of the father of our subject united him 
with Julia A. Yerkes, \i\ whom was born one son, 
Uarl S. 

Mr. Voorheis' political views were first with the 
Whigs and afterward the Reijublicans. He was 
Supervisor four terras and Township Clerk one 
term. He represented the district of Oakland 
County in the State Legislature in 1863-6-1 for a 
term of two years. His tlcath occurred in Febiu- 
ary, 1882, in White Lake I'ownship. He had been 
bereaved of his faithful wife in April, 1866. 

Myron Voorheis first saw the light December 
10, 1840, in White Lake Township, where he has 
resided ever since with the exception of a year and 
a half which he ])assed in Paw Paw and six months 
at Grand Rapids. His education in the common 
schools was supplemented by attendance at the 



State Normal School at Ypsilanti, where he was 
g.aduated in 18G5. He taught school winters for 
six years. While at school in Ypsilanti he met 
Lucy A. Nelson, of Vermont, who was a class- 
mate there. To her he was united in marriage 
August 14, 1867. The father of Mrs. Voorheis 
was Oren Nelson, a native of Wheelock Township, 
Caledonia County, Vt., born February 19, 1806. 
Her mother was Sarah Allen in her maidenhood, 
and was born June 9, 1809, and died September 
25, 1888. This familj- were adherents of the faith 
of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 

Three children have blessed the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Voerheis. Their oldest is Herbert S., 
born August 4, 1870; he is now in the State Nor- 
mal .School at Ypsilanti, Mich., and is a member 
of the class of '92, in which class is also his sister, 
Sarah D., who was born March 9, 1872. The 
youngest child, Irving N., was born August 21, 
1876, and is still attending school at home. Mr. 
Voorheis now owns ninety-six acres in White Lake 
Township. He follows mixed farming and breeds 
Shropshire sheep. He is a Prohibitionist and has 
been since 1884. He has held the office of School 
Inspector in Rose Township, and he and his fam- 
ily are members and supporters of the Presbyterian 
Church at White Lake. 

eHARLES F. COLLIER, attorney-at-law at 
Holly, was born in Wayne County in 1856. 
He is the son of David G. and Mary J. 
(Louden) Collier, natives of England and Canada 
respectively. The father came to America when 
quite young, and coming to Oakland County, en- 
gaged in work on a farm and for some time clerked 
in Pontiac. About 1855 he came to Holly and 
engaged in the grocery business. His father, 
Nathan, preceded his family to America and set- 
tled near Holly. He liad three sons and three 
daughters. Samuel Louden, the maternal grand- 
father of our subject, was a native of Ireland of 
Scotch descent. He first settled in Canada, and 
came from there to Wayne Count}', where he set- 
tled on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ami farmecl there for many years until in advanccfl 
years be retired from active life ami moved into 
the village of Wayne, llis daughter was educated 
in the High School. 

The subject of tiiis notice spent his school days 
largely in Holly. After completing a course in 
the High School there be attended Albion College, 
and then entered the law department of the Uni- 
versity at Ann Arbor. He was graduated March 
26, 1879, and admitted to the bar soon afterward. 
After his graduation he returned to Holl}' and en- 
tered into partnership with Thomas L. Patterson 
under the firm name of Patterson & Collier. 
They remained together until January 1, 1885. 
Mr. Collier has held the offices of Supervisor and 
Clerk of the townsbiix He has been several 
times a member of the Council and President of 
the village of Holly. Since he commenced the 
practice of law he has been Village Attornej' all 
the time with the exception of one year. He is a 
stockholder of the Vinegar Works and a Director 
and Treasurer of the same, having been active in 
its organization. 

The marriage of Mr. Collier, in 1887, united 
him with Helen A. Simpson, of Flint, Mich., a 
daughter of Thomas Simpson. Mrs. Collier is a 
graduate of the Holly High School and taught in 
the ward school of Flint for some years. Mr. Col- 
lier is a Democrat and is connected with the orders 
of the Free Masons and the Odd Fellows, and al- 
together is one of the prominent men of the 
countj-. 



'JY'OSEPH NUSBAUMER. Financially speak- 
ing this gentleman is one of the most sub- 
stantial of Ponliai''s citizens, and this fact 
is one reflecting credit upon him, as he 
began his career in life without means. By dint 
of industry, prudence and wise economy during 
man}' years of active life, he has accumulated a 
goodly estate consisting of a well-improved farm, 
a store building and other citj- propert)', including 
a pleasant residence on North .Saginaw Street. His 
chief business in life has been that of a merchant, 
.and he displayed a high degree of financial tact 



and business enterprise. He is still a compara- 
tively young man, his natal daj' having been Au- 
gust 16, 1842, but he retired from business in 1889. 

Our subject is the second son of John and Cath- 
erine (Sloll) Nusbaumer, the former of whom was 
born in the county of Berne, Switzerland, and the 
latter near Str.asburg, Germanj'. Mr. Nusbaumer 
was reared and educated in his native country, 
whence he emigrated after attaining to manhood. 
He landed in New York, made a sojourn in Erie, 
Pa., and then reached Pontiac in the fall of 1832. 
He bought one hundred and thirty acres of Gov- 
ernment land in this county, but afterward dis- 
posed of forty acres. He began clearing and 
improving the property and worked upon it until 
after bis marriage, which occurred August 2, 1838. 
His bride was at that lime living at Pontiac, hav- 
ing come to this country when nineteen years old. 
The newly wedded couple settled on a farm near 
Pontiac and the husband carried on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising until his death. He breathed 
his last in August, 1871, in the sixty-sixth year of 
his age. His wife survived until February 25, 
1879, and attained to her seventy-fifth j'ear. 

The parental familv included four sons and five 
daughters, and the second of the survivors is the 
subject of this notice. The others are John, now 
living in Pontiac; Mary, wife of Lewis Specht, 
whose home is in Detroit; Emma, who is in a con- 
vent in Milwaukee: Elizabeth, who is unmarried; 
Theodore and Edmond, who are living in Pontiac. 
Joseph was born in Pontiac Township, this county, 
August 16, 1842, and was reared as are other 
farmer boys, dividing his time between atteudauc* 
at the district school and assisting his father on the 
the farm. During his j-oulb he .attended the old 
Union school at Pontiac for a time, and in 1861 he 
entered the employ of Hosea Woodard in the ca- 
pacitj' of a dry-goods clerk. He remained with 
that gentleman two j'ears and then obtained work 
in the grocery store of Tliomas Turk, where he 
likewise remained two years. 

A trip to Memphis, Tenn., was then taken by 
Mr. Nusbaumer and he spent eighteen months in 
that city in the employ of Fred Waller. During 
that time be was married to Miss Bernadina Wind- 
ier, of that city, daughter of Herman and Anna 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



320 



M. Windier. Soon after the marriage he returnerl 
to Pontine and entered into business as one of the 
firm of F. "Walter & Co., general grocers and pro- 
vision dealers, his partner being Fred Waller, who 
bad sold out his business in Memphis. The con- 
nection continued three years, then Mr. Nushauin- 
er sold out to his partner and building a brick store 
in the northern part of the city, started a grocery 
and provision house alone. He carried on the 
business from 1870 to 188'.), when he sold his stock 
to John Kallenbach, and retired to private life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nusbaumer have six children liv- 
ing, named respectively, Anna, George, Henry, 
Emma, Mary and Clara. They lost one child in 
inf.incy. Parents and children are comraunicanls 
of St. Vincent's Catholic Church. Mr. Nusbaum- 
er stands high as a business man and citizen, and 
is well worthy of representation in such a volume 
as this. 




ILLIAM J. Tl'NSTEAD, of Oxford, was 
/I' born at Bradford, Ontario, Canada, March 
''^^1 17, 1840. He is the son of John and 
Sophia Tunsteafl, ■natives of the north part of Eng- 
land, whence they came to America about 1830. 
The father departed this life in July 1870, the 
mother resides with our subject and is seventy- 
eight years old. Thirteen children were born to 
them. William J., our subject, was apprenticed to 
learn the trade of a tinner. He served four years 
at Brantford. After he began working independ- 
entl}' he remained there for about a year, then 
came to Detroit in 1861 where he remained for 
about two years. 

Mr. Tunstead came to Oxford in 1863 and 
worked at his trade for Ira Killam about two 
years. Mr. Killam then sold out to A. A. Stan- 
ton with whom the young man remained for a 
year and then having been able to accumulate 
some funds and feeling that he was capable of 
managing the busiuiss himself he bought out his 
employer. To the tin shop he has added a gen- 
eral hardware and agricultural implement business, 
carrying from *10,000 to $12,000 worth of stock 
constantly'. He has secured the esteem and confi- 



dence of the communitj-, and has a trade of from 
*25,000 to ^30,000 dollars per annum. Our sub- 
ject has erected a number of buildings in Oxford, 
started the first hardware store in the place and 
was the prime mover in organizing the Oxford 
saving bank ami has always been the President of 
the same. 

The marriage of our subject took place De- 
ceml)er 12, 186S. He was then united with Lyda 
Davidson, to whom ha.s been born one son, George 
B. Mr. Tunstead is a pi>))ular man in Oxford 
and belongs to most of the fraternal societies 
which have lodges there, and also to some in De- 
troit and Pontiac. He is a member of the Oxford 
Lodge of the F. & A. M. ; of the Oxford Chapter 
of K. A. M., was High Priest for a number of years 
of the Knights of Pythias; belongs to the Knights of 
Maccabees, to the Pontiac Commandery No. 2 K. 
T., to the Moslem Shrine of Detroit and to the 
Pontiac Council of Royal Select. His political 
affiliations are with the Democratic party and he 
has been placed in several positions of trust by his 
fellow-citizens of Oxford. He was the Treasurer 
of Oxford in 1872, and Supervisor for the j-ear 
1877-78. He was made Trustee of the village when 
it was first organized and continued in this position 
for six years thereafter. On the 24th of Decem- 
ber 1878, our subject met with a big loss by fire; 
his stock building wa.s entirely destroyed but was 
lightly insured. 

-^. . ^ cj> «-— 



^^EORGE KINSMAN belongs to a family 
who were early settlers in New England. 




The first of the name to land in America, 
was Robert, who reached its shores about the 
\ear 1624. The grandfather of our subject, John 
Kinsman, was a cajitain in the Revolutionary 
War on the English side. At that time he made 
his home in New Brunswick. Our subject, who 
resides in Oxford, Oakland Count3-, this State, 
was born in Orange County, Vt., August 13, 1852. 
Both parents, John and Julia A. (Heath) Kinsman, 
were natives of New Hampshire. .lohn, during his 
I early manhood was a farmer in Thetford, Vt. Six 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



children survive of the seven born to this worthy 
couple, narael}-: Charles, foreman in a paper mill 
at Olcott, Vt. : John, resides on the old homeste.id; 
Sarah, the wife of Joseph C. Brown in Shi.iwassee 
County, Mich.; Annette H. and Minnie, both at 
home; and our subject. 

Tiie subject of this sketch was brought up to the 
pursuit of agriculture. He attended Thetford 
Academy for two years, and then went to Oxford 
Academy. He taught considerably while prepar- 
ing for college, and entered Oberlin College, Ohio, 
ill the Class of '76. When about half through his 
course his money gave out. This necessitated his 
return to teaching for awhile. In 1880 he was 
graduated in the law department at Ann Arbor, 
and went to Lebanon, N. II., where he entered the 
office of John L. Spring, with whom he read law 
for a j'ear. 

The young Iaw3-er spent a 3'car at home on the 
farm, and in 1882 came to Oxford, Mich., and 
opened an oftke where he has since continued in 
practice. He is a member of the Knights of P} th- 
ias, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
in politics adheres to the principles of the Repub- 
lican party. He is an attendant at the Congrega- 
tional Church, and is highlj' esteemed by all the 
citizens of Oxford. 



«— ^-r^ 



^fl AMES H. DAVIS, a farmer and old pioneer 
of Springfield Township, was born in Ulster 
Count}-, N. Y., November 23, 1827. His 
/ father was Cornelius Davis, and his grand- 
father, Andrup, was a native of Holland, and came 
to America when a boj'. He w.as a pensioner of 
the United States (iovernment, having served in 
the Revolutionary War. He died in Ulster Count}', 
N. Y., at the extreme age of ninety years. The 
father came to Michigan in June, 1836, journey- 
ing by team. He took up land and returned after 
his famil}-. He came back by canal and lake to 
Detroit, and from there b}' team, through the wild, 
uncultivated forest. He had seven hundied and 
eighty odd acres where the town of Davisburg now 
stands, which town now bears his name, 



Mr. Davis was a hard worker, and spent but lit- 
tle time in hunting the deer and bears which were 
then so plentiful. He did his first trading in De- 
troit, and paid i;14 a barrel for flour, and >^iO a 
barrel for pork. There were no regular roads laid 
out, and travelers had to follow blazed trees. He 
made numerous improvements here, and lived to 
the age of sixty-six years. His religious belief was 
in accord with the doctrines of the Presbyteiian 
Church, and he held to the platform of the Demo- 
cratic party. He held the offices of Assessor and 
Justice of the Peace. 

Agnes Winfleld, the mother of our subject, was 
a native of Orange County, N. Y. She saw seven 
of her eight children grow to malurit}-, namely: 
Mary E.^ Mrs. Locy; John C, Thaddeus, Jerome 
Z., James H.; Sarah J., Mrs. Burnham; and Isaac 
L. She was a devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and often opened her home for preaching 
services. James was nine years old when he came 
to Michigan, and the first school he attended was in 
a private house, as the districts had not then been 
organized. A little later log schoolhouses were 
built, and the rate bill system was inaugurated. 
He remembers well the slab benches with pin legs, 
the writing desk on the wall, arid the open fire- 
place. He began to work upon the farm as soon as 
he was old enough, and remained at home until he 
reached his twenty-seventh year, when his father 
gave him eight}- acres of land to which he added 
by purchase. 

Mr. Davis married Maria Simpson in 1855. She 
was born in Cambridge, N. Y., and became the 
mother of three sons — William, Myron and John. 
The young mother's life ended in 1859. The sec- 
ond marriage of our subject took place in March. 
1862. He was then united with Isabel Irwin, who 
was a native of Canada, and reared near Batavia, 
N. Y. Her five children are all living, namely: 
Elizabeth E., Mrs. Reynolds; LeRoy, Laverne, 
Keppie and Martha. 

The home farm comprises two hundred and 
twenty acres, most of it under cultivation. Mr. 
Davis has broken nearly two hundred acres of 
ground here with four and five yoke of oxen. He 
raises good stock of all kinds, especially Durham 
cattle, and pays much attention to grain. He has a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



331 



pleasant and commodious frame residence and two 
large frame barns. Both he and his wife are de- 
voted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He is a Democrat in his political views, and has 
been elected Justice of the Peace, but would not 
accept the position. He is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order at Davisburg, No. 48. He is a mem- 
ber of Charter Oak Lodge, No. 56. A. O. U. W., 
at Davisburg. He is a man of unusual good sense 
and judgment, and is an excellent manager of his 
fine estate. 



•S€i^- 



STpS^l LI B A K E R. a representative farmer of 
l|U] Bloomfield Townshi|), was born in .Scipio, 
Ji' — ^ Cayuga County, N. Y., January 14, 1822. 
He is the son of Horace and Sarah (Shaver) Baker, 
natives of Greene and Columbia Counties, N. Y., 
respectively. The parents were married in Scipio, 
and lived there almost all their lives, but died in 
Owasco, that county. He never accumulated prop- 
erty but was an industrious farmer all his life. He 
and his wife were for man}' years members of the 
Baptist Church and in politics he was a Democrat. 
He liad five children, namely: Eli, Ambrose (de- 
ceased), George C. W., Miloand Sarah (deceased). 

The subject of this sketch was reared in New 
York .Slate. After spending iiis early years on 
the farm, he learned the blacksmith trade and 
worked at this business in various points in that 
vicinity. He then went to New Haven, Conn., and 
for thirty years worked at his trade in railroad and 
machine shop.s. He was in the employ of various 
roads, and for years worked for the New York & 
New Haven Railroad. He also was in the emploj- 
for fourteen years of H. B. Bigelow, who has since 
been Governor of the State. 

In 1879 Mr. Raker removed to Michigan, and 
bought the farm where he now resides and sellled 
upon it. Here he has resided from that day to this. 
It is a fine little farm of one hundred and thirty- 
nine acres and he has another small farm of forty 
acres at another place. He started in life empty 
handed but was possessed with those precious en- 
dowments of nature, pluck, push and perseverance. 
He is unfortunatel}' of a too confiding and unsus- 



picious a nature and does not readily discern ras- 
cality in those with whom he deals. He has con- 
sequently been unfortunate with his dealings witli 
others and has been swindled out of more money 
than he now possesses. 

This gentleman has given all his attention to 
farming since he came to this State. Although a 
Democrat in his political views, he pays little atten- 
tion to politics, and is only careful to cast his vote 
upon the day of election. He is identified with the 
order of the Free and Accepted Masons. 

On November 19, 1851, an event of great import- 
ance in the life of our subject took place in New 
Haven, Conn. It was his marriage with Jane Ob- 
dike. This lady was born in Stillwater, N. J., Jan- 
uary 4, 1836, and is a daughter of Anthon}- and 
Ann (Lininber}') Obdike. Sis children have been 
granted to our subject and his wife. They are 
George and liobeil E., who have died; Eli H., a 
farmer living with his father; .Sarah, deceased; 
Willis A., a farmer who married Sarah M. Hutcb- 
eson of Birmingham, and has one child; and Ida, 
who is deceased. 



m 



^OHN E. BENEDICT, was born in Saratoga 
Springs, N. Y., November 3, 1836. He is 
a son of Eri and Delia E. (Darrow) Bene- 

diet. Eri Benedict was born in Greenfield, 

Saratoga County, N. Y., March 20, 1799. Here he 
grew to manhood and married. He was the son of 
Jolui, who was one of the first settlers of Saratoga 
Count}'. Eri Benedict came to Michigan in 1844, 
and settled in Detroit. In 1856 he removed onto 
a farm in Bloomlield Township, this county, which 
is now owned by Mr. A. C. Tibbils. Here he lived 
for many years but finally ended his days in Bir- 
mingham, March 21, 1889. His wife who was born 
and died in the same place as her husband, was a 
ilaughter of Isaac Darrow, of Saratoga County. 
Her natal day was July 25, 1803. She died in 
the fall of 1886. Seven children were granted to 
this worthy couple. 

Our subject was renred in his native town and 
was about eight years of age when the family re- 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



moved to Detroit. He learned tlie macliinist's 
trade in tlie Michigan Iron Works under liis uncle 
J. 15. Wayne. Since coming to this count}' he has 
given all his attention to farming and fruit raising, 
and has a farm of sixty- five .acres, about tliirtccn 
of which are in an apple orcliard and three or four 
acres are in grapes. He gave his father the benefits 
of his labors until he came to this count}-. He and 
his brothers then bought the place known as the 
Fish place, going in debt for the whole amount. 
He is now one of the leading farmers in the town 
and is in eas}- financial circumstances but all which 
he possesses is the result of hard work and good 
management. 

Mr. Benedict is a Republican although he is not 
active in politics and lie is a ((uiet but substantial 
member of the Grange. He believes in churches 
but is not personally connected with any religious 
denomination. He was married June 19, 1871, to 
Ellen C, daughter of Lewis W., and .Julia (T3ler) 
Adams. This ladj' was born in .Southfleld, this 
county, May 1, 1840. She is the mother of three 
children — Edwin L., Hattie B. and Carrie E. Her 
father is now deceased, but her mother lives with 
a son Lewis in Detroit. She is a daughter of Tim- 
othy Tyler, a native of Connecticut who settled in 
Shiawassee County, in the early days. 



iDWARD N. GROW, a retired f.irmer of 
Clyde, Highland Township, is a son of 
Elisha and Lois (Palmer) Grow, who are 
elsewhere mentioned in this book. Our subject 
and his brother Edwin were twins, and were born, 
March 8, 1822, in Homer Township, Cortland 
County, N. Y. W^hen fifteen years of age he came 
to Michigan and settled in Waterford, in May, 
1837, and has since resided in Oakland County. 
When nineteen years old he learned the trade of 
a shoemaker, and worked at it for seven years. 
December 27, 1848, he was married in Clarkston, 
to Susan Landon, who w.is born December 2'), 
1827, in Canada. She is a daughter of Ebenezer 
Laudon, a native of New York. At an early 
day he went to Canada, and in 1836 came to Port 



Huron, Mich. He owned a farm in Chester 
Township, Eaton County, comprising one hundred 
and sixty acres which he worked, and also followed 
the trade of a carpenter. He was a soldier in the 
War of 1812. and received a land warrant of forty 
acres for his services. He and his wife were Free 
Will Baptists. 

The ciiildren of Mr. Edward Grow and wife 
are: Miriam A., now Mrs. VanValkenburg, who 
resides in Brad}', Saginaw County; Frank H., a 
farmer at Fenton; Albert R. at South Saginaw; 
Lois A., who is now Mrs. Wallace, and resides at 
East Saginaw, and John who is deceased. Mr. 
Grow lived for five years on his sixty-acre farm at 
Waterford. He then moved to Springfield on a 
farm of eighty acres. After living there nine j'ears 
he went to Clarkston, and after a year removed to 
Highland Township. Here he lived from 1865 until ^ 
1879, when became to the village of Clyde, where | 
he still lives, having sold his farm in 1886. He 
has a good location and a fine residence, but most 
of his property is in money. Both he and his wife 
are Baptists, and his political affiliations are and 
alwaj's have been with the Republican party. 

i 

t^^^RUMAN H. RICE who operates the foundry 
m^^ and planing-mill at Oxford, was born in 
^^' Warren County, N. Y., March 9, 1832. He 
belongs to an old Vermont family who came 
originally from England. His grandfather, Asa 
Rice, Sr., came from England when but a child. 
Soon after his arrival in this country he was cap- 
tured by the Indians and kept by them for nine 
years. His experiences added great intensity to 
his abhorrence of them. When he grew to manhood 
he located in Massachusetts and became a farmer. 
He entered the Revolutionary Army and served 
throughout the period of contlict. 

Our subject is the son of Asa and Relief Rice, 
natives of Western New York. The father lived 
and died in Warren County, N. Y., passing from 
life, in March, 1877. His wife had been called awa}' 
from earth in August, 1838. Their family con- 
sisted of seven children, namely: Hiram, who is 




I, 



U^^ Au^h ^^z^^^ 




d^^-^L L^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



335 



deceased; Minerva, vvifo of Elisha Wickbam, of 
Ballston Spa, N. Y.; Smith, who lives on the old 
homestead; Clark, at Edinburg, N. Y.; George, 
deceased; D. P., and Truman H. 

Young Kice became a clerk in a general store 
when only sixteen years of age. After two years 
service there he engaged in a sawmill and lumber 
Inisiness. He came to Michigan in 1871, and went 
into the lumber business in Lapeer County, where 
he remained three and one-half years. After this 
lie c.inie to Oxford and in 1874 engaged in iLe 
lumber and milling business here. In connection 
with B. L. Waite he bought the old gristmill, 
which they operated for about two years. He then 
bought the foundry and plauing-mill which he still 
owns and operates. 

The marriage of Mr. Rice in February*, 1864 
with Mary J. Ayres, was an event of great im- 
portance and has resulted in a domestic life of 
unusual happiness. Two children have blessed their 
home — Myrtle and Inez. Their eldest daughter, 
Myrtle, has become the wife of Eber Lewis now 
living in Saginaw. Mr. Rice is a member of the 
Masonic order and is also a Knight of the Macca- 
bees. His political affiliations are with the Demo- 
cratic party, and he has been placed by the citizens 
of Oxford in various offices of trust and responsi- 
bility. He was for some time Supervisor and has 
been Alderman for a nunibcu' of years. 

AJ. CHARLES FORD KIMBALL, of 
Pontine, was born in Piermont, Grafton 
County, N. H. July 24, 1834. His father, 
Lewis Kimball, was of the old Plainfield 
stock of Kimballs, and a lineal descendant of the 
fnniily of refugees who came from Scotland and 
found an asylum in Connecticut about the year 
1640. His mother, whose maiden name w.is Lucy 
Ford, was of Englisli descent, her ancestors having 
settled in Hebron, Conn., some time in the seven- 
teenth century. She was a woman of great execu- 
tive ability, determination and force of character. 
She died suddenly March 2, 1858, at the age of 
fortj'-nine years. 

Our subject attended the district schools in hia 




native place until about ten j'ears of age, and after- 
ward for brief intervals the academies of Haver- 
hill, N. H., and Bradford, Vt. It was his ambition 
to study law and he was thug preparing to enter 
college; but owing to financial embarrassments the 
family removed, in 1849, from Bradford to Ilol3oke, 
Mass., and he determined to earn his own living 
and finish his education as circumstances might 
favor him. At the age of fifteen he entered the 
printing office of the Ilolyoke Freeman as an ap- 
prentice, and there remained about one year. 
When in 1850 the family removed to Nashua, N. 
H., he entered the office of the Nashua Telegraph, 
at that time published by the Hon. Albin Beard. 

In the spring of 1854 Mr. Kimball had finished 
his apprenticeship, and meanwhile by close applica- 
tion had prepared himself for entering the Univer- 
sity, and in December he left New England, intend- 
ing to matriculate at jNIadison University in Hamil- 
ton, N. Y. His previous years of hard, confining 
work and close application had impaired his health, 
and he soon found that it would be impossible to 
continue his studies. He left the University and 
started West on a prospecting tour, and after visit- 
ing Cincinnati and St. Louis, went to Kansas, where 
he remained about a month. From Kansas City he 
sent home his books and extra baggage and started 
alone and on foot on a journey through sparsely- 
settled Northern Missouri, intending eventually to 
reach Chicago. 

Before man}' days the strength of Mr. Kimball 
failed, and when he reached the little town of Tren- 
ton, Grundy County, he laid up for repairs. W^hcn 
convalescent he was induced to purchase the dis- 
mantled wreck of a printing office wherein the 
Frontier Western Pioneer was wont to be published, 
and in May, 1885, issued the first number of the 
North Missouri Herald, at Trenton. Here he 
continued, against the odds of ill health and a 
"pioneer country printer's purse," until the follow- 
ing November, when he loaded the entire plant into 
a couple of "prairie schooners" and moved it to 
Brunswick, Mo., where he entered into partnership 
with Judge Richard H. Musser and commenced the 
publication of the State Gazette. 

There Mr. Kimball was successful, and would 
have continued, but his health again failed and he 



336 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was compelled to sell his interest in June, 1856. 
He returned to his native Slate, and on August 19 
following consummated a mfttrimonial engagement 
of several years' standing with Kate L., daughter 
of the Hon. Joseph Sawyer, of Piermont. In May, 
1857, by the adrice of his physician, Mr. Kimball 
went abroad, visiting the Bermudas, Azores, Ma- 
deiras, Cape Verde Islands, and the west coast of 
Africa; recrossing the Atlantic to the West In- 
dies, thence home, arriving in August, 1858, with 
health completely restored. He says, '•! went out 
a desponding, emaciated stripling, and came back 
a nut brown, hardy sailor." During his absence 
Mrs. Kimball, who is an accomplished scholar and 
teacher — a graduate at the head of her class of 
1855 from Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, 
N H. — had accepted the position of principal of 
the Mt. Pleasant High School at Nashua. 

In September, 1858, Mr. Kimball, with his wife, 
again started West to begin business life anew, and 
at Aurora, Ind., formed a partnership with Col. 
Nelson and commenced the publication of the 
Aurora Commercial. Col. Nelson was a native of 
Kentucky and the partners soon differed on the 
question of sectional politics. Mr. Kimball with- 
drew and went to Richmon<l where he engaged as 
a journeyman printer in the Pallacliur.i office, the 
paper at that time being edited by the Hon. D. P. 
Holloway, afterward Commissioner of Patents un- 
der President Lincoln. There he remained until 
March, 18G1, when he was elected Secretary of the 
Board of Control and Clerk of the Northern Indiana 
State Prison, then in course of construction at 
Michigan City. On his way to fill his appointment 
and while awaiting instructions at Indianapolis, 
Ft. Sumter surrendered to the rebels — an event 
which "fired the Northern heart." 

Having resided in the slave States, .'issoeiated 
with and known intimately many of the Southern 
leaders, especially the Prices and Johnsons of Mis- 
souri, who were of the best stock of the F. F. V.'s, 
Mr. Kimball was fully convinced that the country 
was at the commencement of a long and bloody 
war. He expressed himself strongly to Gov. Mor- 
ton, ridiculing the <iispatches from Washington 
that the rebellion would be ended in a few months, 
aud urged the Governor to accept his resignation 



and allow him to go back to Richmond and assist 
in reorganizing the Richmond Zouaves, of which 
he was Sergeant, and join the Eleventh Indiana, 
which Gen. Lew Wallace was authorized to raise. 
The great war Governor was inclined to tliink 
the struggle would be brief, aud tleclined to allow 
the young man to adopt this course, saying to him 
as he boarded the train for Wasliington on the 
night of the 14lh of April, 18G1, "You have a very 
responsible position and I want 3'ou to retain it for 
the present." 

Mr. Kimball had occupied the position at Mich- 
igan City over two years when he was appointed 
by Gov. Morton as Military Agent for the State of 
Indiana, with the rank of Major, and ordered to 
Department of Kentucky, and soon afterward trans- 
ferred to the Departments of Tennessee and the 
Gulf, with headquarters at 'S'icksburg and subse- 
quently at New Orleans. This position he held 
until the fall of 18()4, when, the seat of war being 
transferred to the East and few Indiana soldiers 
remaining in those departments, he resigned and re- 
turned North. He carried on the book and station- 
ery* business for a short time at Cambridge City, 
Ind., and thepce went to Minneapolis, Minn., and 
temporarily engaged in the fur trade. Afterward, 
in 1866, he became interested in the general mer- 
cantile and lumber business at Boecobel, Wis. In 
1869-70 his firm sustained serious losses in the 
Mississippi River lumber trade, and in February, 
1871, he came to Michigan and became managing 
editor and joint proprietor of the Ponliac Gazette., 
removing to Pontiac, where he has since lived. 

The circulation of the Gazette at that time was 
small and the plant limited. It soon, however, in- 
creased largely, and for the last thirteen years has 
averaged above two thousand subscribers, and is 
recognized as one of the best countx- papers as well 
as one of the leading Republican organs of the 
State. Mr. Kimball was appointed Postmaster of 
Pontiac in April, 1875, and filled that position un- 
til Februarj', 1880, when he declined a reappoint- 
ment and recommended his assistant, who was ap- 
pointed to succeed him. lie was elected Secretary 
of the Northern Michigan Agricultural and Me- 
chanical Society in September, 1872, and upon its 
consolidation with the Michigan State Agricultural 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



337 



Society in January, 1873, was elected Secretary, 
which position he held until 1877, when he declined 
a 1 c-election. In November, 1889, Mr. Kimball was 
appointed by President Harrison United States 
Appraiser for the district and port of Detroit, and 
he assumed the dutie.i of that office December 2 
following. 

Mr. Kimball has been an enthusiastic member of 
the Republican party from its organization, and has 
taken a prominent and active part in every cam- 
paign. He was for many years a member of the 
Republican State Central Committee, of Michigan, 
and also of the Republican County Committee of 
Oakland County, and for years Chairman of the 
Republican City Committee of Pontiac. He was 
alw.iys ceaseless in the work of organization of the 
Republican party. In the troublesome times at- 
tending the seating of Rutherford B. Hayes in the 
Presidential Chair to which he was elected, Mr. 
Kimball was in attendance at Washington with 
thousands of the tried and true, in answer to the 
summons of the Union League. 

Early recognizing the value of the social element 
in political organization, in 1874 a few kindred 
spirits met at the Gazette editorial rooms and or- 
ganized the Lincoln Historical .Society, of which 
Mr. Kimball was President. The organization had 
a fitful career, as public opinion was not then ripe. 
The custom of doing all political worlt and organ- 
ization witii a great flourish of trumpets during a 
two monllis campaign and then allowing its results 
to dissipate and the party to go into desuetude, was 
too strongly entrenched to be at once successfully 
overcome. The Lincoln Club, however, was kept 
alive in one form and anf)ther, and with the organ- 
ization of the Michigan Clnb at Detroit, with which 
Mr. Kimball has been identified since its birth, it 
took a new lease of life. It was re-organized under 
the statutes of Michigan under the name Union 
Lincoln Republican Club, with Mr. Kimball as its 
President, an<l has become an institution of the 
country. Its annual banquets on the 12th of 
Feliruary, annirersary of the great martyr's birth, 
are political events of State significance. 

Mr. Kimball has been a member of the Masonic 
fraternity since 1860, and organized and was Mas- 
ter for several years of Grant Lodge, No. 1U3, at 



Boscobe', Wis. Heisa KnightTempiar. For many 
years he was a Trustee of the Congregational 
Churcli of Pontiac and an attendant upon its min- 
istrations. As a citizen he has taken an active 
interest in all matters pertaining to the public wel- 
fare. Liberal, sincere, persistent, self-reli.ant and 
energetic in character, an untiring worker both 
mentally and physically, he has been prominently 
recognized as one of Pontiac 's representative citi- 
zens. As a writer he has shown a strong and vig- 
orous mind, and expresses himself tersely, clearly 
and to the point, and has placed his newspaper 
among the leading Republican journals of the 
State. On another page of this volume the reader 
will notice a lithographic portrait of Maj. Kim- 
ball. 



*"^t^»^;»t^. 



«^«f-»«^«<f-- 



jT SAAC CRAWFORD, Jr., and his father are 
I old settlers of Milford Township, and have 
% spent forty-one years together on a farm on 
section 17. There is another peculiar fact con- 
nected with their lives, which is that they were born 
upon the same tract of land in old England as the 
elder Isaac in 1798, and the younger, October 23, 
1825. The father was fiist married to Mary Blan- 
chard, who was also .a native of Lincolnshire and 
born in 1798. She died in 18.50, while they were 
on their way from England to tliis State. She had 
borne seven children, three of whom grew to ma- 
turity and two still alive — Robert and Isaac. Rob- 
ert is a commission merchant in Detroit. After 
the decease of their mother the father made two 
other matrimonial alliances, but had no other chil- 
dren. He is now ninetj'-three years old, in good 
])hysical health and retaining his mental strength 
in a remarkable degree. He belongs to the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, with which his first wife w.as 
identified. 

The subject of this notice grew to manhood in 
Lincolnshire and from his boyhood engaged in 
farming with his father. In 1849, when he was 
twenty-four years old, he started for America in 
company witli his parents. The_y landed in New 
York and went on to Buffalo where the wife and 
mother died. Father and son remained there ten 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



vreeks. until lake navigation began, then uame on 
to Detroit bj' boat and to Pontine by rail. Tbej- 
settled upon an eighty -acre tract, fifty of which 
were roughly improved, and here they have re- 
mained. Mr. Crawford now has one hundred and 
forty acres, all but twenty of which is cultivated 
land. He has always been a hard worker, but at 
the same time m.akes life as comfortable as he can 
by the w.ay in which he looks upon it and the 
jovial nature which makes sunshine around hira. 
He has put up barns and other out buildings, and 
in 1868 built his preserit residence, which cost 
?i| ,.500. He still has active charge of the farm and 
takes part in Christian and civil work in this 

vicinity. 

In April, 1861, Mr. Crawford was married to 

Miss Louisa Cosart, daughter of the pioneer aiethod- 
ist preacher of this locality. The Rev. John 
Cosart was born in New York, and brought his 
family to this State in October, 1835. He settled 
in Hartland Township, Livingston County, on a 
two hundred-acre farm which he entered from the 
Government. The only roads were Indian trails 
and the red men were numerous and wild animals 
abounded. The tract was in its primitive condition 
and it required hard work to prepare it for cultiva- 
tion. Mr. Cosart traveled on a circuit for over 
twenty years, here and in the .State of New York, and 
the district was so large and the roads so poor, that 
it took him four weeks to go through. Some years 
before he died he removed to the village of Mil- 
ford and thence to Shiawassee County, where he 
breathed his last in 1872. His first wife was Louisa 
Stowell, a native of New York, who died in 1839, 
leaving four children, two of whom now survive. 
By a second marriage the Rev. Mr. Cosurt had 
eight children. His widow is living in the village 
of Milford and is sevent}--six years old. The work 
of love in which Mr. Cosart was engaged brought 
him in contact with many phases of character and 
life, and entailed upon him as arduous toil as one 
can well imagine. He shrunk from no difficulty or 
duty, but, having put his hand to the plow, kept 
his eye on the goal and pressed steadily forward. 
Mrs. Crawford was born in Castile, N. Y., April 
30, 1833, her father being at that time an active 
member of the New York Conference. She was but 



an infant when she began her residence in this State 
and she was educated at Milford. She turned her 
attention to teaching, and for ten years labored 
successfully in that profession. She retains her 
interest in educational work, mental and moral, 
and has sympathized with the work done by her 
children, each of whom received as good privileges 
.as the public schools afford. She is the mother of 
five children, four of whom are now livin?. These 
are Isaac Herbert, born November 10, 1862; 
Arthur John, .June 18, 1864; Harry Blanchard, 
December 3, 1868, and JIar}' Louisa, December 7, 
1870. Isaac lives in .Saginaw County, and is 
happily married to Emma J. Crawford. Arthur 
married Emma Ifarnsworth. and lives in the same 
county as his older brother. 

All of the children belong to the Methodist 
Church, while the parents are identified with the 
AVesle3-an Methodists. Mrs. Crawford has been a 
member since her childhood and she and her hus- 
band take an active interest in Sundaj'-school 
work. She has been Superintendent of the local 
Sunday-school for many years. She has musical 
talent ami pl.ays upon the organ, and three of her 
family do the same. Jlr. Crawford has taken an 
interest in educational matters in his neighborhood 
has been School Director many years, and is now 
Moderator of the Board. He votes with the Re- 
l)ublican party and keeps well informed regarding 
political issues, in which he believes it the dut}' of 
ever3' citizen to be posted and readj' to cast an 
intelligent vote. The home of the Crawfords is a 
substantial brick house, the appearance of which is 
typical of the sterling lives of its occupants. The 
father of our subject died. April 25, 1891. 



AUNOT L. NORTHRUP. No man living 
in Milford and few in this count}' can claim 
a longer residence in the .State than Mr. 
Norlhrup. He accompanied bis parents to the 
West in 1830 and from his boyhood his inter- 
ests have been in Michigan. He has for some 
j-ears past been eng.aged in the sale of hardware 
and agricultural implements in Milford, and car- 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



339 



ries the largest stock and does the heaviest busi- 
ness of the kind in the place. He built the brick 
block in which his double store is located, and it 
is an ornament to the town. In both shelf and 
heavy hardware, customers have a good chance for 
selection, as Mr. Northrup has a varied assortment. 
He lias been successful in his business affairs, not 
only in tlie line of trade he follows in town, but 
in buj'ing and selling farm lands. 

Benjamin Northrup, grandfather of Carnot L., 
was born in Connecticut, but made an early settle- 
ment in New York, and in that State, Joseph, 
father of our subject, was born and reared. He 
learned Ihe trade of a blacksmith and carried on a 
shopat Auburn from 1819 to 1830, and then came 
West, having traded for a farm in Macomb 
County. The township — Mt. Clemens — in which his 
land lay, was an old settled district, as a French 
brigade had disbanded and many of its members 
located there during the French and Indian war. 
He carried on farming and stock-iaising and also 
did some work at his trade in that locality until 
1835, then removed to Sterling Township. Three 
years later he removed to Utica, kept an hotel 
there a year, then worked at his trade in Detroit 
until he saw lit to retire from business. He then 
made his home in Chicago, III., where he died in 
1883, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife was 
Zeruah Hanford, daughter of Alexander Hanford, 
a Revolutionnrj- soldier who died in New York. 
Mrs. Northrup was born in Rome, N. Y. ; she died 
in 1887 when eighty-six years old. Siie w.os the 
mother of eleven children, and Carnot L. was the 
third in order of birth. 

Our subject was born in Auburn, N. Y., Octo- 
ber 13, 1825, and was live ^ears old when he came 
to this State. He lived on a farm in Macomb 
County until he was fourteen and during that pe- 
riod had but limited sciiool privileges. He then 
went to Detroit and about a year later was appren- 
ticed at the blacksmith's trade. When of age he 
entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railroad 
Compau}' at Detroit, and after working for it two 
years opened a blacksmith shoj) of his own. After he 
had been in Inisiness four years he re-entered the em- 
l)loy of the Central and was stationed at Marshall 
two years. Early in 1854 be went to Princeton, 



111., in ihe employ of the Militar)' Tract Railroad, 
and remained there six months, then came to this 
county. He first located in Highland where he 
carried on a blacksmithing business four years, after 
which he sold and removed to Fowlersville, Liv- 
ingston County. There he bought and operated a 
farm two years and then traded it for one iuin- 
dred acres in this county. 

The new farm was in Highland Township, and 
there Mr. NorthrujD resided until 1863, when he 
sold out and bought other property in Rose Town- 
ship. After a year there he made another sale and 
also changed his occupation. This was in 1866, 
and coming to Milford he embarked in the hard- 
ware business. This he continued until the fall of 
1870, when he disposed of his business and spent a 
season in Detroit unoccupied except in his own 
recreation and the duties he owed to his family. In 
October, 1871, he returned to Milford and resumed 
his former business, entering into partnership with 
E. L. Phipps, to whom he had sold out. The firm 
of Northrup & Phipps was in force until Januar}-, 
1875, when our subject bought his partner's in- 
terest, since which time he has carried on the en- 
terprise alone. 

In Detroit, May 16, 1849, Mr. Northrup was mar- 
ried to Miss ]\Iary Fulford,a native of Slatersviile, , 
N. Y., and daughter of Dr.William Fulford, a ()hy- 
sicianand hotel-keeper in Chatham, Canada in early 
days. Dr. Fulford died at the home of our subject, 
in his ninety-third year. Mr. and Mrs. Northrup 
have two children — Charles and Delia. The older is 
a reporter engaged on the Sunday Times, in Port- 
land, Me.; the daughter married A.Matthews, a 
farmer in Milford Township. During the long 
years of her wedded life Mrs. Northrup has 
proved iier worth as a companion and her love as a 
mother, and she has also been a good neighbor and 
friend. 

Mr. Northrup is now acting on the Board of 
Trustees of Milford for the seventh year, and dur- 
ing three years was President of that body. He 
may well be called the father of the village, as he 
helped to organize it, was its first President, and 
that at a time when the duties of the office weie 
much more laborious and trying than at present. 
He is serving his fourth year on the School Board 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and he was formerly Township Treasurer one year. 
He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, of which he was 
llaster several years. He was reared to a belief in 
Democratic principles and has voted with the 
party, except when the Greenback movement came 
to the front. Financially independent, lie has the 
better prominence that comes of useful days and 
companionable qualities. 



^ 



V|(0SE1'H M. AVARDLOW, who owns a large 
and splendid farm of two hundred and sev- 
enty-seven acres in Highland Township, is 
a son of James, whose father, Joseph Ward- 
low, was a native of Scotland, although most of 
his life was spent in Ireland. Here he married and 
reared a family of five sons and three daughters, 
and here both he and his wife remained until thej' 
passed from earth. The father of our subject was 
born in Ireland in 1800, and was twenty-six years 
old when he came to America. He was a marble 
cutter by trade and he followed this calling for 
eleven years in New York City. Here he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth McGhee, and unto them were 
born the following children : Elizabeth, Jane, Jo- 
seph M. and Mary A. All but Jane are living. 

In 1837 the father of our subject came to Mich- 
igan, and settled on the farm where his son now 
resides. He took eighty acres from the Govern- 
ment and added an equal amount later. He was 
one of the first settlers in the township. Deer, 
and wolves were in plenty, and bears were occa- 
sionall3' seen, lie caught a fawn when he first 
came on the farm. He was a hard worker and saw 
very hard times, having much sickness in his fam- 
ily. He was a Whig in politics and a JMethodist 
in his church connections. He died in 1852, and 
his wife survived until 1887, when she passed 
away at the age of eighty-five years. The death 
James Wardlow was caused by a tree falling ujjon 
him. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Highland 
Township, on the farm which he now owns and 
where he has lived all his' life. As he ivas born in 
1838 he was only thirteen j'ears old at the death of 



his father, and he and his mother then undertook 
the charge of the farm, and he cared for her until 
her death. He has cleared and broken sixty acres of 
land, and has helped others to break as much more. 
He pi'eferred to keep the farm in his own hands 
and bought out the other heirs. More than one- 
half of his nearl>' three hundred acres is under 
cultivation. His marriage with Mary J. Magill, 
occurred August 23, 1866, and was an event of 
great importance in the life of the young man. 
The ladj' is a daughter of David and Jane (.Short) 
Magill, natives of Ireland. In 1838 they came to 
Michigan and settled in Commerce Township. The 
mother is still living, but the father died in 1869. 
Mr. and Mrs. Magill were the parents of seven 
children: James, Mary J., Susan, Elizabeth, 
Thomas. Emma and David. 

To Joseph M. Wardlow and wife have been born 
two children — George M. and Bert J., both of 
whom are at home. The religious home of the 
family is with the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Highland Station. ^Mr. Wardlow was drafted in 
the late war but furnished a substitute. He is a 
Royal Arch Mason, a meinberof the Milford Lodge 
No. 165 and No. 71. He is an ardent Republican, 
and a favorite with his part}' and has served as 
Township Treasurer for four terms. 



i ^^m m 



m 



\f7 UTHER STANLEY. A stranger would 
I (^ not be in Birmingham long without becom- 
JL- ^^ iijg acquainted with the name and fame of 
Luther Stanle}', a retired farmer, who fills the front 
rank of Birminghaai society. His present residence 
is a beautiful frame structure, with attractive sur- 
roundings and finely furnished. Mr. .Stanley has 
lived in this vicinity during a life that covers a 
period of sixty-seven years, having been born in 
Troy, September 3, 1824. He was engaged in 
farming from his j-outh until 1884, and has one of 
the finest pieces of property in the count}'. It con- 
sists of two hundred acres on section 31, Troy, and 
section 36, Bloomfield Townsliip, and is supplied 
with every building that was found useful and 
convenient. Mr. Stanley has prospered in business 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



341 



and has an abundance of this world's goods. He 
is, tiierefoie, able to give liberal support to what- 
ever he believes will advance the interests of the 
community or relieve the needs of those who have 
been less fortunate than himself. 

The parents of our subject were William and 
Freelove (Howland) Stanley, natives of fShaftsbury, 
Vt. They were married in Richmond, Ontario 
County, N. Y., and lived there until the fall of 
1822, when they came West, and during the rem- 
nant of their days were numbered among the citi- 
zens of this county. Mr. Stanley came to this 
Slate a poor man, with only money enough to 
secure his land, which was two hundred and forty 
acres on what is now section 29, Troy Township. 
Before his death he had accumulated considerable 
means, so that he was considered one of the solid 
men of the county. When he came here there 
were but two or three families living in Troy 
Township. He settled in the heavy timber and 
hewed out a farm from the forest. He was a Dem- 
ocrat, but took little interest in politics, devoting 
his life to agricultural pursuits. 

The Stanley family originated in England, and 
Wortham Stanley, grandfather of Luther, was a 
native of New England. The maternal grand- 
parents of our subject were natives of New Eng- 
land but died in Kentucky. Luther Stanley is 
the second of three children who lived to mature 
yeais. The others were Mary, who is now de- 
ceased, anrt Lydia, widow of Henry Gardner, whose 
home IS in Detroit. He was reared on his father's 
farm, and received but a common-school education. 
He gave liis father the benefit of his labors until 
be was of age, then married and settled on a farm 
in the same townshii). He located on wild land, 
and undertook tiie clearing and cultivation, which 
necessitated much hard work and made thrift and 
frugality essential. He remained on that place 
until he removed to Birmingham, and he has re- 
tained the property and now derives a good income 
from it. 

February 17, 1864, Mr. Stanley was married to 
Polly A. Ferguson, at that time a resident of Troy. 
She was born in Mendon, Ontario County, N. Y., 
and is a daughter of Elislia and Clarissa (Gay) 
Ferguson. Her parents were born in New York 



and Massachusetts respectively, and came to this 
State in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have no 
children. 

Mr. Stanley was Supervisor of Bloomfield Town- 
ship twelve years, but not consecutively. He is a 
Republican and is an active worker for the success 
of the local party, but not an aspirant for official 
honors. He acted as Revenue Assessor for the 
Sixth Congressional District of Michigan during 
the war, having received his appointment from 
Abraham Lincoln. As before intimated, he is one 
of the most prominent men in Birmingham, and 
his long and thorough acquaintance with the his- 
tory of this county gives him an understanding of 
that which is most likely to enhance the prosperity 
of ihe people. His advice and opinion are fre- 
quently asked legarding public and private ven- 
tures, and he and his wife have scores of friends 
and well-wishers. 




AMUEL C. GOODISON. The varied 
wants of mankind give rise to occupations 
thai indulge the lientof divers and different 
minds, and afford an opportunity for the 
display of business ability in many waj's. Tiie 
town of Rochester has her share of establishments 
where trade is carried on and manufa'ituring pro- 
ceeds, and it affords one pleasure to observe the 
manner in which they are conducted — the honor 
and tact that are displayed therein and the courtesy 
the patrons meet with. Mr. Goodison has a store 
in which a large stock of general merchandise is 
carried , and he enjoys an excellent trade, that has 
been secured by an earTiost, straightforward course, 
and a wise selection of goods by which the tastes of 
the people are gratified. 

The parents of our subject are Charles Superior 
anti Sarah (Brands) Goodison. The father was 
born on the vessel "Superior" whilst his parents 
were enroute from England to America, and his 
name continues that of the captain and the ship. 
His people located in New Jersey, and his father, 
William Goodison, operated a mill there. After 
growing to manhood Charles S. Goodison became 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a miller and merchant. He married a native of 
New Jersey and in 1856 they came to lliis county 
and now make Rocliester tlieir liorac. After their 
removal West, they located in Bloom field Townsliip 
and Mr. Goodison engaged in milling for a time. 
Lie then became a drover, huckster, butcher and 
grocery dealer, and is now carrying on the last 
named occupation. 

Samuel C. Goodison was born in Hainesburg 
Warren County, N. J., November 15, 1853, and was 
graduated from the Rochester High School in this 
count}' in 18G8. He then entered his fatiier's store 
and continued there seven years, next engaging in 
business with William II. Barnes. The firm began 
as dealers in groceries exclusively, but in 1878 
added a stock of clothing, and subsequently one of 
liools and shoes, hats, caps and gents' furnishing 
goods. As before mentioned, general merchandise 
is now sold and the patrons find it easy to select in 
a single store such articles as satisf}' their ordinary 
wants. In addition, the firm deals in all kinds of 
paper, buying from the manufactories and selling 
to the wholesale trade. 

Mr. Goodison has a pleasant home, where a wife 
and two children greet him on his return from 
business. He was married June 10, 1875, to Anna 
E., daughter of William H. Barnes, a young lady 
of education and refinement. The children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Goodison liear the names of Iinra, lone 
and Earl W. Mr. Gooilisou, although not a politi- 
cian, takes sufficient interest in the affairs of the 
nation to understand the issues that are before the 
people, and votes a Republican ticket. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. A 
man of honor in his business relations, intelligent 
and with agreeable manners, he has man}- friends, 
and with his wife finds a place in the best society of 
the town. 

\flOHN CRAWFORD. The Crawford home- 
stead on section 2, Southficld Township, is 
one of the landmarks of this locality, hav- 
ing been taken up by the father of our sub- 
ject quite early in the '30s. When the estate was 
settled after the father's decease, he of whom we 



write retained that part of the acreage which in- 
cluded the old home, and here he has carried on his 
work, running a tile factory in connection with 
farming. The farm, taken as a whole, consists of 
one hundred and seventy-four acres, but fifty are 
deeded to a sou who aids his father in operating 
the entire tract. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was a 
native of .Scotland but his immediate progenitor 
was born in Ireland. From the Emerald Isle, John 
Crawford, Sr., came to America and in Essex 
County, N. J., he was married to Rhoda McCon- 
nell. That ladj- was born in the Empire Slate. 
The newly weilded couple established their home 
in the count}' in which they were married, but left 
it in 1831 to come to Michigan. After reaching 
this county Mr. Crawford took up six hundred and 
forty acres of Government laud and l)egan the 
work necessary to bring it to the condition of a 
well-improved farm. He first built a log house, 
but in later years a more modern dwelling was put 
up. He and his wife spent their last days on the 
farm and when they died were buried side by side 
in Birmingham cemetery. The}' had six sons and 
four daughters and all grew to manhood and wo- 
manhood. 

Our subject was born in Essex County, N. J., 
October 14, 1823, and was in his eighth year when 
he came West. He attended school in the log 
schoolhouse which was the usual temple of learn- 
ing in sparsely settled districts, and being the 
youngest child he remained with his parents as long 
as they lived, and after their departure still staid 
on the homestead. He married Pojlv, daughter of 
William and Jane (Logan) Nixon, who was born 
in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1824, but has lived 
in this county from her childhood. Her parents 
were born in New York and New Jersey, respect- 
ively, and came West with their family in 1831, 
and established their home in Southfield Township, 
this county. There they spent the remnant of 
their days. 

Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have had two sons, one 
of whom died in infancy. The other, Cassius, was 
born November 4, 1851, ami lives on the home- 
stead. He married Alice Jackson and has two chil- 
dren — Freddie, born May 31, 1881, and Iva, June 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



345 



25, 1876. The subject of this notice votes the Re- 
publican ticket. He looks back over much of tlie 
proiniiieiit history of this county, and recalls events 
not only of local interest, but of weight in deter- 
mining tiie status of the entire county and of the 
ConimonwealLh. To those who are interested in 
reminiscences of earlier days he can give incident 
after incident, and as he is well informed and awake 
to tlie importance of passing events, he is generally 
entertaining and his companionship is sought. 






^ OHN W. SMITH, I\I. D. After many years 
of activity in the discharge of professional 
duties, Dr. Smith has retired from the more 
arduous labors of life and is passing his de- 
clining years pleasantl}' in his comfortable home in 
Pontiac. During the earlier portion of his life he 
operated extensively as an oil speculator, and met 
with uniform success in his enterprises. He is still 
identified with many of the most important inter- 
ests of Oakland County and is prominent in the 
ranks of the Republican party, in the principles of 
which he firmly believes. Socially, he is a Mason, 
being a member of the Blue Lodge at Elyria, 
Ohio; Poutiae Chapter, Council and Commandcry, 
K. T. At his fine residence on the corner of Huron 
and Williams Streets, he and his amiable wife dis- 
pense a liberal hospitality and cordially entertain 
their hosts of friends. Ou the opposite page is 
presented a portrait of the Doctor, and below will 
be found a brief account of his life. 

Tlie native State of Dr. Smith is New York, anfl 
in St. Lawrence County he was born July 18, 
1832, to Philander .and Harriet (Wilson) Smith, 
being' their eldest son. Ou liis father's side he is 
of English descent, while his mother was of Irish 
extraction. Both parents were natives of New 
England. The early boyhood of our subject was 
passed upon the home farm, and while still young 
he gainetl a good literary- education at the Goven- 
euere Academy. Later he commenced the study 
of medicine, for which he had a natural aptitude, 
and entered the olHce of Drs. Burns and Munson. 
Afterward he read with Dr. .lohn Q. Howe, of 



Phelps, N. Y. In 1855 he received a diploma at 
the Geneva Medical College, and commenced prac- 
tice in Ontario, Wayne County, N. Y. 

In the spring of 1857 the Doctor came to Oak- 
land County, and located at Birmingham, where he 
instituted a practice which proved both successful 
and lucrative. In 1859 he went back to New York 
City and walked Bellevue Hospital for two years. 
In Jul}', 1861, he was appointed surgeon in the 
army, and served for two years. In 1863 he came 
to Pontiac, and resumed his practice, which he 
prosecuted successfullj- up to 1868, when he went 
to Oil City, Pa., and engaged in oil speculation. 
The Doctor, being a man of mental ability, judg- 
ment and courage, took great risks and in almost 
every case w.as fortunate in his investments. He 
continued in this line of business until 1885, when 
he returned to Pontiac. He is possessed of a good 
home and means sutlicient to take care of him in 
his old age. 

The Doctor has been twice mfirried. His first wife 
w.as Belinda Fuller, a native of New York, and the 
daughter of Stephen and Samantha Fuller. Her 
two daughters are Ada, Mrs. James Kenyon of 
Detroit, and Ilattie, who resides at home. His 
present wife was Mrs. Lizzie Campbell, a native of 
Michigan. Her maiden name was Scott, and she is 
a daughter of James Scott, of New York. There 
are no children by this marriage. 



/p^ EORGE V A U G H A N . This gentleman 
'll (^-. is the popular landlord and proprietor of 
'^^Jj the Clarkston House, which is situated in 
the village of that name in Independence Town- 
ship. Mr. Vaughan and his capable wife took 
charge of this hotel Se|ileml)er 22, 1890. and al- 
ready great improvements in its management have 
been brought about. There are a number of lakes 
near the village which afford fine fishing, and it is 
the puri)ose of Mr. Vaughan to make a popular 
summer resort here. Certainly no more beautiful 
place in which to pass the heated term, could well 
be found than near these lakes, and as Mr. Vaughan 
has already demonstrated his fitness for the posi- 



346 



PORTRAFT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiou of "mine liost," there is no reason why his 
scheme should not prove successful. 

The natal day of our subject was September 8, 
1847, and his birthplace a farm in this county, not 
far from Pontiac. His parents, Abraham and 
Maria (Pearsall) Vaughan, were born in the Eaa- 
])ire State, and the paternal family is an old and 
prominent one in the East, where many of its mem- 
bers have occupied conspicuous positions of public 
trust and responsibility. The father of our sub- 
ject now makes his home with his son. The early 
life of our subject was spent on the parental acres, 
and until he was of age he pursued the usual course 
in life of a farmer's son. His studies were carried 
on in the schools near his liome, and he became 
conversant with farm work, in which he engaged 
for some years. 

On New Year's day, 1868, Mr. Vaughan was 
united in marriage to Miss Hannah Anderson, who 
was born in Elmira. N. Y., December 11, 1848. 
The union has been blest by the birth of five chil- 
urei', all of whom add to their parents' pleasure liy 
tlieir presence around the hearthstone, and take 
such a part as they are capable of in making the 
homo comfortable as well as happy. Their record 
is as follows: Wilber J., born.luly 19, 1870; Grace 
L., February 2, 1872; Haltie N., December 14, 
1878; Maria S., October 4, 1880: Ada N., August 
4, 1882. IMr. Vaughan is a Republican, and has a 
strong conviction tliat the policy pursued by his 
party and the principles advocated are best calcu- 
lated to bring about a higher state of national pros- 
perity. 

ON. ALMON B. FROST, one of the prom- 
inent and successful citizens of Orion, was 
born in Genesee County, N. Y., September 
17, 1826. His father. Samuel, went, wlien 
a young man, from Massachusetts to New York, 
and afterward came to Oakland County, this State 
in 1841. He bought land in Troy Township. He 
came by water to Detroit and thence b^' railroad 
from Detroit to Pontiac. Here he farmed for six 
years and then removed to St. Clair County, where 
he oi)ened up a farm in Berlin Township, and re- 




mained ill active work until his death in 1847 at 
the age of sixty-one years. He was a devout 
member of the Methodist Church. His father was 
also named Samuel. He was a Revolutionary soldier 
and a farmer at Fraraingham, Mass. The family 
is supposed to be of English descent. The farm 
owned bj' Samuel Frost, Sr., was in the family for 
generations. The mother of our subject was Lydia 
Bixby. Slie was an earnest Christian and a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. Her death took place 
in 1865. She was the mother of twelve children, 
eight of whom arc living. 

Young Almon B. was reared upon the farm and 
attended school in the log schoolhouses of the 
district. His education was further supplemented 
by attendance at Rochester Academy. He then 
fitted himself for teaching. He began teaching in 
the winter of 1846 and taught for eight years, in- 
cluding three summer terms. He was fifteen years 
old when his parents came to Michigan and he looks 
back with interest to his experiences of pioneer 
life, surrounded as they were by deer, wolves and 
Indians. 

The young man began life for himself at the age 
of twenty years. His father generously giving 
him his time during the last year of his minority. 
During the summer vacations he worked on farms 
by the month and taught school in the winters. 
He received 810 a month for his farm work and 
$13 a month for his teaching. Some of the men 
of the district grumbled terribly because his salary 
was so high. In 1848 he purchased a farm on sec- 
tion 16, Oakland Township. It was all wild land 
and he built a small frame house upon it and lived 
there alone. He subsequently purchased a farm 
across the road, in section 9, on which he erected a 
farm building. He now has both farms finely im- 
proved. Here he lived until 1885, when he re- 
moved to Orion. 

The marriage of Mr. Frost took place in 1852. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Mary C. Lomis, 
born in Greene County, N. Y., in 1830. The chil- 
dren were Thomas N., Julia L. and Lydia A Their 
three children are all married and living near 
them. Julia is the wife of C. R. Wilson and Lj'dia 
is Mrs. Amos S. Earlc. All graduated from the Pon- 
tiac High School and are intelligent and worthy 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



347 



citizens. Mr. Frost's polities are Democratic. His 
neighbors have r.iiscd hira to v.arious posts of 
trust. He was .Supervisor for eight jears, .Justice 
of the Peace for seventeen years and Seliool In- 
spector for thirty-two years. He has served as 
Higlnv'ay Commissioner three terms, Clerli four 
terms and Drainage Commissioner for five years. 
He served as member of the House of Representa- 
tives in 1871 and 1872, being elected on the Dem- 
ocratic ticket. Several important matters were in 
hand during tlie session of that assembly and our 
subject was one who was active in promoting tlie 
best interests of the State. The Asylum for the 
Insane was located at Pontiac that year, the indus- 
trial School for Girls was established and also the 
Act W.1S passed for the building; of the State 
Capitol. Mr. Frost served on the Committee of 
Innnigration and on the Committee on Penal Insti- 
tutions. He is frequently a delegate to State, 
county and district conventions. His intelligent 
and cultuied wife is » prominent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Frost started 
empty handed and has made a remarkable success 
in life, both as to property and reputation. He 
owns four hundred and forty-seven acres of land 
in Oakland Township. 



(T B. WARD, deceased, was born at Manchester, 
Vt., May 24, 1802. lie was left an orphan by 

ili the death of liis father, at the age of seven 
years, and wlien seventeen years old he went to 
Richmond, Ontario County. N. Y., whicli he made 
his home until he removed to Michigan in 1831. 
Here he took up land from the Government in 
Farmington Township, and began to cultivate the 
farm now so well known as tlie Wallace Grace 
farm. He cleared the place and built a log cabin 
and two good frame barns. In April, 1848 he lo- 
cated where Mrs. Ward now resides, whore he made 
his home until his death in March, 1890. 

This gentleman's political views were in accord- 
ance with the platform of the Republican party, 
and liis religious belief was that embodied in the 



tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For many 
years he was Steward and Trustee in that church. 
His marriage took place in Ontario County, N. Y., 
May 3, 1829. His bride, Josephine Case, was the 
fifth daugliter and fourteenth child of James and 
Betsey (Hicks) Case, who were natives of Mass.a- 
chuselts. This lady was born in Bristol Township, 
Ontario County, N. Y., September 20, 180.5, and 
came to Michigan when she was a young lady of 
some twenty-seven years. To her and her departed 
husband were given ten children. 

The names of the children of our subject are: 
Nodiah C, who was born March 29, 1830, and died 
in the service of his country during the Civil War; 
Loretta E., born May 26, 1831, is the wife of P. 
Sherman, whose sketch will be found on another 
page of this Albui\;; Lewis C, who was born Jan- 
uary 4, 1833, is a resident of Kansas; Maria L. w.as 
born December 25, 1834, and is the wife of H. 
Benson, a resident of Cambridge, N. Y.; Ilosea 
Hudson, born December 10, 1836, died August 14, 
1855; Betsey N., the widow of Hicks Horton (de- 
ceased), was born January 24, 1839; Josephine, 
who was born March 2, 1841, died in early in- 
fancy; Duncan M., born December 16, 1842: re- 
sides in DeWitt, and is in the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church; Martha I., boi'n Sep- 
tember 17, 1844, is the widow of James Place, who 
was a soldier in the late'war, and died in 1 882 ; Elsie 
Olivia, born January 11, 1847, became the wife of 
Ezekiel Walters. She died August 31, 1880. Mrs. 
Ward is an earnest and conscientious member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her husband 
left the farm to be used by her as long as she lives 
and made other provision for his children. 




HARLES T. BEMIS, of Rochester, is the 
pioneer (laper manuf.acrurer of this part of 
the State and as such is worthy of especial 
mention in this volume. His inauguration of this 
industry on the banks of the Clinton River has 
been followed up by others and there are now two 
flourishing plants engaged in paper manufacture at 
Rochester. The Hrst machine used here by Mr. 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Bern is was made at Brattleboro, Vt., and had a 
thiity-slx-inch cylinder. The capacity was from 
a thousand to twelve hundred pounds of paper 
daily, but after a time the out-put was increased 
and this was especially ihc case during the war. 

The Bemis family originated in England and 
was establislied in the American Colonies some 
time before the Revolution. The parents of our 
subject were natives of Massachusetts, Amariali 
Bemis being born Xovember 21, 1785, and Sally 
(Shumway) Bemis, December 11, 1787. The wife 
died in Springfield, Mass., July 30. 1862, and the 
husband passed away January 6, 1876. Ther had 
eight children and Charles S. is the fifth on the 
family roll. Of the others we note the following: 
Claiissa is the wife of Gardner Stratton; Sally N. 
married Daniel Dudley and is now deceased; 
Amariah X. lives in Odell, 111.; Mary B. is the wife 
of the Rev. L. C. Collins in Norwood Park, 111.; 
Judith C. died in 1831 ; Isaac S. lives in Corunna; 
Abijah is a resident of California. 

Our subject was born in Stafford, Conn., July 
15, 1819, and lived upon a farm until he was eight- 
een 3'ears old. He then went to Springfield, Mass., 
where he learned the trade of paper-making and 
there he carried on his work until 1853, when 
through correspondence with parties at Rockton, 
111., he was led to remove to that place and take 
charge of a paper mill. In 1857 he came to Roches- 
ter and in connection with B. F. Bissell bought a 
gristmill which they converted into a paper-mill. 
After a year Mr. Bissell sold out to George New- 
bury and Mr. Bemis then disposed of the plant to 
Barnes Bros., and went to Skiawassee County 
where he and Newbury built a paper-mill. The 
two gentlemen carried on the establishment three 
years, then Mr. Bemis sold out his interest and 
came back to Rochester. A year later he removed 
to Corunna, where he was engaged in the manu- 
facture of spokes about a year, and then returned 
again to Rochester. He has remained here perma- 
nently and is perhaps as well known as any resident 
of the place and has a good reputation far and near. 

The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Bemis was 
celebrated by their family and intimate friends 
March 10, 1891. Mrs. Bemis bore the maiden 
name of Mary Ann Murphy and her father was 



George Murphy, of Windsor, Conn. She has nobly 
borne her part in the anxieties and cares that have 
fallen to the lot of herself and husband, and re- 
joiced with him in every success. Thej- are the 
parents of three children, but only lived to mature 
years. This is Minnie, who is the wife of George 
Newbur}-, of Detroit, a retired business man; Emma 
died July 9, 1849, and Alice October 10, 1856, 
both in infancy. Mr. Bemis gives his political 
adherence to the Democratic party. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and enjoys the social 
gatherings of that fraternity and finds an oppor- 
tunity through it to exercise his benevolent feel- 
ings. 



-^-^-^^i^^t^^*^ 




«r-S«" 



LFRED G. HADDRILL, brother of James 
CJ T. Iladdrill, whose biography is also given 
in this book, is one of the remarkably 
successful citizens of Orion Township. 
He was born in Oakland County. April 29, 1852. 
His father, Isaac, came to America in 1839. As 
has been mentioned in the sketch of James, the 
father had a serious experience of shipwreck in 
crossing the ocean. Arriving at Oakland County 
he bought land both from the Government and 
from individuals, and built a log house and lived for 
a number of years in true pioneer style. He en- 
joyed greatlj' the hunting and fishing of those 
early days, and did not shrink from tlie hardships 
of pioneer life. He is now in his old age, in La- 
peer, Mich., enjoying good health and the mem- 
or3' of past usefulness. He still has the confi- 
dence and e.steem of all who know him. He was 
bereaved of his wife, Elizabeth Turk Haddrill, in 
1878. 

The subject of this sketch was born and reared 
in sight of bis present home. His primary educa- 
tion was received in the district school. He 
continued assisting his father in clearing and im- 
proving the home farm until 1870, when he began 
farming a portion of the old farm on shares. He 
continued in this way for about eleven 3ears. In 
1881 he purchased of his father two hundred acres 
of land. 

The marriage of our subject, in 1877, united 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



349 



him with Eva, daughter of John W. and Fannie 
(Conrad) Newman, of New York. Mrs. Haddrill 
was born in Orion Township, June 20, 1855. Her 
parents came to Michigan in the spring of 183G, 
and are still residents of Orion Township. Tliey 
are so happy as to have all of their seven children 
still surviTing to be a comfort to thern. Four 
children have bless the home of our subject: Ira 
A., Ward L., Lee D., (deceased) and a little one 
who died in infancy. Mr. Haddrill is frequentl}' a 
delegate to conventions of the Democratic party, 
of which he is an adherent. For three years ho 
acted as Township Treasurer and for two j'cars as 
Highway Commissioner. He owns three hundred 
and seventy-five acres of choice land on sections 
IG, 20 and 28. He deals largely in all kinds of 
stock, and is an intelligent and judicious farmer 
and a man who has more than ordinary financial 
ability. 




FENCER SOPER, a thrifty farmer and 
stock-raiser, has bis home on section 32, 
Orion Township. He has been a factor 
in the agricultural prosperit3' of this county 
for a number of years, and as a boy and man has 
worked as a farmer and stockman. In former times 
be drove quite large herds of cattle to Detroit and 
he still bu3'8 some stock for feeding and shipping. 
The larger part of his herd, however, is raised on 
his own place and other animals are also raised 
here. The estate of Mr. Soper consists of one hun- 
dred and forl\-three acres of fine land, on which 
every convenience ma}' be seen. The dwelling is 
large and handsome and of modern design, built in 
1884. The barn, which was put up some time be- 
fore, affords ample room for horses and fodder. 
Order prevails and good judgment is shown in the 
rotation of crops and the use of means of cultiva- 
tion and fertilization. 

Mr. Soper traces the ancestral line back to Ger- 
many, but his father, Owen Soper, was born in 
New York in 180'J. He came to Michigan in an 
early day and located on section 5, Pontiac Town- 
ship, where he was surrounded by Indians and wild 
game and white settlers were few. He made a 



clearing, built a log house, and then continued the 
proccess of reclaiming a farm from the wilderness; 
he died in 1858. His wife, a native of New York, 
born in 1816, bore the maiden name of Ann Hayes. 
Their family comprised nine sons and daughters 
and six survive. Mrs. Soper died in 1868, cheered 
in her last hours by a Christian hope, being a con- 
sistent member of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church. 

Spencer Soper was born in the log house built 
by his father in Pontiac Township March 2, 1838, 
and attended school in a similar building. He aided 
his father to clear and improve the farm as soon as 
he was old enough to wield the ax or the other im- 
plements used by the woodsmen and frontier farmer. 
When of age he began his personal career as a 
drover and followed the business five j'ears, during 
which time he took many cattle to Detroit. In 
1864 he turned his attention to farming, buying an 
interest in the old homestead. When the estate was 
divided the place he now lives on fell to him and 
thither be removed. 

The lad}- who presides so efficiently over the 
home of Mr. Soper became his wife December 10, 
1869. Her maiden name was Henrietta Terry and 
she was born in Pontiac Township in 1841. The 
union has been a childless one. Mr. Soper, after 
giving due thought to political issues decided in 
favor of the Republican party and he casts his 
vote for and with it. 

^^, HRISTOPHER COLE, a retired farmer of 
(l(^^ Orion Township, was born in Warren 
^^ County, N. J., July 17, 1836. His fatiier, 
who bore the same name and who was a native of 
the same county, was born in 1792. He came West 
in the spring of 1836, teaming it from his home to 
Lake Erie in Ohio, from there taking a boat to De- 
troit and journeying to Orion Township by wagon. 
He entered land which was in a wild, uncultivated 
state, built a log house and began clearing the tim- 
ber. Wild game and Indians abounded and De- 
troit was his only market. He died in 1873 in his 
eighty -second yenr. He was of German lineage. 
His wife, Leah Kinney, was born in New Jersey 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in 1T99. She was the mother of seven children 
and died in 1858. 

Mr. Cole is the youngest of the famil.v, three of 
whom still survive. He worked for his father 
until lie reached his twentieth year and always re- 
mained at home and cared for his parents in their 
old age. After his father's death he purcliased the 
old homestead from the other heirs. The lady who 
became Mis. Cole bore the maiden name of Mag- 
gie E. Wyker. Their wedding day was August 1, 
1871. The lady was born in New Jersey in 1847 
and was the daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth 
(Phillips) Wyker, who came to Michigan in tlio 
'40s. One child, Grace L., was granted to IMr. 
and Mrs. Cole. She was born September 8, 1879. 
Jlr. Cole is a Democrat in his politics. He has 
filled various positions of trust, being Supervisor 
for two years and Treasurer for four years. For 
seven j'ears he was Treasurer of the Monitor In- 
surance Companj', of Oakland County, and has fre- 
quently been a delegate to Democratic conventions 
in county, district and State. His wife was a devout 
member of the Episcoijal church. His broad and 
productive acreage is in good condition and well 
improved, and he has recently built large and sub- 
stantial barns. He raises all kinds of slock. The 
death of his wife on Christmas day, 1880, was a 
severe blow to her faithful husband. Since then 
he has retired from active work and rents out nio.st 
of his land. 



=^RANK HOLSER. The future prosperity 
.„j> of this nation depends upon our young 
11, peoiile, and in exact proportion to their 

enterprise, industry and principles of iionor, will 
our country flourish. It is alwa3-s a pleasure for 
the student of human nature and the biographer 
to record the events in the lives of those whose in- 
telligence and progressive spirit have placed them 
in the front rank of citizenship of their communi- 
ties. The gentleman of whom this brief skctcli is 
written is numbered among the prominent resi- 
dents of Waterford Township, where he has niade 
a name and a place for himself in social and busi- 



ness circles. He has intelligent convictions in re- 
gard to politics, and ranks among the active }'oung 
Democrats of the vicinity. 

No more striking example of the result of per- 
sistent pursuit of a purpose and wise economy can 
be found than in the career of our German-Ameri- 
can citizens. The father of our subject, John Hol- 
ser, was born in Germany March 28, 1814, and 
was reared in (he Fatherland. There, upon attain- 
ing to years of maturity, ho was united in mari'iage 
with Mary Forster, who was born in Prussia, Oct- 
ober 19, 1819. In 1849, six years after their mar- 
riage, the young couple embarked on a sailing ves- 
sel landing upon the shores of America, and after 
farming for eight years in New York came West 
to Michigan. Their voyage across the broad At- 
lantic was saddened by the death of one of their 
cliildren. 

Locating in Oakland County, John Holser pro- 
ceeded immediately to clear a farm from the heavy 
timber of Waterford Township, and with the assis- 
tance of his sons, made a comfortable home. He 
lived to see the country change<l from a wilder- 
ness to tli6 abode of peace and plenty, and was 
himself no unimportant factor in bringing about 
this desirable result. Religiously he was a consis- 
tent member of the Presbyterian Church, and in 
political matters gave his firm and unswerving al- 
legiance to the principles of the Democratic part3'. 
At his death in 1886, the county was deprived of 
one of its best citizens and a pioneer whose name 
and memory will be held in reverence so long as 
the history of the toils and privations of frontier 
life affords a pleasing theme for the pen of poet or 
biographer, and kindles in llie heart of the young, 
gratitude and und^'ing love for those to whom 
endless honor is due. 

The children born to John Holser and his good 
wife were ten in number, two of whom are now 
deceased. Of the survivors one resides in Chi- 
cago, another in Switzerland, and the remaining 
six are residents of Michigan. Thej- received ex- 
cellent common-school educations and were pre- 
pared for responsible positions in life. H. P. and 
Anna graduated from the Battle Creek College, 
while Louise and L. J. each attended the Pontiac 
High School two terms. They have all married 



PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



351 



and gone to homes of their own with the exception 
of Frank, wlio resides upon the old komestead 
with his raotiier. The latter is now in her seventy- 
second year, and at tliat advanced age retains full 
possession of her mental faculties. She witnessed 
the gradual growth of the county and experienced 
all the hardships that invariably' attend pioneer 
existence. 

Frank Holser, of this sketch, was born in Water- 
ford Township, this county, July 12, 1865, and 
passed his youth in much the usual manner of 
farmers' boys. He early assisted in the farm work 
and gradually look a greater share of the responsi- 
bility, until at the death of his father he became 
proprietor of the estate which comprises ninetj'- 
six acres on section 19. He is the only one of the 
family still single, and his household is presided 
over by his mother. By his practical skill and 
steadj' industry he is increasing the value of the 
farm and embellishing it with the various improve- 
ments that mark it as the property of a thriftv 
man. He displays forethought and gooil judgment 
in the conduct of his affairs and is highly esteemed 
throughout the community where he has alwaj's 
lived. 



IE 




HARLES P. GROW, the present Clerk of 
Oakland County, was born in Milford, No- 
ifj vember 4, 1855. It will thus be seen that 
he is quite a young man, but his name is known 
among the politicians of the county and by all who 
are interested in her governmental affairs. Prior 
to his election to his present responsible position 
he was one of tlie conspicuous figures in social and 
political circles in his native village, and since 
coming to Pontiac he has been taking his proper 
place among the i-esidents of the county seat. He 
made his removal May 1, 1890, in order that he 
might be near his office and so fail in no wise in 
carrying it on in the most systematic and efficient 
manner. 

In the paternal line Mr. Grow traces his ancestry 
to England, where the name was originally spelled 
Grosvenor. The English pronunciation was changed 
by degrees and the spelling differed from that of 



the original cognomen, being made to correspond 
more closely with the sound, until after a few gen- 
erations it assumed its present form. The grand- 
parents, Elisha and Lois (Palmer) Grow, were na- 
tivesof Connecticut, and for a time lived in Homer, 
N. Y. There their son, Abel P., was born Aug. 8, 
1814. He came to this State in 1838, and settled 
on a farm in Waterford Township, this county, but 
after a few years removed to the village of Mil- 
ford, where he has since resided. He has now 
retired with a comfortable fortune, secured by his 
own efforts, as he was but a poor man when he 
came to the State. His active years were princi- 
pally spent in work at the carpenter and joiner's 
trade. He votes the Republican ticket, but takes 
little interest in polities. He is a leading spirit in 
the Baptist Church at Milford. 

The mother of our subject was born in Dr\den, 
N. Y., August 4, I8I6, and her parents wore natives 
of the same State. She was a lady of strong char- 
acter, a careful and considerate mother and a de- 
voted wife. She belonged to the same church as 
her husband and when she closed her e3'es in death 
.Tanuary 25, 1890, she did so in the hope of a 
blessed immortality. She was the mother of six 
children, named respectively: Hattie, Janet, Lorain. 
Miranda, Emma and Charles P. All are deceased 
but Charles and JMiranda. The latter is the wife 
of Charles E. Goodell, of Novi. 

The early days of Charles P. Grow were passed 
in his native place and in its schools he obtained 
his fundamental instruction. He began his per- 
sonal career as Clerk and filled positions in Milford, 
Bay C'itj' and Lansing. After some practical 
knowledge in the line of business he became a 
student in Goldsmith's Business College at Detroit 
and was graduated from that institution in 1883. 
He resumed his clerical work an(i was engaged in 
mercantile pursuits in Milford when nominated on 
the Democratic ticket for County Clerk in 1890. 
He made a good race lieiug elected by a majority 
of sixty-nine Totes. 

Mr. Grow has alw.ays been a Democrat. He cast 
his first Presidential ballot for Samuel J. Tildcn. 
The day of his election to his present position was 
that on which he attained to his thirty-fifih year. 
He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Knights of 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Maccabees and the order of Tonli. He is a pleas- 
ant, agreeable man, well-informefl and enterprising, 
and with acute perceptions by which he comes to 
rapid conclusions regarding persons and things. 

Mr. Grow has a pleasant home, presided over by 
the lady who became his wife November 5, 1883. 
She bore the maiden name of Joanna Kennedy, is 
a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Duane) Kennedy 
and was born in Marion, Liringston County, Mich. 
At the time of her marriage her home was in Mil- 
ford. She is the mother of two children — Lucille 
M. and Francis A. — a bright lad and lassie who 
add much to the attractiveness of the home b^' 
their intelligence and activity. Mrs. Grow has a 
good education and is a well-bred lad}-. 



•^^ 



E^ 



f 



k 



EWIS C. CARLTON. The agricultural 
regions of the United States are the homes 
of many men who are now in prosperous 
circumstances, yet who began the battle of life 
with no armor except that afforded by the mind 
and spirit that actuated them. An example of 
this kind in Royal Oak Township is afforded by 
Mr. Carlton who owns a good farm on section 16, 
which is manifestly worth as mucii as others in this 
vicinity that have sold for §100 per acre. His es- 
tate consists of eight}' acres all under improve- 
ment and supplied with a line of good farm build- 
ings and such stock and machinery as befits 
the home of an energetic, progressive man. The 
property was bought by Mr. Carlton when it was 
in a wild state and he cleared and improved it. It 
is now one of the best improved farms in the com- 
munity and a view of it is shown on another 
page. 

Before sketching the life of Mr. Carlton it may 
be well to say a few words regarding his parents, 
in order to better understand his hereditary traits 
and the circumstances which aided in molding 
his life. His father, Richard Carlton, was born 
in England in 1807 and adopted the occupa- 
tion of farming. He crossed the Atlantic early in 
1830, and coming to Detroit entered the employ 
of Geo, Lewis Cass, for whom he named his first- 



born. He worked for the General two years and 
during that time married Elizabeth, daughter of 
William and Elizabeth Davidson, who had crossed 
from England to America about the same time as 
himself. Soon after his marriage he was engaged 
in the grocery trade fur a period of three years 
and then engaged in business as a butcher two 
years when he rented a farm and resumed his 
former occupation. Two years later he came to 
Royal Oak Township and for eight years carried 
on a rented place on section 9, and he then bought 
eighty acres on the same section. He carried on 
his work there about ten years, then spent a few 
years in Birmingham, where he died in 1888. His 
wife preceded him to the silent land, breathing her 
last in 1876. They had two daughters and three 
sons. Mr. Carlton after becoming a naturalized 
citizen of the United States, cast his influence with 
the Republican party. 

The subject of tliis biographical notice was born 
in Detroit April 3. 1832. He remained with his 
father until he was seventeen years old and then 
started out in life for himself as a fislierman on 
Saginaw Bay. After eight ^-eais on Lake Huron 
he went to Lake Michigan and for a year his head- 
quarters were at Grand Haven. Having wooed and 
won a life companion, became to Oakland County 
and rented a farm in Royal Oak Township, but after 
three years took possession of the land he bought 
about 18.'j5, and here he has remained, building up 
a good home. While engaged in the fisheries, Mr. 
Carleton had some hazardous experiences. On one 
occasion, while Captain of the fishing boat "Sal- 
tilla" of An S».ble, he was shipwrecked about five 
miles from the An Sable River. Captain and crew 
were in the ©(len lake about three hours, before 
they were picked up by another boat. The time 
was early spring (April 4), and they were nearly 
chilled to death, their unexpected bath being in 
colder water than was at all agreeable. 

The wife of Mr. Carlton was born in 1836 to 
.luhn and Eunice (Taylor) Miller, and was chris- 
tened Elizabeth. She has been a life-long resident 
in this county and has quite an extended acquaint- 
ance. She is a woman of good judgment, kind- 
hearted and industrious, and she has been judicious 
in her management of household affairs and the 




RESIDENCE or LEWIS C. CARLTON , SEC. 16., ROYAL OAK TP, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 




RESIDENCE OF A . S . PALMER, SEC. 5., M I LFORD TP, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



355 



care and rearing of her children. She is the 
mother of sis sons and daughters, whose names 
.■sre Elizabeth, Lewwellin, Rozelia, Bird, Norali 
and Claud. The eldest child is the wife of John 
Hartrick, of Royal Oak Township. Claud died 
when twelve years old. Botli Mr. and Mrs. Carl- 
ton belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 
Royal Oak. Mr. Carlton votes the Republican 
ticket. 

Mrs. Carlton was the sixth in order of birtli 
among the seven children born to her parents. 
Her father, Capt. Miller, w.as born in Romulus, N. 
Y., in 1796, and was of Scotch, Irish and French 
descent. At the time of the War of 1812 he was 
sixteen ye.irs old and was living with his widowed 
mother at St. Clair Flats, this State. The maiden 
name of his mother was Sally Swinney. Later, 
when living at Avon, this county, an invalid 
brother (a cripple of the war;, a sister and his 
mother were dependent upon him for support. He 
took up from the Government two eighty-acre 
tracts of land, paying for the same by his earnings 
and those of the family, and with some help from 
his brother's pension. Much property was lost and 
much trouble occasioned by the Indians, who were 
Tery numerous. 

The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Carlton were 
Deacon Lemuel Taylor and Sally Bordman, who 
came to Michigan in 1822. They with their entire 
family numbering nine children, settled in and 
around Stony Creek, this county, and their de- 
scendants residing in the same place are the lead- 
ing citizens of that part of tlie county to-day. 
Eunice A. (Taylor) Miller was born in 1803 in 
Cayuga County, N. Y., and survived Capt. Miller 
many years, dying in Birmingham in 1875, the 
wife of John Valentine. The parents of Mrs. 
Carlton were among the earliest settlers of Oak- 
land County, coming here in 1820, when the coun- 
try was a wilderness primeval, with no improve- 
ment whatever. Ponliac consisted of but one 
house, the hut of the Indian whose name it bears. 
Detroit consisted of only a few cabins in a most 
unpromising piece of marsh. 

Capt. Miller helped lay out what is known as 
Crook's Road and traveled fourteen miles to his 
work in the morning, returning the same distance 



at night. A family by the name of Chase, who 
lived iu Royal Oak Township, helped to lay out 
this road. On Christmas Eve, 1825, a neighbor 
worrian and her child who had been visiting willi 
Mrs. Miller all day, started to their home two and 
one-half miles distant through the woods, the only 
road being a cow-path. Capt. Miller accompanied 
the woman to carry the child and when he reached 
her home, found one or two of the neighbors gath- 
ered there, and sta3'ed later than he had intended. 
About one hundred Indians who had seen him leave 
his bouse surrounded the little cabin before dark 
and filled both windows with their grinning, sav- 
age faces. Mrs. Miller was alone with her child 
and she could hear them at the corn crib, the bce- 
liives and hen roost for about three hours. Finally 
they left, taking every thing they could find. 
The next day Capt. Miller and four or fire neigh- 
bors started in puisuit of the Indians, but returned 
after an unsuccessful search of two days. Capt. 
Miller died in 1849, beloved and respected by all 
who knew him. His work as a pioneer will be 
long remembered. Could he with the other hon- 
ored pioneers who have long since passed awaj-, 
see the country with its fields of vvaviug grain and 
its cities teeming with life and enterprise, scarcely 
would they be .able to realize the wonderful trans- 
formation. The wilderness has been made to blos- 
som as the rose and the efforts of our forefathers 
have been amply rewarded. 



<^f/ ARON S. PALMER lives on a farm in Mil- 
ford Township but rents out his land on 
shares, not caring to take part in the toils 
•i^ of rural life. He has never done much 

hard work, as he was in possession of means that 
enabled him to spend his time in more ease than 
many, but he has a good trade and considerable 
knowledge of business measures. Elsewhere in this 
volume appears a view of his present residence, 
which he erected in 1880 .at a cost of $1,100 beside 
his own labor. The farm upon which it stands 
consists of sixtj'-sevcn acres, well improved and 
stocked. The parents of onr subject were John and 




356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Margaret (Stewart) Palmer, natives of Conneeti 
cut and New Jersey respectively, and tlie former 
born March 20, 1775, and died February 21, 1864. 
Tiiey were married in tlie Litter State December 7, 
1805, and passed the balance of their lives there. 
Mr. Palmer was a tanner and currier and also a 
farmer. Ills father was a native of the Isle of 
Jersey, England. The maternal grandfather of our 
subject was Aaron Stewart, a large land-owner in 
Monmouth County, N. J., and a Quaker by birth- 
right. Mrs. Palmer died in 1834, and her husband 
survived her tiiirty 3-cars. He made a second mar- 
riage, but had no children. The first union resulted 
in the birth of four, two of whom are now living. 
Mary is the widow of Sterne Palmer and has one 
son, Thco G., who is a large leather manufacturer 
at Newark, N. J. 

The subject of this notice was born April 18, 
1823, in AUeutown. N. J., and received a common- 
school education there. He left home when seven- 
teen years old to visit a brother in Saginaw, this 
State. This brother. Charles S. Palmer, took a 
great interest in polities. He served as County 
Clerk and County Treasurer, represented the peo- 
ple in the State Legislature and was Probate Judge 
at the time of bis death. During a sojourn in 
Saginaw of three and a half years our subject 
learned the trade of a tanner and currier. He 
then returned home for a year, after whi-li he 
again visited Saginaw and interested liimsclf in 
mercantile and livery business. In 1852 he sold 
out and settled upon a farm in Novi Township, 
this county. It consisted of one hundred and 
sixty acres, one hundred of which was under im- 
provement. After carrying on the place a few 
years, Mr. Palmer rented it and returned to his 
native State, where be remained about a twelve- 
month. Coming again to Jlichigan he sold his 
farm and bought another in Lyon Township, and- 
in 1864 left it and bought another farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres in Brighton Townsliip, 
where he resided five or six years. He next leased 
that property and returned to Novi Township, 
where he made his home a jcar, after which he was 
a r«'sident of the village of Milford afew years. His 
next removal was to his present farm, wliere he has 
been living twelve years. 



January 31, 1849, Mr. Palmer was mairied to 
Sarah A. Johnson, daughter of Daniel and Rebecca 
(Smith) Johnson, pioneers of Novi Township. 
Both parents are now deceased. Mr. Johnson was 
a prominent farmer. The daughter who married 
Mr. Palmer was born October 4, 1823, and died 
September 10, 1884. She was a member of the 
Methodist Kpiscopal Church, and a worker in the 
Women's Christian Temperrinoe Union and Mis- 
sionary cause. The children born of the union 
were John G., May 15, 1850; Daniel J., October 
17, 1852; Frank B., September 17, 1855; William 
E., September 12, 1857; Ilarr}' J., September 1, 
1861; George W., Jul}- 11, 1865. John married 
Georgie Dunham, has one child and lives in Cleve- 
land, Ohio; Dan resides in Boyne City, this .State, 
has a wife, formerl}' Miss Rosa Kniseley, and five 
children; Frank married Lizaie Turner, has one 
child and lives a*. Houghton, in the Lake Superior 
region; William is living in Cleveland, Ohio, and 
bis wife was formerly Miss Ella Armstrong; 
Harry lives at West Superior, Wis., and is married 
to Emma Brown, daughter of Dr. Brown, of Mil- 
ford; George is unmarried. 

A second matrimonial alliance was made by Mr. 
Palmer, June 16, 1886, his bride being Mr«. Sarah 
H. Armstrong, daughter of Mrs. O. W. Armstrong. 
Her mother was born in Parma, N. Y., in 181 1, and 
came to this State in 1834. She settled upon a raw 
farm of six hundred and forty acres, consisting of 
section 32, Highland Township, and under her 
management the land was fully improved. She 
was one of the smartest business women in this sec- 
tion and showed herself abundantly capable of 
managing her large property and all her interests. 
She belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church 
when she was quite young, but after coming to 
Milford Township she became a charter member 
of the first Congregational Church organized here. 
She labored actively for the .advancement of the 
cause of Christianit)', and was liberal in her gifts to 
the church and to all benevolent enterprises. She 
was strong in mind and body, and she lived to 
the ripe age of fourscore, dying after an illness of 
but six weeks March 25, 1891. She was the mother 
of eleven children, seven now living. 

Mrs. Palmer was born in Highland Township, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



357 



February 22, 1844. Slie was first married to 
Thompson Armstrong, a native of Connecticut, 
who difil in January, 1885, leaving her with one 
daughter, Alice, who was horn August 3, 1866. 
Mr. Armstrong was a California miner for twenty 
3cars. Mrs. Palmer was reared bj' a motiier whose 
memor}' she holds in reverence, and was prepared 
when she entered a home of her own to faithfully 
discharge the duties that la}' before her. She is 
a notable housekeeper, keeps well informed regard- 
ing topics of general interest and is a useful mem- 
ber of the communit}'. Mr. Palmer votes the Dem- 
ocr.atic ticket. He has been a member of the School 
Board for years, has served as Road Overseer and 
a member of Milford Council, and was formerly 
Postmaster of West Novi. 




D. HOLCOMB, M. D. This name is fa- 
miliar to many of our readers, as Dr. Hoi. 
comb has been living at Southfield for 
several years and is the owner of some fine 
property in that section. The dwelling he ocoupies is 
:i pretty, two-stor^' frame iiouse of modern design, 
containing all the conveniences, and is a credit to 
tlic pl.ice. On the lot is a fine barn that cost about 
$500, and the Doctor has also two farms in South- 
field Townsiiip, on which he carries on general 
farming and stock-raising. He is a good judge of 
stock of all kinds, but is particularly interested in 
horses and takes great pride in breeding fine trot- 
ting and running stock. He has some equines of 
more than ordinary value, and as a breeder he is 
becoming known to horsemen far and near. As 
a physician Dr. Ilolcomb is thoroughly well 
grounded, his medical studies having included hos- 
pital practice and bis sound common sense and 
good judgment have led him to make fine use of his 
theoretical knowledge. He possesses the personal 
traits that prepossess those with whom he comes in 
contact and lead to their forming a good opinion 
of him as a man and feeling confidence in him as a 
practitioner. 

Dr. Holcomb is a native of Canada, born in 
County Welland, Ontario, March 10, 1857. His 



parents are Andrew T. and Lydia (Horton) Hol- 
comb, Canadians, who are now living in tlie vicin- 
ity of Niagara Falls, the father being engaged in 
lumbering. The family comprises five chihbcn 
and our subject is the second on the roll. Tlie eld- 
est is Elizabeth A., now the wife of A. Cook; An- 
drew T. is i)racticing medicine in .Tuddville, this 
Stale, and Elliott F., in Lennon; the youngest 
child, Beverly C, makes his home with his parents. 
The fundamental schooling of our subject was ob- 
tained in his native i)lace and he then attended col- 
lege at St. Catherines, whence he went to Montreal 
and then to Toronto, and in the latter place he fin- 
ished his medical studies and spent some time in 
the hosi>ital. He came to Southfield in 1880. 

Dr. Holcomb was married in Toronto, Canada, 
in September, 1879, to Anna W. Lockie, a Cana- 
dian lady of education and refinement. They have 
one daughter, Ina Maj'. Husband and wife being 
hospitable and social, tlieir pleasant home is often 
invaded by tlieir friends. The Doctor is one of 
those agreeable and liberal-minded men who en- 
deavor to make life pleasant for all around them, and 
he takes a proper interest in public affairs and the 
improvement of the town. He is a Mason, belong- 
ing to Sand Hill Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M., Bir- 
mingham Chapter, No. 44, R. A. M., and Red Cross 
Commandery, K. T., in Pontiac. 



-^1= 



L-. | _J 



=i^- 



lf(_^ OWARD M. CHURCH, the Postmaster of 
j Holly and an enterprising dealer in books 
and stationery, has made his own way in 
the world and achieved success by dint of 
energy and plenty of hard work. He was born 
four miles from Clarkston, in the township of In- 
dependence, Oakland County, February 22, 1850. 
He is the son of Enos and Anna P. (Chase) Church, 
natives of Vermont and New York respectively. 
The father learned the cabinet maker's trade in Ver- 
mont and followed that business both in that State 
and in New York. When became to Michigan he 
established a manufactory for fanning mills, in 
which he was very successful. He then moved to 
Auburn, near Pontiac, where he built an hotel and 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



managed it for three years. He then sold it and 
purchased a farm of one hundred acres of finely 
improved land in Independence Townsbip. He 
lived on his farm until 1854, when he moved to 
Clarkston and purchased a foundry and machine 
shop. This he operated until his death in 1863. 
He was a man of influence, both socially and politi- 
call}', being a prominent Mason and a Democrat. 
He was Supervisor in Independence Township and 
was Justice of the Peace for twenty years. His 
wife was a true helpmate in the pioneer life and 
survived him until 1885. Of their family of five 
children, four are now living, namely: James E., 
proprietor of the Holly Foundry; Herbert V., an 
extensive farmer at Eckelson, Dak.; Howard M., 
and Ida A. (Mrs. T. S. Joslin), of Pinconning, 
Mich. Mrs. Church was a prominent member of 
tlie Baptist church at Holly. 

The school days of our subject were spent at 
Clarkston. At thirteen years of age he lost his 
father and went to work on a farm for 86 a month, 
but this did not satisfy- him. He clerked one win- 
ter in a general store for 0- A. Frazer & Co.. at 
Clarkston. He then went into the printing estab. 
lislnnent of the Holly Register. He clerked for A. B. 
Coleman in a drug store at Plymouth for three years 
and thoroughly learned the business. In 1868 he 
came to Holly and clerked in a drug store for Wick- 
ens & Bussey for one year. He then, in company 
with P. D. Baird, purcliased the busines". He re- 
mained in this establishment one and one-half years 
.and then sold out his interest and opened a drug- 
store on tlie corner of Saginaw and Martha Streets, 
with a capital of 6300. The store he then oc- 
cupied, which was only 10x20 feet, stood on the 
same ground where his splendid new brick block 
now stands. He continued in the drug business 
until 1888. 

Mr. Church's handsome, double brick store, the 
best brick block in the city, fronts on Saginaw 
Street. It is finished with brick columns, inlaid at 
intervals with blocks of granite. The window sills 
and the keystone of the upper windows are also of 
granite. The cornice is of gaWanized iron. The 
building is 34x94 feet and divided into four stores 
with offices on the second story. The corner of 
the building is beveled and an entrance made 



there, and the windows are of French plate glass, 
measuring 92x124 inches. The Oakland County 
Advertiser has its office in this building. 

Mr. Church was appointed Postmaster in 1887 
by President Cleveland. When he was only twen- 
ty-one years old he was Township Clerk and has at 
one time served on the City Council. He is a Dem- 
ocrat in politics and has taken an active interest in 
public affairs, both in county and State. The lady 
who presides over his beautiful home in Maple 
Street is Hettie, daughter of William Mothersill, of 
Holly. They were married in 1890. By a former 
marriage he has one daughter, Zili)ha P., who is 
now attending collage at Oneonta, N. Y. Mr. 
Church is one of the prominent men of Oakland 
County. Few citizens of Holly have ever shown 
more enterprise than he. 




EORGE W. PORTER has good standing as 
a citizen and farmer, and is particularly 
well known in White Lake Township, where 
he has resided during his entire life. He now oc- 
cupies and works upon the homestead on section 
21, where he was born June 11, 1847. He is a son 
of Charles and Elizabeth (Arthur) Porter, a sketch 
of whom occupies an appropriate place in this 
Album. His boyhood and youth were spent in the 
usual alternations of study, work and play, and he 
not only acquired a practical education, but be- 
came skilled in agricultural man.agement. After 
he had attained to his majority he began operating 
the homestead, and this he has continued with sat- 
isfactory results. 

Mr. Porter w.is married December 23, 1869, to 
Miss Eliza Fair, the ceremony taking place in the 
town of Holly. The bride was born in White Lake 
Township, June 11, 1847, and is of Scotch parent- 
age. Her father, James Fair, Sr., came to Amer- 
ica when quite young, and settled in White Lake 
Township on section 3. He owned a good farm 
here and operated it, making tilling the soil his 
business during life, although he was a carpenter 
by trade. He was married in this county to Eliza 
Galawa}', who was born in Scotland, and accom- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



359 



panied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Galaway, 
hither in an early day. She died leaving eiglit 
children, namely: Janoes, Mary, Jane, Eliza and 
Elizabeth (twins), Alice, Helena and Ann. Mr. 
Fair remained here until 1860, then went to Cali- 
fornia, where he spent the remnant of his daj's, dy- 
ing in 1884. He made a second marriage in the 
Golden State, and two daughters, Alice and Eva, 
were born of the union. 

Mrs. Porter is a well-informed and refined lady, 
who understands the art of making her home cozy 
and attractive, and wins friends by her kindness 
of heart and social disposition. She has had one 
child, a daughter, Ina, who died February 23, 1881, 
after having lived but seven weeks. Mr. and Mrs. 
Porter belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Commerce. Mr. Porter has always cast a Dem- 
ocratic ticket. He has been Township Treasurer 
two years, thus proving the confidence felt in him 
by the communit}-. 



--^^ 



E^N^ 



GEORGE W. GLINE.S, a prominent farmer 
on section 1, Hartland Township, Living- 
ston County, lives just across the line from 
Oakland County, and is considered b^' his neighbors 
of that county as quite one of their number, which 
he is indeed eoeially and in neighborly kindness. 
He is a son of John Glines, a native of Vermont, 
who went to Canada when quite a young man, and 
who was married in New York to Jndah Maxfield, 
a daughter of Levi Maxfield. Her father was in 
the War of 1812, in which he served as a Corporal. 
Her mother, Laura (Richmond) ISIaxfield, was a 
native of Canada. The children of this family were 
Levi, Thomas, Leonard, Judah and Fannie. Mr. 
Maxwell was a farmer, and both he and his wife 
died in New York. 

The parents of our subject had nine children, 
namely: Julia, Fannie, George W., Paulina, Wes- 
ley, Elzina, Laura, Mark and Elvira. His second 
marriage was with Cynthia Ormsby, by whom he 
has had five children: William, Charlotte, Alonzo, 
Clara and Dora. Mr. Glines came to Michigan in 
1836 and settled in Hartland Township,Livingston 



County, where he lived until his death in 1865. 
His first wife was called from his side in 1845, and 
the death of his second wife occurred in 1889. He 
took up eighty acres of Government land when he 
first came, and afterward owned one hundred and 
eighty acres. He was ever an earnest member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and an ardent Re- 
publican. 

The subject of this sketch first saw the light No- 
vember 3, 1829, in Godmanchester, Franklin 
County, Lower Canada. He was a boy of six years 
when lie came to Michigan with his parents. He 
lived with his father until of age and in 1852 took 
to himself a wife. His wedding da^' was Novem- 
ber 18, and his bride, Jane, daughter of Levi Max- 
field of New York. Levi Maxfield's wife was in 
girlhood Caroline Campbell, and their children 
were Levi, Warren, Jane, Emily, George Charles, 
Jude. Alfred and Edgar. Mr. Maxfield was a far- 
mer who went to Ohio in an early da3' and finally 
to Michigan. He died in 1888, his wife having 
preceded him to the other world in 1864. 

To Mr. Glines and his wife have been born three 
children — Charles, Emma and Ida. The two 
daughters had been called away from earth and the 
son is the only child living. He resides in High- 
land Township on his father's farm, and was mar- 
ried in 1883 to Anna Ilollowaj'. No children have 
been born to them. He owns three hundred and 
ten acres in Highland and Tyrone Townships, two 
hundred and forty acres of which is finely im- 
proved. Here he has built a pleasant home and 
excellent barns and outbuildings. He and his 
wife are earnest and consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a Republi- 
can in politics. He started in life by buying fifty 
acres of land from his father, upon which his father 
allowed him $100, which was all that he could give 
the 3'oung man for his start in life. 

Our subject has been a tremendously hard 
worker all his life. He commenced driving a 
breaking team when only seven years of age, and 
followed it for twelve years. His father broke six 
hundred acres of land, mostly for other people. 
His schooling was secured b>- going to school in 
winters. When he was a boy there was an abun- 
dance of deer and wolves all about, and when meat 



360 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



was neederl in the family- it was easy to shoot a 
deer. Indians abounded and often camped near 
Mr. Glines home. His father often carried liis 
wheat to Detroit to market, where he sold it for 
fifty cents a bushel. He went to Pontiac to mill. 
This pioneer is now comfortably situated and en- 
i03'ing the prosperity which he has earned by his 
unaided efforts — except the assistance of his excel- 
lent wife, who bore her share of the toil and hard- 
ships incident to pioneer life. 



^ 



^ 



llL^ ORACE HALL. One of the most striking 
examples of pluck and industry crowned 
b^' fortune, is to be found in the life of 
Horace Hall, of Birmingham. He was a 
poor boy, with only a limited education, but an 
uncommon amount of perseverance and determin- 
ation, and the sturdy common sense without which 
book knowledge is of little avail. He became the 
owner of land, and when he retired from agricul- 
tural life sold his property for a good round sum, 
and is now enjoying all the comforts heart can 
wish. He began his wedded life while still poor 
and could then have carried all his earthly posses- 
sions on his back. His good wife planned and 
worked with him and now has a share in the com- 
forts and luxuries they have earned. 

Mr. Hall was born in Bristol,^ Ontario County, 
N. y., May 9, 1814. His parents, Nathaniel B., 
and Sarah (Gavett) Hall, were natives of Broome 
County, and had taken up Ib'eir residence in Bris- 
tol early in life. After living there a number of 
years they removed to Orleans County, where the 
husband died. The widow, with six children, came 
West and settled in Royal Oak Township, this 
county. She, however, died at the home of her 
daughter, Mrs. Edward Perrin, in Troy Township. 
She and her husband belonged to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and he was a Whig in politics. 
Nathaniel Hall, paternal grandfather of our subject, 
was an Englishman, and .lolin Gavett, maternal 
grandfather, was French. 

Our subject was the third in a family of twelve 



children. His father was a lifelong farmer, and 
his own early years were spent in the rural homes 
in Ontario and Orleans Counties, N. Y. His school 
privileges were limited to attendance during the 
winter terra and his summers were devoted princi- 
pally to aiding his father on the homo farm. He 
became well acquainted with agricultural work, 
even when quite young, and acquired the industri- 
ous habits and principles of thrift that have char- 
acterized him while making his way in the world. 
In 1847 he came to this State and settled on a 
farm in Macomb County, where he carried on 
agricultural work fifteen 3'ears. He then bought 
a farm of forty-seven acres aiid the Six-Mile Tav- 
ern, which was locatod that distance from the city 
of Detroit. Removing to that locality he carried 
on the hotel and operated the farm, making it his 
home for twelve years. During that period he 
added to the acreage of the estate and wlien he 
sold out had ninety-five acres to dispose of. The 
growth of the neighboring citj' and the consequent 
rise in value of real estate, added to by the intrin- 
sic worth of the property, made it command $30,- 
000 when placed in the market. After selling the 
estate Mr. Hall removed to Birmingham, of which 
place he has since been a resident. 

The wedding day of Mr. Hall and Miss Abigail 
Abbey of Bristol, N. Y., was solemnized December 
24, 1835. The bride was born in Richmond, On- 
tario Count}', April 27, 1810, and was a daughter 
of Joseph and Susan (Griffin) Abbej', who were 
natives of the Empire State. She is a brave-hearted, 
capable woman, who was willing to take up life 
and its duties with the man of her choice, even 
though their early possessions were limited, and 
the prospect before them was one of toil and fru- 
gality. To them have been born two children — 
Susan and William Marcus. The daughter became 
the wife of John F. Stevens, a farmer near Bir- 
mingham and the mother of one son, AVilliam. 
Marcus is now farming in Troy Township; he mar- 
ried Miss Rebecca Rose of Royal Oak, and had two 
children — Frank and Lottie, the former is deceased. 

When old enough to exercise the right of suff- 
rage Mr. Il.iil determined to cast his influence with 
the Democratic party, and he has continued to su])- 
port its principles and candidates. He is held in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



361 



due regard by his acquaintances and is pointed out 
as one of tlie most successful men living in Bir- 
mingham. AYere we to give the details of his life 
during his years of toil it would make a volume 
of itself. We leave the filling in of this brief 
sketch to tlie imagination of our readers, many of 
whom know something by personal experience of 
wh;it qualities must be exerted and what experien- 
ces passed through in order to rise from the lowest 
round of the financial ladder to such a position as 
that held by Mr. Hall. 

-->> '•^-^ s — 



AVID W. SHAFT, one of the veteran sol- 
diers of Michigan, was born in Herkimer 
County, N. Y., March 31, 1812, the son of 
Cornelius and Jane Shaft, natives of New York. 
He loft home at the age of twelve 3'ears, and went 
to work for himself. Heengaged first in a mill, and 
tiien farmed for four years. He then bound him- 
self out to learn the trade of a carriage and wagon- 
maker, which occupied him for three years. He 
came to Michigan in 1832, and from here traveled 
over the South, si)eading some time in Charleston, 
N. C, and then going from there to Petersbuig, 
Va., b3' way of railroad. This w.is the first rail- 
road ride he had ever taken. 

From Petersburg. Va., Mr. Shaft went to Rich- 
mond, where for some time he was employed in 
driving a cab. He then went to Washington, D. 
C, and was engaged in the business of painting 
carriages and wagons. He enjoys telling about the 
work he did for Gen. Jackson, then President of 
the United States, for to him w.is given the job of 
painting the carriage of this notable man. Our 
subject went from the National Capitol to Steuben- 
ville, Ohio, where he engaged in painting stage 
coaches. At New Lisbon, Ohio, he drove a stage 
for nine montiis, and was in tlie same bu.^iness at 
Erie, Pa., which was not far from where he was 
brought up. He cut stone at Lockport, N. Y. one 
winter, and then went to Rawsonville, where he 
met and married Eliza A. Curliss. The wedding 
was solcmni;;ed April 7, 1841. Here he opened a 
wagon-making shop which he carried on for twentj' 
years. 



Just before the breaking out of the war Mr. 
Shaft removed to Michigan and located in P]lba, 
Lapeer County. But he did not remain long in 
his new home, for he answered the call of his coun- 
try in her time of need, and enlisted September 21, 
1861, in Company I, First Regiment Michigan 
Engineers and Mechanics. He saw service in the 
army of the Cumberland. In February, 1864, he 
was taken ill, and as he did not recover, received 
his discharge October 1, of the same year. He re- 
turned home and undertook the charge of his ninety 
acres of improved land. In 1880 he removed to 
Oxford, where he has since resided. He is a mem- 
ber of the Grand Army of the Republican, to the 
backbone. He is the father of four children, 
namely: Jane, wife of Timothy L. Hodge, living 
in Lapeer; Gilbert in Oxford; Josephine, wife of 
L. C. Olmstead, of Oxford; and William H. II., of 
Oxford, who is named for the President for whom 
Mr. Shaft cast his first vote. 

^ IjfclLLIAM P. BEARDSLEE, a prosperous 
\^// ^'"'™^'' ^" Orion Township, was born in 
W^J Sussex County, N. J., May 1, 1836. His 
father, Lewis, who was born in 1804, came to 
Jlichigan and bought land in Orion Township, this 
countj', where he built a log house and made his 
home. Wild game was plentiful and Indians were 
still numerous. He cleared and improved his land 
and died August 6, 1860, in his fifty-eighth year. 
His wife is still living and is a devout and earnest 
member of the Presbyterian Church to which her 
husband was also attached. Her maiilen name was 
JIary Philips and she was born in Sussex County, 
N. J., March 7, 1806. Six of her seven children 
are still living. 

Mr. Beardslee was onl)- a few months old when 
his parents brought him to Michigan. He remained 
at home till he reached liis twentieth year and then 
for two years worked out by the month on a farm. 
He farmed also on shares for a few years and in 
the spring of 1865 he removed to Montcalm County 
and bought a farm. After remaining here five 
years he returned to Orion Township, Oakland 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, and has resided here since the spring of 
1870. 

An event of great importance took place in 
the life of our subject, February 25, 1865. It was 
bis marriage with Nancy Wyckoff, who was born 
in this county, April 24, 1838. Her parents, Wil- 
liam and Hannah, came from New Jersey to Oak- 
land County in the Territorial days. Her fathfr 
dieil September 80, 1861 and her mother sur- 
vired until 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Beardslec liave 
three children, Nettie, Chester and May, to whom 
they have afforded good school advantages. Mr. 
Beardslee is » Democrat and has been a Mason 
for twenty j-ears. He is also identified with the 
Grange. He lias three hundred and twenty acres 
of fine land, tvhich lie devotes largely to the raising 
of sheep for the market. He began life with 
nothing and lias been successful in attaining a 
iiandsome property. He now owns the old home- 
stead which his father settled on wlien he first 
came to the State. 

iILLIAM P. HICKS, one of the leading 
and substantial farmers of Rose Township, 
Oakland County, was born December 24, 
1842, near his present home, and is the son of Ben- 
jamin C. and Elizabeth (Wendell) Hicks. His 
grandfather, Benjamin, was one of four brothers 
who came to the United Stales soon after the 
Revolutionar}' d.iys. The}' were Benjamin, Reu- 
ben, Warren and Pardon. They settled in Massa 
chusetts and Benjamin afterward removed to near 
Avon, N. Y. He was a sailor and a captain of a 
vessel for many years. In the fall of 1835 he came 
to Michigan, where he made his home with his 
son until his death about the year 1848. being 
then seventy-seven years old. He was a Presby- 
terian in religion and a Democrat in politics. His 
wife, Phiebe Cole, was the mother of a large fam- 
ily. Those who grew to maturity were Warren. 
Pardon, Phoebe, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Susan, Mary 
and Sarah. The grandmother died in Michigan. 
The father of our subject was a farmer, who 
came to Michigan and entered one hundred and 
sixly acres in Rose Township. This he improved 




and lived upon until his death in March, 1853, at 
the age of forty-five years. His widow and three 
children — William P., John W. and diaries H. — 
survive to mourn his loss. He was a Democrat 
in his political views and served his township 
faithfully in several local olflces. His wife w.as 
born in Charlton, N. Y„ and was a daughter of 
John A. Wendell, a farmer, wiiose parents came 
from Holland. ^Ir. Wendell w.as .i soldier in the 
War of 1812, and came to Rose Township in 1836. 
He was tlie first Supervisor of the townshii) after 
its organization, and represented the county in 
the State Legislature, being a prominent member 
of the Democratic party. He was a Presbyterian, 
as was also the family into which his daughter 
married. 

The subject of this brief notice was reared in 
this county and has ever resided in this coiiiniunity. 
He received his education in the district school- 
house, and when he was sixteen he and his brothers 
took charge of the homestead until they married 
and established homes of their own. He w»8 absent 
from home only one year, which he spent in the 
oil regions of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the 
lumber district of Saginaw. 

After his marriage our subject continued to live 
with his mother for three years until, in March, 
1871, he purchased a farm of eight}' acres on sec- 
tion 35, and removed to it. This he has cleared 
and improved, and to it he has added forty acres. 
He is a breeder of Hampshire-down sheep and also 
a feeder, lie has served three years each as Com- 
missioner and Treasurer. Since the fall of 1877 
he has acted as Supervisor of the township, and is 
active in politics, attending the Democratic Slate 
and Congressional conventions as a delegate. He 
is an honored member of the Masonic order and 
of the Knights of the Maccabees. 

The marriage of Jlr. Hicks took place March 
28, 1867. His wife, Sarah M. Cole, was born in 
Macomb County and is a daughter of Matthew L. 
and Mary (Johnson) Cole, natives of New Jersey, 
who were early settlers in Macomb County, where 
they lived until their death, he passing away in 
December, 1854, and his wife in August of the ne.xt 
year. They were the parents of three children — 
John, .Sarah and Mary. Mr. Cole was a miller 




if 







c 



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



365 




and a son of John Cole, wlio removed from New 
York to Macomb County, this State, and pursued 
the trade of a hlacksmitl). He was a Baptist in 
religion. His wife, who l)ore the maiden name of 
Rush, was the mother of ten children, five sons 
and five daughters. She was of Dutch origin. 
Mr. and Mrs. William P. Hicks are the parents of 
three cliildren: Eflie E., Charles M. and Mary K. 
Mrs. Hick's mother's family' was of English origin 
ar.d the Hon. Philip Johnson, of Pennsylvania, is 
an uncle of Mrs. Hicks. Our subject is a man 
who is universally honored and esteemed. 



ON. FERRIS S. FITCIl, State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction, and editor 
and publisher of the Oakland County Post, 
(.^) makes his home at Ponliac, Mich. He was 
>f)rn in the township of Bunker Hill, Ingham 
County, Mich., February 1, 1853, at a place now 
known as Fitchhurg from the fact that his father, 
Ferris S. Fitch, Sr., was the first in this section to 
make a farm in the unbroken wilderness. His 
mother was Emma J. Bailey, and both his parents 
were natives of New York State, where they were 
married and from which they removed to Mich- 
igan in 1848. The father was a member of the 
Mieliigan Legislature in 1853, and at different 
times was named prominently- as a candidate for 
Governor, in Democratic conventions. He was a 
man of active life, yet of literary tastes, and was in 
religion an Episcopalian. 

The subject of this sketch labored industriously 
upon the farm, until at the age of sixteen years he 
entered the Normal School at Ypsilanti. He grad- 
uated from the classical course in 1873 and entered 
the literary department of the University of Mich- 
igan the same year. From that institution he grad- 
uated in the Class of 1877 with the degree of 
Bachelor of Arts. In both Normal School and 
University he was distinguished for independent 
original scholarship, and for his .ibility as a writer 
and speaker. In the Normal he acted as assistant 
instructor in Latin during his senior year. 

After graduating from the University Mr. Fitch 
accepted the Chair of Latin and Greek in Smithson 



College, Ind. Soon after beginning his work there 
he became active President of the college and 
thoroughly reformed its government and system of 
instruction. In 1878 he accepted the principal- 
ship of the Pontiac High School at a very critical 
time. From the first he was master of the situa- 
tion and soon restored harmony to the Institution. 
Here he served for three and one-half years, when 
he was made Superintendent of the City Schools. 
He continued to hold this position until June, 1890, 
when he resigned, against the expressed wishes of 
the entire Board, to enter the field of journalism as 
editor and manager of the Oakland County Post. 

Though naturally of a practical and conserva- 
tive mind our subject is a progressive educator, 
and the inveterate foe of the pouring in process, 
and of cramming the young mind. He is the peer 
of an}' man in the State in the study of intellectual 
themes as well as in the science of political econ- 
omy an<i civil administration. His nomination in 
the fall of 1 890 to the office of State Superintendent 
of Public Instruction was entirely unsought and 
unexpected, but was the unanimous and sponta- 
neous action of one of the most representative con- 
ventions ever assembled in Michigan. The nomi- 
nation was made by Hon. C. R. Whitman, Regent 
of the State Universit}', and was enthusiastically 
received by educators of all parties throughout the 
State. His election was considered an indication of 
a healthful condition in educational circles and 
prophecy of still greater progress for the future. 
Mr. Fitch was married August 4, 1881, to Lettie 
M., daughter of George D. and Mary A. (Park) 
Humphrey. One child has blest this union — Con- 
stance, who was born JIarch 5, 1888. 

A portrait of the Hon. Mr. Fitch is presented to 
the readers of this volume. 

-"S ' ^ ' I ' ^ ' S "-' 



OMAINE CLARK, one of the most i)opu- 
lar men of Orion Township, has a fine 
farm equipped with all modern improve- 
ments. His large and handsome resi- 
dence and excellent barns and outbuildings com- 
mend his business ability to every traveller. He 




366 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was born in Wayne Count}', Pa., August 20, 1826. 
His father, p:iijaL B. Clark, was born in New 
Loniion County, Conn., November 23, 1792, and 
■when about eighteen years old be emigrated to 
Pennsylvania,where be followed his trade of a mill- 
wright. He came to Oakland County, Mich., in 
1830, and entered land in Orion Township, to 
which he received a deed, signed by Gen. Jack- 
son. He returned and brought his family West in 
June, 1831, coming by canal and team to Buffalo, 
thence by lake to Detroit and teaming it the rest 
of the way. He built a log house, which at that 
time was several miles north of any house on this 
section line. He died July 10, 1884, in his ninety- 
second year. He represented Oakland County in 
the Legislature in 1846 and 1847 and held various 
township offices. In his early manhood he served 
in the War of 1812. His wife, Mary A. Yerkes, 
was born in Philadelphia in 1795 and died in Jtinu- 
ary,1864. Eight of her te.: children are still living. 

Mr. Clark was born and reared upon the farm 
and"received his primary education in the log 
school-house. He remained at home till he was 
twenty-one years of age. He worked out on farms 
by the month for three years, receiving wages of 
?12per month in summer and $10 in winter. In 
November, 1850. he bought a farm in Pontiac 
Township, going in debt for it. Two years later 
he sold it and bought one in Orion Township. 
Two years later he sold this and bought another, 
which he sold in less than two years, and then pur- 
chased the old homestead on which he has since 
lived, and where he took care of his father until 
his decease. 

The subject of this sketch was married October 
16, 1850, to Emily Youdan, born in England, 
Ftl)ruary 10, 1832. Her parents, James and Eliza- 
beth Youdan, came to America in 1834, spending 
six weeks on the ocean. They made their home for 
five years in Wheatland, N. Y., and in 1839 c.ime 
to Michigan and settled in Orion Township, this 
County. He cleared and improved this farm and 
lived here until his death in 1842. His faithful 
wife survived him and passed away in 1855. She 
bad been previously married and had three chil- 
dren by a former husband. Seven children 
crowned her union with Mr. Youdan as follows: 



Mary, .Tames. Elizabeth. .Susan, Martha, Emil}- and 
Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been the parents 
of seven children, of whom five are liring: Ralph 
A.jLeander R. and Mary A., deceased; Carroll, 
W., James Y., Jennie E. and Komaine, Jr. 

The gentleman of whom we write has frequently 
been a delegate to Republican conventions in both 
County and District. He has been Highway Com- 
missioner and Supervisor for two terms, being 
elected over a large Democratic majority. He is 
a Patron of Husbandry and has been identified 
with the Masons for thirty-five years. He has 
two hundred and thirtj^-five acres of land in the 
old homestead, where he raises excellent stock. 
He built a fine large house in 1887. His specialty 
has been in raising wheat. He has been a very 
successful man and is a credit to the townsliip in 
which he lives. 



3S*J^iC*S€ 



ON. ORRIN POPPLETON, the pioneer 
merchant of Birmingham, has been en- 
gaged in business here since August, 1840. 

^) Few dealers anywhere can look back over 
so long a period of mercantile life as this, and 
none can show a better record as to straightforward 
dealing and wise methods. That Mr. Poppleton 
occupies a leading position in the county is un- 
questioned by those who know him, and his stand- 
ing does not depend upon the fortune he has made, 
but upon his agreeable personal qualities. He is 
one in a family whose parents located here as early 
as 1825, and the career of his father is worthy of 
consideration as indicating the causes which have 
led to his own success in business and his worth of 
character. 

William Poppleton, the father, was born at 
Poultney, Vt., in 1795, and when seventeen j'ears 
old went to Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., 
witii his parents. There he was married in 1814 
to Zada Crooks, with whom he lived happily forty- 
eight j-ears and in whom he found a most helpful 
companion. In 1823 he Tisited Michigan, then 
almost a wilderness, and entered from the Govern- 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



367 



ment land on section 20, Troy Township, this 
• county. Two years later, with his little family, 
consisting of his wife and two children — Orrin and 
Sally, aged respactively seven and eight years, — 
he took a final leave of Western New York, and 
resolutely pushed out witli a team for newer and 
wilder scenes, for larger and grander prospects. 

In December, 1825, after a toilsome journey of 
thirty-two days in an emigrant wagon, Mr. Po|)- 
pleton arrived sifcly at his homestead. His way 
had been made through Canada, over the rough 
pathwa3'S of the most unbroken forest, which in 
nuicli of the distance were frozen and covered with 
snow. With ax in hand lie began an unflinciiing 
attack upon tlie giant forest, and with an intensit}' 
of purpose wbicli never wavered, set himself to 
carve out a fortune and a name. Little by little 
he added to his first purchase — now securing land 
of tlie Government, then of some wear}', homesick 
settler — until in 1845, just twenty years from the 
time he had bidden his friends in the East good- 
b.yc, he was the undisputed owner of twelve 
hundred acres of land, much of which was in till- 
able condition and the most of it in one body. 
Upon this large tract he had rapidly made improve- 
ments until he had farms as fair to look upon and 
in as high a state of cultivation as any in the far- 
famed Genesee valley he had left. In 1856 he re- 
moved upon one of his farms adjoining the village 
of Birmingham and almost entirely abandoned 
person.nl connection with farming operations. In 
Ills pleasant village retreat, with bis faithful 
partner in life, he enjoyed a well-earned repose 
until her death in December, 1802. After that 
bereavement he seemed to lose much of the vigor 
of constitution which he had previously enjoyed 
and although the fire in his soul was not one whit, 
abated, the eartlil}- tabernacle was slowly but surely 
going to decay. 

C)f the confidence of the people of his township 
Mr. Poppleton always possessed a large share, and 
in all matters which affected the material welfare 
of his section he w.as first and foremost. To him 
the present excellent and superior condition of the 
public highways of the township is due, and his 
early interest and example in improving them 
certainly merits the commendations of present and 



future generations. His counsel was taken into 
the highest consideration, and if not in the begin- 
ning, at the end, was almost invariably acknow- 
ledged to be the soundest and best. Although 
from force of circumstances his education was 
limited, his indomitable energy and superior judg- 
ment frequently placed him in positions of which 
those of far better advantages might well have 
been proud. He was often in the possession of the 
highest offices in his township, and in 1842 repre- 
sented his county in the State Legislature, which 
then held its sessions at Detroit. His coadjutors were 
Govs. Fitch, McClelland, Richardson, Barry and 
man}' others kno-rn to the early settlers, whose 
names are identified with the pioneer legislation of 
Michigan. 

Mr. Poppleton was always an unflinching and 
uncompromising Democrat, true to his party when 
in the right, and to the land which gave hiii: birth. 
Being a son of a Revolutionary sire he placed a 
just estimate upon the value of Iibert3%and having 
been educated in the Jeffersonian school of politics 
it was impossible for him to do otherwise than 
square every political measure with those immortal 
principles which in years gone by had brought 
prosperity to his country. 

Mr. Poppleton vvas the father of seven children, 
two of whom died in infancy and two in ripe 
womanhood. The last were Hannah K., who mar- 
ried R. P. Butcman and died in March, 1854, and 
Carrie J., who married Judge George B. Lake, of 
Nebraska and died in February, 1860. Those 
living are our subject, Orrin, and the next Sail}', 
now the widow of Darius Hoxse}-. Mr. Hoxsey 
was a prominent farmer in Troy Township until a 
few years before his death, when he moved to 
Birmingham, where his widow now resides. The 
youngest child living of William Poppleton is 
Andrew J. of Omaha, Neb., who is now i),Tst, the 
meridian of life. He is a man of nnclianwino- 
purpose and to contemplate his life and character 
would be a just source of pride to the most am- 
bitious iiarents. Having been liberally educated 
in a school that has given to the country such men 
as Sewarrl, Dix and Wright, and having adopted 
the profession of law, he set out in 1851 in com- 
pany with Gov. Richardson upon a pilgrimao-e 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



westward. He was the first to plant the standard 
of civilization permanently upon the farther banks 
of the Missouri at Omaha, where there was not 
even a cabin to indicate that human life existed in 
all the vast prairie wilderness— a poor spot indeed 
to gratify the high hopes and lively imaginations 
of youth. But he had an unfaltering trust in the 
ultimate prosi)erity of his adopted home, which 
has been fully justified. To-day he stands un- 
rivaled in his profession in all that region and is 
known as its attorney wherever the interests of 
that great corporation, the Union Pacific Railroad, 
extend. In addition to such honors, following 
closely the footsteps of their sire, the sons have 
each held honorable positions as legislators and the 
keepers of other public trusts in their respective 
Slates. 

Orrin Poppleton was born in Richmond, Ontario 
County, N. Y., April 27, 1817, and was in his 
ninth year when his parents came to this State. 
His early life was passed on the farm and he first 
received a common-school education and then 
spent a year as a student in Granville Seminary in 
Ohio. He remained with his father, helping him 
clear up farm land and giving him the benefit of 
his labors until he was of age, and then took up 
the labor of life for his own advantage by becom- 
ing a clerk in Pontiac. He followed the pursuit 
for two years in the county seat and Rochester, and 
in the winters of 1834-35 and 1839-40 taught in 
this county. In 1840 he began the mercantile 
business in Birmingham, being the third person to 
engage in that pursuit there. He has been in busi- 
ness continuously since that time and has occupied 
his present storeroom fortj'-eight j-ears. He has 
now been iii business longer than any other dealer 
living in Birmingham and is one of the very few 
men who have carried on such an enterprise more 
than half a century and on a paying basis. Dili- 
gence, strict integrity and a judicious catering to 
the desires of the community have placed Mr. Pop- 
pleton in the front rank as a merchant and have 
given him high repute in business circles. 

For many years our subject took quite an active 
part in political affairs, but for some time past ho 
has borne but a quiet share in such matters. He is 
and always has been a Democrat, and he keeps 



well informed regarding affairs of State and the 
principles on which good government is based and 
can give at all times a clearly expressed reason for 
his political faith. In 1852 he w.as elected to the 
legislature from this county and served during the 
session of 1853, and he has in recent years been 
solicited to stand as a candidate for congress and 
to go before the people for Governor, but has 
invariably declined. In 1853 ho was appointed 
Postmaster at Birmingham, and held the office 
eight 3'ears under Presidents Pierce and Buchanan. 
For sixteen years be was a member of the Con- 
gressional Committee and during twelve 3'ears of 
that time he was its Chairman. He has been 
President of the Oakland County Pioneer Society 
for eleven j'ears and A'ice President of the Mich- 
igan Pioneer and Historical Society seven years 
and President of the latter during 1890. Mr. Pop- 
pleton belongs to no social orders, but quietly 
dispenses the charity which they inculcate and en- 
gages with his friends and associates in the pleasures 
of good fellowship. 

The marriage of Orrin Poppleton and Sarah 
Abbej' was solemnized at the bride's home in Rich- 
mond, Ontario County, N. Y., November 2, 1841. 
Mrs. Poppleton was born there May 2, 1815, and 
there her parents, John and Elizabeth (Baker) 
Abbey, died. They were natives of the Old Bay 
State. Mr. and Mrs. Poppleton have had five 
children and lost two in infancy — Hester and one 
unnamed. Ella P., the youngest child, is the wife of 
C. W. Hatch of Boston, Mass; Edgar C. and 
Herbert A. are engaged in mercantile pursuits 
with their fatlier and have had turned over to 
them a large share of the cares of the establish- 
ment. 

<yx> - 




— ' <iCi> - — 

fILLIAM H. STARK, a prominent farmer 
residing on section 33, Oxford Township, 
is a son of W. Stark, Esq., who was born 
in New York near the Pennsylvania line in 1806, 
and was reared on a farm. At an early age he 
learned the trade of a millwright and followed that 
trade in New York and after he came to Michigan 
in 1836. He made his home in Independence 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



369 



Township and bonght land of the Government in 
Oxford Township. He first erected a log house 
and began clearing the land. Tliis house was of a 
superior order and was not put up in the manner that 
many log oabins were. He hewe:'. all the timber 
and made all the logs fit nicely together and had a 
home that was snug and cozy and was a pattern of 
neatness. He died in 1872. His wife was Eliza- 
beth M. Beardslee. She was born in Sussex County 
N. J., and came West with her brother at a very 
early day, making her home in Oxford Township. 
She survived her husband for a number of years 
and died November 30, 1890. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was born July 26, 
18.35 in Chemung County in the Big Flats, N. Y., 
and was only two years old when he accompanied 
his father to Michigan. His two brothers, Tiiad- 
deus and Thomas J. both live in Micliigan. Oar 
subject started in life at the age of twenty-eight 
and he has made all the improvements and erected 
all the buildings which are to be seen upon his fine 
farm. About eight years ago, his liome was de- 
stroyed by fire, but undaunteil lie at once went to 
work to erect a much finer house than he had 
before. Much of the work upon all these buildings 
has been done by his own hands. He made all the 
fences and cut all the |)ines that went into the 
buildings which he has placed upon his property. 

The marriage of Mr. Stark with Mary K. A|)ple- 
gate, nas an event of great importance and one 
which has led up to a life of domestic happiness. 
This lady is a daughter of David Applcgate and 
was born in Oxford Township, December 27, 1837. 
Her father was one of the early pioneer settlers in 
this part of the State. He |)assed away three j'ears 
ago. Iler mother whose maiden name was Louisa 
Potter, resides with Mr. and ]\[rs. Stark. She was 
born October 30, 1814 at Chili, N. Y.,and married 
David Applegate, January 17, 1833. Mr. and Mr. 
Stark have two children, Elmer and David Ward. 
He has filled several of the township offices and was 
Constable for one year. He has belonged to the 
Patrons of Industry and has been sent to attend 
conventions of this body at Pontiac. Both he and 
his worth}' wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in which they are .active workers 
find where he has served as Trustee, He has also 



served on the petit and grand juries at Pontiac 
and is a Democrat in his political views. Mrs. 
Stark's father was here before any roads were laid 
out, and he was a man who was active in promoting 
every interest of the neighborhood. He used to go 
to Rochester for mill and go home and loan out all 
the flour to needy neighbors reserving only a small 
portion for his own family. He was Supervisor, 
Justice of the Peace, and held most of the Town- 
ship offices a number of years before his death. 
Mr. Stark fills a large place in the neighborhood 
afi'airs and is worthy of the respect which he re- 
ceives from his neighbors. 



\Tr^OBERT BRADFORD owns and occupies a 
l^iTl farm in Pontiac Township, where a pleas- 
c4i \\\ ant home and comfortable surroundings 
^^^ are found. The estate consists of eighty 
acres on section 26 ;n d bus been the home of our 
subject since 1855, at which time he bought the 
land and began tilling the soil on bis own account. 
Mr. Bradford was born in West Killbride, Ay re- 
shire, Scotland, August 8, 1827. His father, John 
Bradford, was a native of Wigtun and was a stone- 
mason by trade; his mother was Elizabeth Gemmill 
and the family consisted of four children, three of 
whom are now living. The parents came to this 
country' in 1842 and made their settlement in Pon- 
tiac Township, this county, on section 26. The 
father built three houses — one for himself, one in 
Troy Township and another near Orcliard Lake, 
and gave some attention to his trade. He died in 
1849 and his widow breathed her last in 1858. 
They were members of the Congregational Church. 
Mr. Bradford of this sketch received a common- 
school education in his native land, conning his 
lessons in the parish school wdiere the same teacher 
was generally employed year after year. He ac- 
companied his parents to America and remained 
with them until he wns about twenty-six years old. 
He then started out in life for himself and a few 
years later bought the property on which he is now 
prosecuting his agricultural work. lie was married 
iu March 28, 1854 to Miss Marifi Colby, who wa§ 



370 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



born in this county in 1829, and whose parents, 
Ephralm and Melinda (Allen) t'oUiy, are num- 
bered among the pioneers. Mr. Colliy died many 
years ago, but Mrs. Colby is still living.- Mrs. 
Bradford was called from time to eternity in 
August, 1871. The surviving children are, Sarah; 
Agnes, who is the wife of Murry Yancise, and 
resides in Huron County. Mich.; Mary, widow of 
Charles Springer; John, Ilattie and Franl<. 

Mr. Bradford is quite a prominent member of 
the Republican party in this locality and has ad- 
vanced its interest as a delegate to county and 
State conventions. He served as Supervisor of 
Pontiac Township one term, and filled the duties 
of the office in a creditable manner. The earnest- 
ness and tlirifl of the true Scotchman are manifested 
in his life and he is held in such respect as his 
character merits. 




ANDOLPH MANNING, of Pontiac, Mich., 
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of 
Michigan, was born in PlainBeld, N. J., 
^'^1 May 19, 1804; and died in Pontiac, 
August 31, 1864. The chief events in the life of 
this able jurist are presented in the following ex- 
tracts from the eulogj' pronounced by Hon. Jacob 
M. Howard before the Supreme Court, in October, 
1864, and published in the Detroit Advertiser and 
Tribune: 

>' I had the pleasure of Mr. Manning's personal 
acquaintance and friendship from the time he 
landed at Detroit, in 1822, until his death. He 
studied his profession in New York City, whence 
he emigrated to Micliigan while it was yet a Terri- 
tory. He settled in Pontiac and there practiced 
law. Under the act of January 26, 1835, passed 
by the Territorial Legislature, for the purpose of 
calling a convention for the formation of a State 
Constitution, he was elected one of the delegates 
from Oakland County. The convention met in 
May of that year, and he took a distinguished part 
in its transactions, being a member of the Com- 
mittee on Judiciary, and, as such, associated with 
Hon. Ross Wilkins, Hon. William Trowbridge, 



Hon. I. E. Crary, Hon. Robert McLelland, and 
otliers. Under the act of March 26, 1836, a sep- 
arate Court of Chancery was established, of which 
Mr. Manning was made Chancellor, in 1842, as the 
successor of Hon. Klon Farnsworth. This high 
office he held for about three years, and performed 
its important functions in a manner that reflected 
the highest credit upon him, both for integrity and 
professional learning. He was also .Secretary of 
State during a gubernatorial term. Under the act 
of Februar3- 16, 1857, providing for the present 
'independent Supreme Court,' he w.as elected a 
member of this Court, in which he took his scat in 
January. 1858; his term of office expiring in 1862. 
he was re-elected in April, 18G1. Thus he was a 
member of this Court from the time of its organi- 
zation, and was the first of your number to tinswer 
the final summons of the great Judge of all living. 
I adopt the language of the resolutions I have pre- 
sented, in saying that in each position he occu))ied 
before the public, Judge Manning showed himself 
a man of spotless integritj', sound, discriminating 
judgment, and of a capacity that enabled him lo 
fill ever^' office with honor to himself and advan- 
tage to the State. 1 need not s.a}' that in all the 
relations of private life he was as faultless as it has 
pleased heaven lo leave human nature. Gentle in 
manners without ostentation, true and constant in 
his principles, charitable and forbearing, benevolent 
and kindly, frugal without parsimony, beloved of 
old and young, rich and poor, taking an active in- 
terest in whatever concerned good neighborhood, 
in whitever affected the coramuuity-at-large, with- 
out an enemy in ihe wide world, the good man has 
gone to his rest; onl3', we trust, to join the friends 
who have gone before him, and to wait for those 
who shall as worthily do their duty here."' Eloquent 
and feeling remarks were also made by Chief 
Justice Martin, Associate-Justices Campbell nnd 
Christiancy, and Morgan L. Drake, G. V. A. 
Lothrop, and Theodore Romeyn. 

Judge Manning in his political attachments was 
a Republican. He was a State Senator one term, 
and a member of tlie Board of Regents of the 
University. His religious sj-mpathies were with 
the Baptist Church, of which he was a regular at- 
tcpdant. He was married in 1832, to Miss Eliza 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



371 



F. Randolph, by whom he had two children, both 
still livinjj. He was again married in 1848, to Miss 
Eliza W. Carley; the}- had four children, of whom 
two are now living. In the Detroit Advertiser and 
Tribune ot September 5, 1864, are given a few 
particulars of this noble man's demise, as follows: 
"On the night of August 31, wliile conversing 
with his daughter. Judge Manning died instantly. 
He had, for two j'ears past, been troubled witli 
occasional spasms of pain in the chest, which pre- 
vented iiim from wallving rapidly, depriving him of 
the enj(iyment of his favorite exercise. On the 
day of his death he was in consultation with one of 
his associates most of the time, and appeared quite 
as well as usual, walking some distance, and talking 
about the court business with his usual clearness 
and interest. His deatli, coming so unexpectedly, 
was a dreadful shock to all his friends. Provi- 
dentially he was allowed to depart in his own be- 
loved home, enjoying to the last all the blessings 
of devoted filial piety and care." 



«—• •1-^ 



-5^^?- 



* i '^ 



^M LFRED HIGHFIELD, a farmer ou section 
'^^\ 3, Highland Township, Oakland Countj-, 

f/ Hi is a son of John Highfield, a native of 
Ireland, who came to Canada at an early 
day. His wife, Lj'dia Smith, was a daughter of 
Sle])hen Smith, a native of Canada. The children 
of Mr. Highfield and his wife were Edwin, Edger- 
ton, William, George, Julia and Sarah. In 1844 
he came to Michigan and lived in Macomb County 
for a year. He then came to Rose Townsliip, Oak- 
land County, wliere he spent the remainder of his 
days. He and his wife were adherents to the doc- 
trines of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church. He was 
Coroner of Oakland County and Justice of the 
Peace for a number of years. His ileath occurred 
in Rose Township in October 1884, at the age of 
eighty-one years. His wife is still living at the 
age of seventy-years and makes her home wiili our 
subject. 

Alfred Highfield was born May 1, 1836, in 
(.'nnada and at the sge of eleven years came to 
^lichigap wit|i his parents, When tw^ntjrfpur 



years old he commenced life for iiimsolf. He 
bought the farm he now owns in 1889 and worked 
it for two years liefore moving on to it. Ilis niar- 
raige took place March 10, 1861, in Rose Town- 
ship, his bride being Catherine, dangliter of James 
and Matilda (Slocum) Johnson, natives of Penn- 
sylvania and New York, respectively. Her father 
died in that township and her mother still lives 
there. She was one of four daugliters and six 
sons. The}' were highly respected people and 
were connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. At one time the father and his five sons 
were in the army in the late Civil War and all 
returned home except John who gave up his life 
for his country. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Highfiel I are Ro- 
salia, Ida, Lillian, Charles, and Adelbert. Rosalia is 
now Mrs. Doty and lives in Highland Township. 
The home of Charles is in South Dakota. Adel- 
bert is employed in the Novelty Works at Clyde 
and the two younger daughters are at home. Mr. 
Highfield now owns a farm of one hundred and 
live acres. He carries on mixed farming and 
makes a specialty of siieep raising. His political 
convictions are strongly with the Republican party 
but he has never aspired to any puljlic ofHoe. His 
wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Clyde, where the two (hiughters also fiod their 
leligious home. Mr. Highfield has done a great 
amount of pioneer work. He aided in clearing his 
father's old farm and has also cleared pnrt of his 
own. He has made otlier improvements an<l has 
his farm in excellent condition. 



ILLIAM C. RICHARDSON, a farmer re- 
'/ siding on section 19, township of Bloom- 

^■y/ field, was born in the city of Detroit May 
11, 1842. He is a son of John and James (Cum- 
mings) Richardson, natives respectively of Eng- 
land and Orange County, N. Y. The}- were mar- 
ried in the city of New York and came to Detroit 
in the old Territorial days. In 1854 they removed 
to where their son now lives, where they still 

inakc their )ioij)e. The fjither cafpe t9 Apierica 




372 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



when a young man. He began life empty handed 
and has attained a handsome competency by liis 
own unaided efforts. He has always been a Demo- 
crat in his political views, but has eschewed poli- 
tics except as duty called upon him to cast his 
ballot. 

John Richardson and wife were the parents of 
six children, Mary, Fannie, Catherine, William C. 
George and John. Our subject was reared in his 
native citj', Detroit, until he reached the age of 
twelve years and received the benefits of the best 
schools of that cit\-, as they were at that early day. 
Since coming to Oakland County he has learned 
all the practical details of farming, and was early 
callrd u|)on to engage in independent work in this 
line. He has bought the old homestead, consist- 
ing of one hundred .and forty acres, which is well 
improved and which has upon it an excellent resi- 
dence and good farm buildings. 

The marriage of Mr. Richardson took place May 
20, 1879. He then took to wife Elizabeth Harri- 
son of Now York City, where she was born and 
educated. To her twins were born, namely, Clara 
and Elizabeth. She was snatched away from her 
little ones May 24, 1880. The second marriage of 
our subject took place December 3, 1882. He was 
then united with Miss Susan B. Wright, of Bir- 
mingham, this county. She was born in Troy and 
is a daughter of Aaron and Flora Wright. Three 
sons have been granted to this happy couple, Ross, 
John and Stanley M. The home of this household 
is one of comfort and happiness, where ueigiibors 
are welcome and where true hospitalitj- abounds. 




w 



J-ILLIAM G. WALLACE, a farmer resid- 
ing on section 2, Highland Township, Oak- 
^^/ land County, is a son of John, a son of 
Henry, who was born in Ireland and came to 
America al an early day. He settled in Canada, 
whence he removed to New York. After sojourn- 
ing there a number of 3-ears he returned to Can- 
ada s.nd ended his days there. He was the father 
of four sons. John Wallace was born in Canada 
and at the age of twenty' removed to New York, 



where he resided until the breaking out of the 
Civil War. In 1862 he enlisted in the arm\' and 
served till the close of the war. He remained at 
home for two years and then joined the regular 
array where he served for ten years. 

When Mr. W-.)llace came out of the airay be 
bought a farm in Highland Township. Oakland 
County, where he lived for two years. He then 
sold out and going to Saginaw worked as foreman 
for two years in a mill. Next he embarked in the 
mercantile and bakery business, in which he is now 
engaged. He was married in Canada to Rebecca 
Robinson, and r.nto them were born four sons — 
David H., William G.. our subject, James J. and 
Albert. 

The subject of this sketch was born in 1858 on 
May 18, at Brockport, N. Y., and at the age of 
eleven years he began supporting himself. He 
worked on a farm first at home, then in Iowa, and 
when nineteen years of age he came to Michigan. 
When he was twenty-three years old he went to 
work for the Flint ife Pere Marquette Railroad. He 
was here for two years and then entered a stave 
mill in Saginaw, and after two years' work there 
returned _to the railroad and served as brakeman 
for two years. At the age of twenty-nine 3'cars he 
wss promoted to the position of conductor. 

After serving as conductor for three j'ears this 
young man drew a prize of 115,000 in the Louisi- 
ana l^tate Lotter}', and in 18110 he bought a fine 
farm of one hundred and twenty-two acres, well 
improved and furnished with good buildings. Here 
he carries on mixed farming. His marriage took 
place July 4, 187'J. He was then united to Ida J., 
a daughter of Timothy Mills of New York, who 
came to Michigan in 1866 and settled in Howell, 
Livingstone County, where he died. Mrs. Wal- 
lace's parents bad eight children. Her father was 
a miller by trade and united with that business the 
work of a farmer. He was a Methodist in relig- 
ious belief. His death occurred in 1870. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Cynthia JIcDoll, made a 
second marriage. She was united with Charles 
Butts and by that marriage had two children, a son 
and a daughter. 

One daughter only has come to brighten the 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. She was born 



f-- -l^yr-^-yi'^y^^ 




RESIDENCE OF W. G. WALLACE^ SEC'S. 24 3., H IGHLAN D TR, OAKLAND CO., MICH, 




RE5IDENCE OF WILLIAM P. JOH NSON , 5EC. 9. MILFORD TP, OAKLAND CO.,M ICH 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



375 



March 25, 1885. Mr. Wallace is a Republican ia 
liis convictions and has been a consistent adherent 
to that party ail ids life. He was a member of tlie 
Trainmen's order when connected with the rail- 
load and he and Ids wife are members of tlic 
Protestant Methodist Churcli. 

A view of the rural home of Mr. Wallace 
appears on anotlier page. 



-o«o>^JAk\^..o*o> 



(i 




r 



ILLIAM P. JOHNSON, one of the uative- 
^/"^'lll horn citizens of Milford Township, repre- 
W^j sents a family that was one of the first to 
locate here. He is engaged in farming on section 
'.), and has an estate of one liundred and eightj^ 
acres, with one hundred and forty-five under the 
plow. He has made a number of improvements 
upon the property since he took possession, and no 
unsightly stone piles or stumps disfigure it. In 
188G he i)ut up a good farm residence and ex- 
pended quite a sum on additional barn buildings. 
Every necessary' building will be seen here and it 
will lie noticed that the affairs of the farm are car- 
ried on in a systematic manner. Mr. Johnson keeps 
good stock and among other animals has three fine 
colts, Napoleon bred. 

The maternal grandparents of Mr. Johnson were 
William and Ma'-y (Williams) Inman, natives of 
New York, and the former born in 1778. Tliey 
were married in 1805. Grandfather Inman con- 
tracted a second marriage with Levina Baird, who 
survived her husband and afterward married Eben- 
ezer West, April 10, 1850. The children born to 
William and Mary Inman were named as follows: 
Betse}', Nancy, Iluldali, Levina, and Mary. Of his 
second marriage nine children were born, viz. : 
Nelson, .Sally, Stephen, Harriet, Emclinc, Clarissa, 
Caroline, William and Emil}'. 

Philip T. Johnson, father of our subject, was 
born in Genesee County, N. Y., June 20, 1807. and 
was the son of Israel Johnson. He learned the 
trade of a shoemaker, but in later j'cars gave his 
attention to farming. In his native county he was 
married to Huldah Inman, who was born there 
July 25, 180U. They remained in the East until 



1832, then settled in Livingston County, this State, 
uiion a raw quarter section of land purchased from 
the Gorernment. From Detroit tliey traveled 
through the woods with an ox-team, consuming a 
week in the trip. Mr. Johnson had enough money 
to buy his land, but little left for future use; how- 
ever he was energetic and was buo3'ed up by his 
hopes for the good of the family and cheered by a 
faithful wife. He built a log house, a frame barn, 
and graduall}' gathered around him some appear- 
ance of civilization and comfort. He remained on 
the farm only two years, but during that time did 
considerable clearing. He then sold it and bought 
instead one hundred and twent}' acres on section 7,' 
Milford Township, this county. Here again he 
had to begin by removing trees and he [ilaced 
seventy acres under cultivation. He built a frame 
bouse and barn that are still standing, and after a 
few years removed to Kensington and resumed his 
trade. He died in 1843, leaving a widow with five 
small children. 

Mrs. Johnson carried on the farm for a few j'ears. 
She made a second marriage, wedding David G. 
Pickett, of Commerce Township, this count}'. Of 
this union there was born one son, John Pickett, 
now living in Milford Township on the old home- 
stead. The nvjther died in 1887 at the advanced 
age of seventy -seven years; she was a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of 
her first marriage are Mar}* J., now Mrs. C. W. 
Bush, living in Fenton ; Caroline, now deceased, 
w^ho was the wife of Josepli V. Hagadorne; William 
P.; George W., who married Carrie Vromm, of 
Milford, and now lives in Fenton; Adelia M., wife 
of James Crawford, a grocer in Milford. George 
has two children and Adelia three. 

Our subject was born August 29, 1837, in Mil- 
ford Township, and has always lived here. He is 
the second oldest native-born citizen who has 
al ways lived in the township. He received a district- 
school education and finished his studies in the 
.Milford High School. He remained at home until 
he was twenty-three years old and during two years 
of that time worked for his stejifather for *10 per 
month. He then bought eight}' acres of wild huid 
on section 17, where a nide log house stood, and 
removing thereto he cleared off forty acres and cul- 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tivated it three years. He tried farming alone 
one year, at the end of that lime concluded to have 
a lielpraalo, and was married to Miss Nancy Phillips 
in 18G2. He then sold llie property and removed to 
an improved eighty on section 34. He lived in a log 
housK which was built sixty-one years ago and is 
still fit for habitation. After twelve years spent 
on that place Mr. Johnson sold it and came to 
section 9 to take possession of an improved farm. 

Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of Leonard and Ros- 
etla (Albright) Phillips, now deceased, who were 
early settlers here. Mrs. Johnson was born in this 
township August 13, 1838, and has always lived here. 
She was a schoolmate of her husband and they 
were well acquainted with each other's character 
and disposition before they united their lives and 
fortunes. They have three living children and lost 
four in infancy. Philip L. was born August 6, 
1863, and is living on a sixty-acre farm adjoining 
that of ills father; he married Anna Belle Muir 
and has three sons. Flora B. was born April 6, 
1867; she is the wife of Harry Glendenning and 
has one son. HuhJa R., was born October 26, 1 874. 
The parents and children are members of the United 
Presbyterian Church in Milford. 

In 1873 Mr. Johnson entered into partnership 
with Wells Bros., in Milford, for the sale of agri- 
cultural ia)|)lements, but after a j'ear of business 
life returned to his farm work. For years he voted 
the Democratic ticket but he is now heartily in ac- 
cord with the Prohibition party, and so, too, are his 
son Philip and his son-in-law, Mr. Glendenning. 
He is a man having strong convictions and his life 
thoroughly in accords with his principles. 



^-*-^- 



lOHN HIXSON. Among the native-born 
citizens of Oakland County who are still 
carrying on their work therein, is John Hix- 
I son, who owns and oi)eiates a valuable farm 
in Avon Township. His propertj- consists of one 
hundred and sixtj' acres, which is well stocked both 
with domestic animals and farm machinery, and is 
cultivated according to the most ajiproved methods 
pf rpQdejn husbandry, 'i'hc buildings that Jiave 



been put upon it are substantial, well-arranged and 
sufficiently' numerous to answer eyery purpose, the 
chief one being a pleasant and commodious dwell- 
ing. Even the most cursory observer would be led 
to believe upon looking over the Hixson farm that 
the owner makes of his calling both an art and a 
science. 

The parents of our subject were Richard and 
Mary (Fanckboner) Hixson, natives of New Jer- 
sey. Tlic}' came to tliis .State in 1836, bringing 
with them one child, Elizabeth, who is now the 
wife of A. G. Dewey and lives in Bloomfield Town- 
ship, this count}-. After their arrival here their 
family was increased by the birth of three chil- 
dren — John. Marshall and Leora Belle. The sec- 
ond son is now living in Van Buren County and is 
a dealer in furniture and undertaker's goods. The 
youngest child did not live beyond her infancy. 
Mr. Hixson established his home in Macomb 
County just across the line from where his son 
John is now living and as he secured land on both 
sides the county line, he may be said to be still 
living on his original homestead, although he now 
makes his home with his son. For nine years he 
was a resident of Poutiac and was retired from 
active life, but after tiiat period had elapsed he re- 
turned to the homestead. He was bereft of his 
wife November 24, 1870. 

John Hixson was born November 14, 1840, and 
reared to farm life. He was a member of the par- 
ental family until he was twenty-two j'ears old, 
then established a home of his own, being married 
December 17, 1862, to Miss Emma L. Clark. This 
lady was a daughter of Wheeler and Esther( Walker) 
Clark, who were natives of Vermont and Maine 
respectiyel}'. The father bought land in this Stale 
in 1825 and took possession of it in 1830. He 
died here in November, 1874. Mrs. Emma Hixson 
shared her husband's fortunes almost a score of 
years, then closed her eyes in death February 22, 
1882. To them have been born three children: 
Ella, Clark W. and Clara E. The elder daughter 
has left her father's roof to become the wife of 
Charles Dusenbuiy, of Pontiac. Mr. Hixson made 
a second marriage. May 12, 1887, wedding Miss 
Sarah Crumej', daughter of Robert and Jane 
(Grove) Crijmey, The parent? of the present 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHiCAL ALBUM. 



377 



Mrs. Hixson came from Ireland to America in 
1855 and located in Macomb County, this Stale. 
Tiiere they died, tlie mother .lune 30, 1869, and 
the fatlier in August, 1870. 

Tlie political allegiance of Mr. Hixson is given 
to llie Democratic party, with which he has voted 
since George E. McClellan was its candidate for 
the Presidenc}'. lie has held various local offices 
and has capably discharged the duties that de- 
volved upon him and honestly labored for the 
good of his constituents. Ills home is a pleasant 
one and is frequently sought by the friends of 
himself, wife and daughter, all of whom are active 
ami etlicient in society'. 




11 -^ ON. DAVID HOBART of Holly, Mich. 
jj) was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y. in 
1840. He is the son of Lester and Mary A. 
(Preston) Hobart, natives of the Empire 
State. The father was a farmer by occupation, 
which he followe<l all bis life until in advanced 
age he retired from active labor. His wife died in 
1853 and he now resides in Chautauqua Countj-, 
N. Y. Of the goodly family which they reared, 
only four are now living: David, Lester. Joseph 
and William. Both parents were earnest and de- 
voted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and brought up their children in that faith. The 
father of Lester, Sr., was Marian, a soldier of the 
War of 1812. 

Our subject was brought up on the home farm 
and received his education in the common and 
graded schools at Jamestown, N. Y. He left his 
home at twenty years of age and started for the 
West, arriving at Detroit where he accepted a posi- 
tion as clerk in the bank of his uncle, David Pres- 
ton. Here he remained six years. He came to 
Holly in 1865, and engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness, handling a general stock of goods. He re- 
ceived from President Grant his appointment as 
Postmaster at Holly, which position he held until 
1886. In 1889 he was elected Representative of 
the Second District of Oakland County, and served 
bis term of two years, He was Supervisor of the 



town in 1888, and President of the village the 
same year. He has been on the School Board fur 
nine years. He has handled the express business 
of this place since 1805. The lady who presides 
over his beautiful home on Saginaw Street, became 
his wife in 1862. She was Miss Rebecca Mothersill 
of Detroit, a teacher in the public schools there. 

The parents of Mrs. Hobart are the Rev. Will- 
iam and Mrs. Catherine Mothersill. JNIr. Mother- 
sill was a native of England and came to America 
when very young. He began his ministry in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church after coming to 
Michigan and was on the circuit for many years. 
He died at Holly in 1862. Mrs. Hobart is one 
of eight children living of the parental household, 
namely: Philip, Watson, William, Henry, Frank, 
Arthur, Rebecca and Henrietta. Mrs. Hobart 
is now engaged in an extensive millinery and ladies' 
fancy goods store at Holly. She is an enterprising 
and successful business woman. She and her hus- 
band are earnest and consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hobart is a 
memiier of the Masonic order, and a man of great 
popularity in the Republican (larty. He is looked 
upon as a leader in that part of the county. They 
have one son — William P. Hobart. 

ylLLIAM H. HULSIZER, the well-known 
auctioneer of Rochester, was born in War- 
ren County, N. J., September 3, 1853, «nd 
is a son of W^illiaui and Huldah (Masters) Hul- 
sizer. In 1859 his parents removed to this State, 
and located in Avon Township, three miles from 
Rochester. There our subject spent the years of his 
boyhood and youth, giving his time to the pursuit 
of knowledge in the school- room and on the farm, 
and as he grew to manhood becoming a full-fledged 
farmer. He carried on the occupation until he was 
twenty-four years of age, then became an auction- 
eer and worked up a reputation which leads to his 
being sent for from considerable distances. 

Although he has disposed of many stocks of 
goods, Mr. Ilulsizer makes a specialty of selling 
farm properly and live stock, and during the year 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1890, lie crieii ninety-one sales of the latter. Dur- 
ing the year 1881 his headquarters were Detroit, 
where he w.as engaged in disposing of stocks of 
merchandise. In connection witli tlie business 
mentioned, lie has the management of a liquor 
house. He was married September 19, 1877, to 
Adella Morrison, and has one son, Fred W. Mrs. 
Huisizer is a daughter of Henry Morrison, a farmer 
of this county, and is a native of the Green Moun- 
tain Stale. Mr. Huisizer acted as City Marshal in 
1882, and has frequentl3' been importuned to ac- 
cept other offices, but uniformly declined. He is 
a Democrat in politics. 

The father of our subject was born in Hunterdon 
County, N. J., October 30, 1818. His parents 
were Samuel and Sarah ( Manning) Huisizer, like- 
wise natives of New Jersey, the one of Ger- 
man and the other of Dutch extraction. Grand- 
father Huisizer spent his entire life in his native 
State, dying about 1861. He had eight children, 
seven of wliom are still living. His father Stoph 
let Huisizer, was a soldier during the Revolution, 
and was the son of a native of Germany. Will- 
iam Huisizer, father of William H., was reared to 
farm life, and when quite young began working 
away from liome for from §5 to $8 per month, 
which was the wages for an extra hand when a man 
received •'i'lO. He is still living in this county on 
a comfortable farm pleasantly located on section 
24, Avon Township. 

The mother of our subject was a daughter of 
Jesse Masters. Her marriage to Mr. Huisizer was 
solemnized February 1"), 1840, and their golden 
wedding was celebrated b^- the presence of all their 
living children but one, together with many friends. 
They have liad twelve children, but have lost five, 
and the onl3' son now living is William H., whose 
name introduces these paragraphs. The daughters 
are Sarah, wife of Mark A. Smith, of Manistee; 
INIary, wife of Adolphus Hamlin, a farmer in this 
county; Rachel, who married Gardner W. Sip- 
perley. an Oakland County farmer; Susan, wife of 
Clarence L. Shelton, of Roscommon County- ; Emma, 
wife of W. H. Judson, a wiiolesale merchant tailor 
of New York City; and Almeda, whose husband is 
Fred L. Davidson, a merchant in Ogemaw County. 
The father of this family' has never held otilce ex- 



cept of a local nature in New Jersey. He is a man 
of independent thought on all subjects, and his 
actions correspond with his opinions. He voted 
the Democratic ticket for some time, but believing 
that the party went wrong, abandoned it. 




NDREW P. GLASPIE, of Oxford, Oak- 
land Count}', was born in Washington, 

I lit Macomb County, this State, March 18, 
1842. He is the son of Deacon Henry and 
Harriet (Babcock) Glaspio, natives of New York. 
The father's ancestors, two hundred years before, 
were from Scotland. Henrj' moved from New 
York to Michigan in 1840 and took possession of 
a farm, on which he worked until his death in 
August, 1846. His wife survived him many years, 
passing from earth in 1876. To them were given 
two children: Jane, wife of S. R. Stanton, of 
Northville, S. Dak., and our subject. Deacon 
Glaspie had eight children by a former marriage, 
so that our subject had half-brothers and sisters. 
Mrs. Glaspie had two children by a former mar- 
riage. 

Andrew was brought up to farming pursuits by 
one of his half-brothers, who was struggling with 
[)Overty; he never went to school more than three 
consecutive months in his life. In the first j'ear of 
the Civil War he enlisted in Companj' H, Seventh 
Michigan Infantry, entering the service, August 22, 
as a private. He was promoted to the office of 
Second Sergeant after the conflict at Fredericks- 
burg. His first service was at Ball's Bluff. He 
was twice wounded, first by the bursting of a shell 
at Antielam, September 16, 1862. At this time lie 
was reported mortally wounded, but, recovering 
rapidly, was soon with his regiment again. His 
second disaster was at Cliancellorsville, where he 
was wounded in the hand by a shell or a stone dis- 
lodged by a shell striking just in front of hiin. 
This time he went to the field hospital, but was 
restless and unwilling to remain, so taking with 
him about a dozen canteens to evade the guards 
and make them believe he was-seifl out after water,. 
he went south and we^t till he came to the railroad, 



PORTRAI r AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



370 



Theie lie waited until the cars eaiiie along; then 
got on and rode to Washington, D. C. But lie 
had overestimated his own strength and at that 
place was obliged to go into the hospital again. 
He remained there a week and was transferred to 
Pliiladel|)hia, where he remained until the expira- 
tion of his term of service, August 22, 1864. He 
was discharged at Detroit August 27. 

Jlr. Glaspie had |)articipated in all the battles 
in wliioh his regiment had taken part up to his 
second injury, including privations and perils. 
At Fair Oaks they had fo cross a stream with the 
water up to their waists, and were compelled to 
hold their cartridge boxes under their arms to 
keep them dry. After they iiad crossed the stream 
and had advanced and fired about ten rounds they 
were ordered to charge. Mr. Glaspie had presence 
of mind enough to load while running, and thus 
was ready for the charge. After the fight he was 
detailed all night to carr^- off the wountied. At 
Fredericksburg he crossed the river on a pontoon 
bridge witii Col. Baxter and several others. Here 
it was that the Colonel was shot through the 
body. Tliey drew a silk handkerchief through 
his wound and Baxter, for his heroic conduct, was 
made Brigadier-General. A sharpshooter tried to 
pick off Glaspie also, at this time and u scar of a 
bullet wound on the neck shows how close was the 
call. The list of his engagements is as follows: 
Ball's Bluff, Fair Oaks, Ya., Seven Days' Battle, 
Savage's Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hills, 
Bull Hun, Antietara, Fredericksburg and Chancel ■ 
lorsville. 

After returning home in 1864 our subject was 
unfitted for any work for more than two years and 
never has been able to perform manual labor. The 
<ioctors abandoned his ease and advised him to 
make all his arrangements for leaving this life. 
Despite it all he managed to live. He told the 
doctor he would be a better man at forty j'ears of 
age than he was then and has proved it true. As 
soon as he was able to get about he started out buy- 
ing sheep pelts and selling picture frames and win- 
dow shades. When he had somewhat gained his 
strength by this kind of outdoor life, he opened up 
a grocery business in 1868, which he continued till 
1875. He then sold out and went into the knitting 



business, manufacturing hosiery, gloves and mit- 
tens. He was burned out in 1885, with a total loss 
and no insurance. He then unflertook business in 
coDnection with the clothing trade, until appointed 
Postmaster May 20, 1 889. The PostofHce appoint- 
ment was left to a vote of the people and Mr. Glas- 
pie secured the appointment by a choice of sixty- 
five votes out of tvso hundred and sixty, which 
were divided among eight candidates. As an ad- 
vertiser in the clothing business he is a great suc- 
cess, obtaining a prize for getting up an advertise- 
ment for a wholesale house whose goods he bandied. 
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage 
January 9, 1870, with Amy E., daughter of Wil- 
liam S. Bird, of Elba, Lapeer County, Mich., for- 
merly of New Jerse}-. Three children have been 
granted to this home: Andrew Bird, Harriet L. 
and Philo B. All are yet in school. The parents 
and daughter are members of the Baptist church. 
Mr. Glaspie is a prominent member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic and in politics is a Republi- 
can "first, last and always." 



g^BBg | 



■IT AMES O. BEATTIE. The attention of this 
gentleman is given to the business of an 
undertaker and liveryman in Birmingham, 
where he has been located since 1865. Dur- 
ing that year he engaged in the liver}' business 
here and he subsequently added the other branch 
of his present occupation. He has a fine livery 
barn, so arranged as to afford comfortable housing 
for the horses and adequate shelter for the vehicles 
and other equipments of a first-class stable. He 
drives none but good horses, and the rigs he sends 
out are worthy of patronage. Mr. Beattie is well- 
equipped for all occasions at which his services 
may be called into requisition, whether of social 
gatherings or for the sad rites of burial. 

In New York and Xew Jersey respectively 
Robert J. Beattie and Sarah Christ were born and 
their marriage was solemnized in Middletown, N. 
Y. They are numbered among the pioneers of this 
county, to which they came, settling in Bloomfield 
Township. They reared eight children, named 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Margaret E., Sarah, Rachel, John, James O., Israel, 
Whitney and Axie. Mr. Beattie was a Democrat, 
and his life work was farming. Mrs. Beattie be- 
longed to the Presb^'terian Church. Both died in 
Bloomfield Township, where the^- had made manj- 
friends. 

The subject of this biographical notice wlio is 
the sixth member of the family named above, was 
born on the parental farm in Bloomfield Township, 
August 27, 184L As his parents were in but 
moderate financial circumstances, his educational 
privileges were limited to the common school, but 
this was sutticient to lay sound foundation for the 
superstructure which must be reared by contact 
with the world. He remained on the farm until 
he was eighteen jears old, then went to Rouseville, 
Pa., where he worked three years, that bein? in the 
noted oil region. Early in the '70s he made his 
way to California where he worked in the lumber 
and lime trade about two years, after which he re- 
turned to this State, and entered upon the business 
he has now betn followihg for a quarter of a ceii- 
tury. He made the journeys to and from the Pa- 
cific Slope via the Isthmus. 

The marriage of Mr. Beattie and Mrs. Flora Nye 
of Birmingham was solemnized January 5, 1877. 
The bride was the widow of Rilej' Nye, b}' whom 
she had two children — Maude and John. Her 
father was John Daines. Her marriage to our sub- 
ject has been blest by the birth of one child — J. 
Florence. Mr. Beattie liolongs to the Knights of 
the Maccabees, and the Masonic order. As to 
politics he is content with depositing his ballot, 
which bears the names of the Democratic candi- 
dates. He is not connected with any religious so- 
ciety, but gives freely of his means toward the 
support of churches, in the maintenance of which 
he believes. 

'^^m' 



^p'v IIARLES PORTER. This gentleman has 
II ( ^-^ been identified with the historj' of White 
^^^/ Lake Township for more than half a cen- 
tur3', and during that period has lived u|)on land 
on section 21 that he has developed from its wild 
condition, into one of fertility and beauty. Sev- 



eral years before he ciiine hither he bought an 
eighty-acre tract here, to which he subsequently 
added until his estate now comprises one hundred 
and eighty-two acres. He and his wife worked 
very hard while he was clearing his land, as they 
had but little means, and the surroundings were such 
that they had many privations to endure, even at 
the best. Gradually the property was brought 
under subjection, and buildings erected and now it 
is one of the fine homes of the township. 

Mr. Porter traces his descent from John Porter 
who lived and died in Ireland. He had two sons 
and two daugliters, one of the former l)eing 
Charles, who came to America in 1830, and for a 
year made his home in New York. He then came 
to this county and located in Bloomfield Township 
where he spent the remnant of his days. He first 
took up forty acres of land, then added eight}' 
acres, and cleared and improved the entire tract. 
He was one of the earliest pioneers, there being; 
but few families in the township when he came. 
He was first married in the Emerald Isle to a. Miss 
Torrence, whose children were Fanny, Margaret, 
William and John. His second wife was Sarah 
Russell, daughter of Andrew Russell, whose entire 
life was spent in Ireland. This union resulted in 
the biith of seven children — Andrew, Charles, 
Mary, Sarah, Jane, Matilda and Esther. 

Charles Porter, Jr., was born in Ireland, May 
26 ,1812, and was sixteen years of age when he 
crossed the Atlantic with his parents. In the spring 
of 1831 he accompanied them to this Stale and he 
remained with them in Bloomfield Township until 
his marriage. He won for his wife Miss Elizabeth 
Arthur, a second cousin of the late President 
Artliur, to whom he was married in White Lake, 
April 13, 1839. Mrs. Porter was born in Fayette 
County, Pa., December 11, 1819. Her father, 
David Arthur, was a native of the Emerald Isle, 
but having come to America in his earlier 3-ears 
he lived for some time in New Jersey, and later in 
Pennsylvania. He finallj' came to this county, 
making the journc}- through Ohio with a wagon 
and four horses. He was one of the pioneers of 
White Lake Township, and his farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres was on section 7. He mar- 
ried his cousin, Elizabeth Arthur, and reared seven 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



381 



children, named respectiyely, William, Samuel, 
Robert, Nancy, Jane, Elizabeth and Joseph. 

Mr. and Mrs. Porter became the parents of five 
children, of wiiora we note the following: George 
"W., who operates the homestead, is spoken of at 
further length on another page of this volume; 
Esther M., married Henry Vangordon, who died in 
March, 1881, and .she is now living with her father; 
Jane w.ns married to Sidney L. Bentle^-, February 
16, 1866, and died July 16, 1883, leaving four 
children — Palmer, Porter, Ola and Lizzie; Sarah, 
who married Lorenzo Walworth, November 20, 
1872, died September 3, 1879; Matilda is the wife 
of William Richardson, lives in Commerce Town- 
ship, and has one child, a daughter, Edna. Mr. 
Bentley was in the Union arm}' throughout tlie 
Civil War, and took part in forty-eight battles, but 
was never wounded. Two of his brotiiers — Rollo 
and Cornelius — gave up their lives in defense of 
the old flag. 

When Mr. Porter took up his residence in this 
section of the country, game was abundant, and 
bear, wolves and deer and wild bogs still roamed 
through the forests. He became a great hunter, 
and many a deer fell before his ride. Under the 
old State law which declared that eight years of 
militia service would relieve one of further mili- 
tary duly, Mr. Porter enlisted in the Light Ar- 
tillery. He served about seven years without pay, 
and when times were hard he tapped his boots 
with his military cap. He sold his sword and belt, 
which were worth $10, for $2.50. For a number 
of years Mr. Porter worked by the day, receiv- 
ing twenty-five cents a cord for wood chopping 
and fifty cents a day for f.irm labor. 

Among the valued possessions around which 
many memories cluster, is a clock that Mr. Porter 
bought fifty-two years ago. It has never stopped, 
never been repaired and has been cleaned but twice 
since he owned it. The works are of brass, and 
the man from whom it was bought was right when 
he said it would last a lifetime. It Las recorded 
the hour of the births, marriages and deaths in 
many of the families that made the first settlements 
in this vicinity, as well as those of Mr. Porter's 
own dear ones. The last sad hour of affliction it 
noted was on December 16, 1887, when the wife 



who had shared in Mr. Porter's fortunes for many 
years, closed her eyes in death. .She was one of 
those noble-hearted women, who are respected anil 
loved by all who know them, and sorrow was felt 
throughout a wide circle when she was called hence. 
For sixteen years Mr. Porter has discharged the 
duties of Justice of the Peace, and for fifteen years 
he has been Township Clerk. He has also served 
as Treasurer and Highway Commissioner, and was 
unanimously nominated for Supervisor, but refused 
the office. Socially he is a member of the Grange, 
and politically a Democrat. His first Presidential 
ballot was cast for Martin Van Buren. A long 
and well-spent life entitles him to the consideration 
of the people, and his friends are numbered by 
the score. 



--^■^^^r^^^— 



RVILLE BOTSFORD, who resides on sec- 
tion 22, Farmington Township, was born 
i^' July 20, 1821, in Lyons Townshi|), Wayne 
County, N. Y. His father, a Connecticut farmer, 
Lemuel Botsford, by name, and his mother Lucy 
vSmith, were married in Connecticut, and removed to 
Wayne County, N. Y. They came to Michigan in 
1836 and located on section 22. He found a small 
house and barn on the place, but soon built a much 
better one, which is now standing, and is occu- 
pied by Mr. Patteborne. Here he remained until 
his death at the extreme age of eighty years. He 
was a Jacksonian Democrat, and was Commissioner 
of Highway's. His wife had died previous to bis 
decease at the age of 9ix;ty-five years. They were 
the parents of ten children. 

Our subject is the third son and fifth child. His 
schooling was received in his native place, and 
when fourteen years old he came to Michigan with 
his parents and finished his school education in 
Farmington. He started out for himself at the age 
of twenty-one years, going into the mercantile bus- 
ness with his brother Myrou, in Farmington. After 
being there seven years he sold out his interest to 
his brother, and went iato farming. 

The first marriage of our subject was celebrated 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in June, 1841, li*? taking for liis wife, Mary A. 
Eddy, a natirc of New York. One cliild was 
jjrantcd unto tlieni, Oscar, who now lives iu De- 
troit, being a railroad man on the Detroit, Lansing 
& Northern Railroad. Tliis wife died in 1845. 
Mr. Botsford's second marriage took place in 1849. 
He was then united with .Sophia Gage, who was a 
native of Oswego, N. Y. From this union there 
were three children, namely: LeGrand, deceased; 
Cliarlcs W., now mail agent on the Flint <k Pere 
Marquette Railroad; and Eva, the wife of "West 
Saddler, a carpenter and builder in Detroit. 

After his first marriage our subject made his 
home in Farmington still carrying on his farm 
in the country. He located at his present resi- 
dence in 1861, and built the house where he 
now lives. This residence is surrounded by sev- 
enty-three acres of well-improved laud. He has 
been much interested in fine horses, as well as cat- 
tle, and is often an exhibitor at the fairs. His first 
Presidential ballot was cast for Van Buren, and he 
is now an adherent of the Democratic party. He 
was Constable when a young man before his mar- 
riage, and was Treasurer of the township in 1843, 
and h.as filled several school offices. In his younger 
days he was a famous huntsman, and brought down 
many a fine deer. At that time there were plent}' 
of bears and other wild game, and Indians were still 
plenty. 



, OBERT H. DAWSON, of whom some ac- 
count will be given below, occupies a farm 
'■s>\ on section 6, Troy Township, but p«ys his 
chief attention to the stonemason's trade, 
keeping from three to eight men employed dnring 
tlie season. The chief seat of this enterprise is Pou- 
liac, although his work extends over a consider- 
able circuit of country beyond the cit}- liaiits. He 
is one of the executors of his father's estate, which 
consists of two hundred and twenty acres on sec- 
tions 5 and 6, Troy Township, and he makes his 
home there. He is a good workman himself and 
always endeavors to secure the services of those 
who understand their trade and will aid him in 
doing reliable and satisfactory work. 



The father of Mr. Dawson bore the name of 
Richard and was a native of Scotland, born in Pais- 
ley in 1811. He was reared in his native land and 
in his early years was in the employ of cattle dro- 
vers. In 1831 he crossed th« ocean and located 
in MassachuseUs, where he sojourned a year, work- 
ing as a weaver. He then came to this State and 
established his home in Wayne Count\-. where he 
improved a farm. In 1860 he traded it for one in 
Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, which was 
partially improved, and in 1867 sold lli.it place 
and removed to Pontiac. Three mouths later he 
bought land in Troy Townshin on section 10, but 
during 1860 sold it and bought in Watcrford 
Township. Another change was made in 1877 
when he traded for the place on which his last days 
were siient and where he died in March, 1891. Ilis 
first marriage was made in his native land and his 
companion died while he was living in Bloomfield 
Township. His second marriage took place "Slay 
12, 1862, and his bride was Miss Susan Foote, who 
was born in Lincolnshire in 1849. She was four- 
teen years old when she accompanied her parents 
to this State. The children of this union were 
twelve in number and the following are now liv- 
ing: .Jean, Robert II., Eliza. Richard, Agnes, Chloe, 
Margaret, Martha and Lilly. 

Our subject is the second child and eldest son in 
the parental faniil)-. He remained with his father 
until after he had attained to his niajoritj', receiv- 
ing a common-school education and learning the 
trade of a stonemason. He worked at the same in 
Pontiac four years and has continued to do con- 
tracting, and for some time has had considerable 
to do with the oversight of the farm. He is quite 
a young man, having been born in Bloomfield 
Township April 8, 1864. He is of a decidedly so- 
cial nature, as is evidenced by his connection with 
various organizations which have for their object 
the promotion of sociability and benevolent care 
for others. He belongs to the Modern AVoodmen 
of America, is presiding officer in Oakland County 
Lodge, No. 183, 1. 0.0. F.,aud Sub Chief Ranger 
of Pontiac Court, No. 1349, A. O. F. He belongs 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Pontiac and 
is President of the E;pworth Le.ague at Troy Cor- 
ners. 




ROBERT BAlt 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



385 




OBERT BAIN. One by one those who have 
lived ill this county and carried on its de- 
velopment are being borne to the tomb 
<^leaving their places to be filled bj' others. 
The liistor}' of their lives, even though brief, be- 
longs to tlie record of the county and serves to in- 
cite others to emulate their good deeds. It is 
therefore meet that some account of the life of 
Robert Bain, now deceased, should find its place in 
this volume, and that his portrait should be pre- 
sented to those friends who hold his memory dear. 
He was the owner of property in Royal Oak Town- 
ship and for thirty years pursued the even tenor of 
of his way there, doing well what he had to do in 
farm work, and taking quite an active part in mat- 
ters in which his fellow-citizens were interested. 

Mr. Bain was born in Scotland March 3, 1829, 
and his parents, John and Margaret Bain, also 
opened their eyes to the light not far from Edin- 
burgh. The}' were married in 1825 and had a 
large family, Robert being the second child and 
oldest son. They came to this country earl^- in 
the '30s, and spent a short time in Albany, N. Y., 
then came on to this State. Mr. Bain was a car- 
penter and he made Detroit the seat of his labors 
from 1837 until about 1850. He then bought 
eighty acres in Royal Oak Township, this county, 
but did not take possession of it, making his home 
on a leased farm in Greenfield Township, Wayne 
County. He died there in 1855. 

He of whom we write was a sailor in his youth 
but spent the winters with his parents until he was 
twenty-five j'cars old. lu the meantime Detroit 
was ills home until within a few j'ears of his 
marriage. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Catlierine McClean, is a daughter of Alexander 
and Rosanna (McGee) McClean, and was born on 
the 23d of Maj', 1831. She was the eldest in a 
family of two sons and four daughters. Her par- 
ents were natives of the north of Ireland and were 
married in Buffalo, N. Y. They came to Michigan 
in 1835 and made their home in Wayne County, 
where Mr. McClean bought eighty acres of land. 
He died at his home there in 1858. The widowed 
mother, who is now seventy-eight years old, makes 
her home with her daughter Mrs. Bain. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bain of this notice, there came 



four children, of whom we note the following: Al- 
bert S., born November G, 1.S55, married Mrs. Eliza 
Russell and lives in Royal Oak Township, near his 
mother; Rosanna, born September 9, 1857, became 
the wife of AVilliam Fulton, Jr., who died August 
5, 1888, and she is now living with her mother; 
Celia A., born December 17, 1859, is the wife of 
Thomas W. Lacy of Royal Oak Township, and has 
an infant son, Homer B., who was born August 16, 
1890; Mary J., born October 20, 1861, is the wife 
of Frank Riley of Troj', and the mother of a 
daughter, Cora B., whose natal day was August 2, 
1887. 

Robert Bain was married in February, 1855, and 
during the ensuing year established his home where 
his widow is now living. Her proi)erty consists of 
forty acres, near the village of Urban Rest which 
was laid out in 1890. Her husband died here, June 
7, 1886. He was a member of the Congregational 
Ciiurcb and was gejierally respected for his fine 
character and upright life. He was connected with 
Lodge No. 44, F. & A. M., of Birmingham. Politi- 
cally he w.as a Democrat, and without being an 
otHce-seeker, he was an active, efficient local politi- 
cian. 



-f- 



^^ 




AMUEL A. PALMER, a contractor and 
builder in Pontiac, was born in Otsego 
County, N. Y., in tlie town of Plainfield, 
March 27, 1821. He was a son of Samuel 
S., who was the son of \'ose Palmer. Samuel 
S. Palmer was a native of Connecticut and cairied 
on a farm in Stonington. The grandfather was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War and descended 
from an English family. The mother of our sub- 
ject bore the maiden name of Salinda Cliapin, a 
native of Connecticut and a daughter of Jotham 
Chapin of Irish descent. She and our subject's 
father were married in Otsego County, N. Y., and 
removed when this child was one year old to Jef- 
ferson County, the same State. Thence they 
removed to Wood Count}', Ohio, where the family 
settled and remained a number of 3'ears. They 
then emigrated to Duluth, Minn., where the father 
died in his eighty-third year. The mother had 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



passed away when only foity-two years old. They 
were the i>arents of eleven children, eight sons 
and three daughters, seven of whom are still 
living. 

The subject of this sketch is the oldest son and 
second child of his parents and passed his youth 
from eleven years until he was twenty- three in 
Ohio. He received a common-school education. 
He learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it 
in Ohio for three years ;hen went to Detroit, Mich., 
and worked at carpentering and building for a 
number of years. In 18G5 he came to Pontine, 
wlierc ho lias carried on the business of contracting 
and building until the present day. 

Mr. Palmer was married in his twenty-sixth 3'ear 
to Miss Mary .J. Kimball, at Detroit, Mich. She 
was born in Pittsfield, N. Y., and came to Michigan 
when (piite young. Of their family four children 
are living, viz.: .Sarah J., Samuel S., a telegraph 
operator at Grand Rapids; Emma B., wife of W. 
W. Seeley, of Ponliac, and Kverhardt M., who mar- 
ried Thadius D. Seele^-, of Bay City. The mother 
of these children died February 14, 1883, in the 
fifty-fourtli year of her age. She was a member 
of the Congregational Church. Mr. Palmer re- 
sides at No. 19 Clark Street. He is a Republican 
iu politics and a man who is deeply interested in 
public affairs. 



lEORGE PERRY. Among the citizens of 
Orion who have attained to a comfortable 
competency, through hard work, econom3' 
and good management, we may well be proud to 
mention the subject of this sketch. He has been 
unusually successful iu the management of financial 
affairs, and now having completed his three-score 
years and ten is content to live a retired life. He 
was born Septeicber 27, 1821, in ^Varren County, 
N. J. His father, Jacob, emigrated to Oakland 
County in 1833 and made his home in Oakland 
Township. He came through Ohio with a team 
and was one month on the road. The land which 
he took was onlj' partly' improved, but it had on 
it a log house and barn. There was an Indian 




trail across the farm which served as a roadway. 
Deer were to be seen in droves and all was wild 
and uncultivated about him. Ha was successful 
in life and died about 1860 at the advanced age 
of eighty-four years, being able to give a farm to 
each of his eleven children. Ho was an earnest 
and consisteut member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church from the time he was eighteen years old. 
His wife Sarah Groomdike, was a native of New 
Jersey. She survived him about five years and 
died when eighty-four 3'ear3 old at the age which 
he had attained when he was called away. She 
was also a conscientious adherent of the Methodist 
faith. Of their eleven children four oul}- survive, 
of whom our subject is the youngest. 

This son attended subscriiition schools in New 
Jersey until he was twelve years old when he came 
to Michigan with his parents. Here he was sent 
by them to district schools until he w.as eight- 
een years old. He remained with his father, 
serving him on the farm until he was twenty-four, 
when he began farming the home place on shares. 
At his father's death this propertj' fell to him. In 
1889 he rented this farm and moved to Orion, 
where he now has a pleasant home. 

The marriage of Mr. Perr}' in 1845 was an 
event of great importance and was the beginning 
of a married life of more than usual happiness. 
His bride was Mar}' W., daughter of Joseph and 
Elizabeth (Middleton) Mackej'. She was born in 
New Jersey in 1826. Her mother was of Scotch 
descent and her father of German. Mrs. Perry 
lost her faliier while she was quite young. Her 
mother remarried and came to Michigan to live in 
1836. She died iu 1885. Her eight children .are 
Belle, deceased; Emma E., Mrs. Samuel Plummer- 
felt; Edwin II.; Mary A., deceased; Maggie, John 
D., Viola J. and Adam, who is in California. All 
were provided with good schooling. 

The subject of this sketch is a Democrat iu his 
political views and is often sent as delegate to 
conventions. He serves frcquentlj' as Adminis- 
trator and has settled up several estates to the sat- 
isfaction of all concerned. He has been identified 
with the Masonic order for thirtj' years. He owns 
three hundred and twenty acres of land in Oakland 
Township and sixty-two acres in Orion Township, 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



387 



and has always raised a good grade of stock. His 
frugality and industry are no doubt en inheritance 
from the sturdy old German stock from which he 
is descended. 






CITTTIJ 



'I^^ORTER A. HITCHCOCK is one of the most 
I Jf) prominent business men of Pontine and 
I f^ takes the lead as a dealer in clothing. Dur- 
] [ ing his early business career he was connected 
witii other parties and on one occasion became 
bankrupt, but he went bravely to work and suc- 
ceeded in recovering from his losses and in later 
ye.irs became a highly-successful financier. He is 
now occupying a large double store, carries a fiue 
stock of clothing, hats, caps and gentlemen's fur- 
nishing goods, and has a merchant tailoring depart- 
ment, where a good cutter is employed the year 
roun(i. Mr. Hitchcock has an excellent run of 
custom for suits made to order, as he is careful to 
have all work well done. 

The father of our subject was Admiral N. Hitch- 
cock, who was born in I^ew York and reared near 
Cortland, that State. His father, Benjamin Hitch- 
cock, was also born in the Empire State and was of 
English and German extraction. Admiral Hitch- 
cock was one of the early settlers of this county. 
He carried on a woolen mill at Auburn for some 
time and then went to Pontiac. He was Deputy 
Sheriff for some years and then became connected 
witii the marble business, taking contracts in Illi- 
nois and this State. He was thus engaged up to 
the lime of his death, which occurred .January 12, 
1854. He was married in this State January 15, 
1827, to Lucy Ann, daughter of Salmon and Rhoda 
Matthews. The briile was born in New York, 
whence her parents came to this county in April, 
1823. Her fatiier died here May 24,1838. Mrs. 
Hitchcock is still living and now m.ikes her home 
wiUi her son Porter A. She is in her eighty-fourth 
year. She has but twQ children. Porter A. and 
Herbert B. 

The subject of this sketch was born in this 
county, not far from Pontiac, Se])tember 2G, 1833. 
His early education was obtained in the city schools 



and after completing his studies he became mail- 
carrier from Pontiac to Howell, making the jour- 
ney on horseback. After a season thus spent he 
began his mercantile experience as clerk in the dry- 
goods store of AV. M. McConnell. He was obliged 
to leave the store on account of sickness, and when 
his health was restored he became clerk for T. S. 
Markham, and later for J. C. Goodsell. He next 
went to Detroit and obtained a position in the store 
of Holmes & Co., but in 1853 he resigned his clerk- 
ship and went up to Lake Superior, where he 
worked in the store of the Northwest Mining Com- 
pany until the business closed. 

Mr. Hitchcock then spent a winter in Pontiac, 
after which he returned to Lake Superior and was 
clerk in the office of W. P. Raley A Co., at Copper 
Harbor, having charge of the store and warehouse. 
There he remained some two years, going thence to 
Eagle Harbor for the same company and havin"- a 
small share in the net proceeds of the business. 
We next find Mr. Hitchcock entering into a i)art- 
nership for the sale of general merchandise under 
the style of A. A. Bennett & Co., of Eagle River, 
Mich. The connection lasted until 18C1 when the 
business was closed out and our subject was occu- 
pied in book-keeping and clerking for mining com- 
panies until his return to Pontiac. In 1869 he 
bought out C. E. Adams & Co., whose stock con- 
sisted of hats, caps and furs. He enlarged the 
business and in 1880 removed to his present stand, 
feeling the need of more commodious quarters. 

In Ontonagon, August 24, 1871, Mr. Hitchcock 
was married to Miss Agnes F. Cash, daughter of 
Daniel S. and Fann\' (Tooker) Cash. The bride's 
father was born in Bradford County, Pa., in 18('6, 
and her mother in Ohio in 1819, and in the Buck- 
eye State Agnes was born. Mr. Cash was largely 
interested in the Lake Superior mines and being a 
man of superior business abilty, he acquired a large 
property. Among other investments were some in 
Duluth that have become very valuable. Ilis 
daughter has a large property in her own right. 
With every opportunity to display her taste, not 
being hampered by lack of the wherewithal to pur- 
chase the decorations she desired, she has her ele- 
gant residence fitted up most beautifully-. The 
home of Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock is in the 



388 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Fifth Ward near the Iligli School building, in a 
pleasant part of the city and amid surroundings 
that are in ivocping with their circumstances. They 
have but one child, a son, J. L., who is now in his 
eighteenth year. 

Mr. Hitchcoclv has liad a share in public offices, 
having been Alderman for the Fourth Ward four 
years, Township Treasurer for some time, and be- 
ing now a member of the Board of Education, in 
which body he has been Treasurer six j^ears. He 
has a third interest in the Pontiac Knitting Works 
and is a stockholder and Director in the First Nat- 
ional Bank of Pontiac. He and his wife move in 
the best society and use their means for the good 
of others as well as their own pleasure. Mr. Hitch- 
cock has been a lifetime Democrat and is a vestrj-- 
man of the Zion Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. 
Hitchcock and son Jay are members. 



EN 



PANIEL C. DUNHAM is one of the old set- 
tlers of Oakland County, who came here 
when a child and has seen this countrj' grow 
up from an uncultivated wilderness to its present 
splendid condition. His father was Daniel Dun- 
ham, a native of New York. He was a farmer and 
served his country in the War of 1812. His wife, 
Harriet (Sturterant) Dunham, was a native of Sar- 
atoga. They were married in New York and 
resided there until they came to Michigan in 
September, 1832, making their home in Highland 
Township. His land was oak openings and upon 
it he built a log house which is still standing. He 
had only money enough to establish his home and 
no more. Indians and wild animals abounded! In 
1858 he sold this land which he had taken from 
the Government and removed to Kent county 
where he died. He had cleared off one hundred 
acres and had put it in good shape and died in 
1870 at the age of seventy-six years. His widow, 
who still survives, has reached the extreme age of 
ninety-six years. She enjoys good health and her 
faculties are bright and active. She now makes 
her home with her daughter in Muskegon Count3*. 
Seven of her eleven children are now living. Her 



husband was a Deacon in the Baptist Church and 
a very benevolent man. He was a Whig in his 
political views, and was a Justice of the Peace in 
Highland Township. 

The subject of this sketch was born October 17, 
1828, in Parma Township, Monroe County, N. Y., 
and was four years old when brought to Michigan, 
which was then a Territory. The log schoolhouse 
which he attended was the first one built in the 
township. His father was a hard worker, very ro- 
bust and able to endure. The young man assisted 
his father on the farm until after he was twenty- 
four 3'ears of age. 

About that time our subject was married to Phj^- 
lena Ellis, a daughter of James and Tryphosa 
(Hayward) Ellis, who were natives of New York, 
and came to Michigan in 1850, settling upon a par- 
tiallj- improved farm in Highland Township, which 
they made their home for many years. Mrs. Ellis 
died in 1876, and her husband still survives and 
lives iu Novi Township, having reacheil the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four j-ears. Three of their 
six children are now living: Mrs. Dunham first 
saw the light in Delaware County, N. Y., in the 
Township of Meredith, June 25, 1829. She was 
united in marriage with our subject February 14, 
1852. 

After residing in Highland Township for five 
years Mr. and Mrs. Dunham removed to Kent 
Count}', and m.ide their liorae upon a new farm. 
There they remained until March, 1866, and then 
sold that properly and came to their present loca- 
tion where they have resided from that daj- to this. 
Mr. Dunham has two hundred acres of fine land, 
one hundred and forty of which is under cultiva- 
tion. His more arduous labors are now laid aside 
and he allows his sons to manage the work of the 
farm. Four of his eight children are now living, 
namely: Georgians, wife of John G. Palmer, who 
lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and has one daughter, 
Clara; James F., married Miunie Dennis, and lives 
on this farm ; Jason C, married Zada Putnam and 
lives on this farm with his wife and two children; 
Kate M. also resides at home. To all this family a 
good common-school education has been given and 
they belong to tiie Baptist Church where they are 
acti re in Sundaj'-school. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



389 



Mr. DunLam belongs to the Milfonl Post, G. A. 
R.. and is identified with the Masonic order. Royal 
Arch, at Northville. In Blue Lodge he was Senior 
Deacon and also Senior Warden. He has always 
taken an interest in politics and affiliates with the 
Republican party. He is Justice of the Peace and 
has been Treasurer of Novi Township. 

During the Civil War Mr. Dunham enlisted as a 
private, September 11, 18C2, in Company H, Sixth 
Michigan Cavalry. He passed through the differ- 
ent grades of promotion to Orderly Sergeant. The 
regiment was first sent to Washington, D. C, where 
the boys did camp duty and were drilled. In the 
spring of 1863 it was brig.aded as one of the Michi- 
gan Brigade under Gen. Custer and entered upon 
the Gettysburg campaign. They had some skir- 
mishing with Mosby's men and took part in the 
battle of Gettysburg. They tiien followed Lee's 
army in its retreat and had a severe battle at Fall- 
ing AVaters. They •continued to follow across the 
Potomac River and took part in all the fighting 
and hardships through which this celebrated brig- 
ade passed. 

Our brave soldier did his full share in all tills 
period of severe conflict. In 1864 he was ill for 
quite a while but remained with his regiment most 
of the time. He took part in the raid of Gen. 
Kilpatrick. After this the regiment was trans- 
ferred to the Middle Department and served under 
Gen. Sheridan all. through the Shenandoah Valley, 
taking part in all the engagements of that cam- 
paign. In the spring of 1865 they joined the 
main army under Gen. U. S. Grant until after Gen. 
Lee's surrender at Ai)pomattax Court House. They 
then started after Gen. Joseph E. Johnston and 
were present at the surrender in North Carolina, 
but returned to Washington, D. C, in time to take 
part in the Grand Keview. They were ordered 
West to Ft. Leavenworth, whence they traveled on 
horseb:ick to Ft. Kearney, then to Ft. Laramie, then 
on into Wyoming, where they built a fort on 
Powder River. They returned again to Ft. Leav- 
enworth and received their discharge November 
24. 1865, after a service of thirty-eight and one- 
half months. 

This brave soldier now returned to his home 
where a hearty welcome awaited him, for during 



his term of service his brave wife had endured her 
share of hardships and privations and had suffered 
for her countiy as surely as he had. During the 
first year she and her five little ones made their 
home at her father's house. In one day two 
of her children were snatched from her arms by 
that dread scourge, diphtheria. She removed to 
her farm in Kent County and remained there over 
two years, managing the whole business and work- 
ing out of doors with her young boys until the re- 
turn of her soldier husband. He received no 
serious wounds but had several slight wounds and 
scratches and on one occasion bis horse was shot 
from under him. They have a nice farm and a 
comfortable home and seem to enjoy the comforts 
of life all the better for the hardships through 
which they have passed. 



(|l MLLIAM P. HOLDIJIDGE, a promlneut 
\^// ^^''™^'" ^"^'^ ^ genial and popular citizen 
W^ of Holly Township, was born in Macomb 
County, Mich., August 27, 1837. His father, 
Austin, was a native of Connecticut and was left 
an orphan when quite young and bound out from 
the age of seven years until he readied his major- 
ity. He worked a rented sawmill when old enough 
to undertake independent work, and was the proud 
possessor of 150 when released upon reaching his 
majority. He removed to New York State when 
a boy and settled in Herkimer County. He came 
to Macomb County, Mich., in 1836, making his 
journey bj^ Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence by a 
steamer to Detroit and completing the trip on foot. 
He bought Government land in Macomb County 
and lived there for nine years. He cleared sixty 
acres of it and was a hard worker. He came to 
this county in 1845, and bought three hundred and 
twenty acres in 1837, upon which there were no 
improvements. Here he built a log cabin on the 
shores of the little lake and went to work to clear 
his farm. 

The father of our subject died in 1864, at the 
age of fifty-six years. His political affiliations 
were with the Democratic party. lie married Bet- 



390 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sey Ann Peck, a native of New York State, who 
is still living with our subject. Of her three chil- 
dren, William P. is the onlj' one now living. 
Rumah died at fourteen years of age and Jo- 
sephine lived to be eighteen years old. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was eight years old when he 
came to this county. He attended school in botl> 
Macomb County and here. 

At the breaking out of the Civil AVar Mr. Hold- 
ridge enlisted in Company I, Third Michigan 
Cavalry. He was mustered into service October 
22, 1861, and went to St. Louis. He was sent 
into the field of conflict in 1862, and saw the 
smoke of the battle at New Madrid, in the siege 
and battle of Corinth, at Jackson, Tenn., at luka, 
and at Brownsville. He also did much skirmish- 
ing and scouting after Gen. Forrest. He re-enlisted 
in the same coispany and regiment in 1864. and 
was sent to Arkansas, and then down to Mobile. 
He was mustered out of service at San Antonia, 
Tex., in February, 1866. 

Upon returning home our subject took hold of 
the home farm as his father had died during his 
absence. This he has continued to operate ever 
since, and raises grain and stock of all kinds. He 
was married in April, 1867, to Henrietta Lahring, 
who was born in this township. There are six 
children in this family, namely: Josephine, Harriet, 
Elizabctli, Mabel, William and Flossie. Our sub- 
ject is a Democrat politically, and has been a 
Highway Commissioner for many years. He is 
identified with McPlierson Post, No. 149, at Holly, 
and belongs to the Patrons of Industry-. Two 
hundred of his three hundred and eighty acres are 
cleared and in a fine state of cultivation. 



« I4,ALLACE W. TRUMBULL owns and oc- 
WA/jf cupies a well-improved farm on section 
W'^ 21, Troy Township. It consists of fifty- 
seven acres of fertile land, which is earefull}' and 
handled, and Ihrougli the exercise of good judg- 
mede is made to produce abundantly 3-ear by year. 
The buildings upon the place are sufficiently large 
and numerous to shelter crops and stock, and 



afford comfortable and pleasant quarters for the 
family. Mr. Trumbull is still a comparatively 
3oung man, having been born May 27, 1850, and 
his birthplace was in Wayne County, four miles 
from Detroit. In the paternal line he comes of 
the old Green Mountain stock, while from his 
mother he inherits tiie prominent characteristics of 
the German nationality. 

Squire Trumbull, father of Wallace W., was 
born in Vermont in 1807, obtained a prictical edu- 
cation in the common schools and adopted the 
occupation of farming. He came to Detroit in 
1832, and afterward located on a farm in Wayne 
Count}', whence he came to this county in 1858. 
He made his home in Avon Township for a time, 
then returned to Wayne County, and two years 
later came again to Oakland and spent the rest 
of life where his son, our subject, is now living. 
He died here in 1879. He was Justice of the Peace 
in Wayne County twelve years and held several 
other ofiices, among them Constable and Deputy 
Sheriff. lie was well known and was a prominent 
figure in local circles. He made quite a study of 
the Bible and was well versed in the Scriptures. 
He was married in Detroit to Hannah Crouse, 
who was born and reared in Germany, and who 
died in the City of the Straits in 1857. They had 
two daughters and five sous. 

When he was about eight years old Wallace 
Trumbull first came to this county. His schooling 
was obtained in the two counties in which his 
boyhood was spent, and during his j'oulh he 
learned how to carry on a farm and plan for agri- 
cultural work. He remained with his father until 
he was twenty years old, and then began working 
by the month as a farm hand. A few 3-ears later 
he was married and located in Greenfield Town- 
ship, Wa3'ne Count}'. There he remained until 
1874, when he changed his place of residence to 
that which is now his home. Politically he is a 
Democrat and has not missed a vote since he first 
exercised the right of suffrage and cast a ballot for 
Horace (!reeley. He is not a member of any re- 
ligious organization, but is well read in the Bible. 
An industrious, law-abiding man, he has the re- 
spect of his associates. 

November 4, 1873, Mr. Trumbull was married 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



391 



to Miss Elizabeth Kaiser. This lad}', who is the 
third child of Samuel and Mary Kaiser, was born 
in Gerinanjr, November 29, 1852, and was an in- 
fant of sixteen months when brought across the 
Atlantic. She is one of a large family, her parents 
having fifteen children. They are now living in 
Wayne County. Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull have 
two sons — Squire Fred, who was born December 
5, 1874, and Wall.ace, December 19, 1877. 




ILLIAM F. BINGHAM, of Ortonville, a 
fs^im public-spirited citizen and one who is ac- 
_^ tively interested in the welfare of his 
town, was born in St. Johns, Canada, October 27, 
X. 1828. His father, Natha niel D. , of A'erniont, was 
born in 1802. His ijrand father was Judge Solo- 
mon Bingham, of Vermont, who emigrated to Can- 
ada and w.ns appointed District Judge under 
(ieorge IV., of England. He served in this capac- 
ity until his death, which occurred in 1835. The 
Binjjham family in America sprang from two 
brothers, who came from England in the Colonial 
dajs. One settled in Connecticut and one in Ver- 
mont. 

Amanda Green, who became the wife of Na- 
thaniel D. Bingham, was born in St. Albans, Vt., in 
1801. She was of English descent and closely re- 
lated to Gen. Nathaniel Green. After their mar- 
riage in Verpont this couple removed to St. 
Johns, Canada, and Mr. Bingham became a Bai- 
liff under his father, the Judge. He served in 
this capacity for several years and then, in 1830, 
removed to Onondaga County, N. Y., near Syra- 
cuse, where he undertook the management of a 
farm. In 1837 he removed to Oakland Count}', 
this State, making the trip bj' the way of the lake 
to Detroit in the ''Mayflower." He located in 
Brandon Township, on Government land. He was 
one of the very earliest settlers and took part in 
the organization of t!»e township. In coming from 
Detroit he followed the old Territorial turnpike to 
Springfield and then cut his way through the 
woods. An Indian camping ground containing 



three hundred Indians was located on Bald Eagle 
Lake, near where Mr. Bingham settled. Their 
burying-ground was also located there. Marketing 
was done by ox-team to Detroit, and clearing and 
improving went on apace. Mr. Bingham was 
Justice of the Peace and Supervisor of the town- 
ship. He died in 18G6, having seen hard times in 
the new country, as he came here with limited 
means, but he achieved a good degree of success, 
of which his children are justly proud. His good 
wife was the mother of six children, four of whom 
are living. She was a devout and earnest member 
of the Congregational Church and passed to her 
long home in 1871. 

The subject of this sketch was nine years old 
when he came to Michigan and he has clear recol- 
lections of pioneer life. After availing himself 
of the educational advantages offered in the .log 
sclioolhouses, he began at seventeen years of age to 
leach, receiving at first -$22 per month, and later 
attaining the munificent monthly salary of $40. 
He taught for fifteen winters and remained at 
hom« until he was twenty-five, and pursued farm- 
ing during the summers. In 1870 he sold his 
farm, and coming to Ortonville, eng.aged in the 
mercantile business. After fifteen years of suc- 
cessful effort he turned over his business to his 
son. He is a man of more than ordinarj- ability 
as a financier, and during the fifteen years he was 
in liusiuess in Ortonville he made $30,000. 

Mr. Bingham in 1853 united his fortunes for 
life with those of Amy R. Arnold, who was born 
near Syracuse, N. Y., in 1830. Her cliildren are 
Ella, AVilliam and Don C. William is engageil iu 
the mercantile business in Stockton, Kan. The 
second son has taken charge of his father's busi- 
ness in Ortonville and Ella is the wife of L. C. 
Truax, of Bad Axe, 3\Iich., who is a hardware mer- 
chant there. The mother of these children was 
calle<l from earth in 1875. 

Mr. Bingham has been a Justice of the Peace 
for many years and his political afTdi.ations are with 
the Democratic party. He has been for a number 
of years a Trustee in the Free AVill Baptist Church, 
of which he is a member. His second marriage 
took place in 1876. He was then united with 
Julia Cummings, a Michigan lady. One child. 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Dora B., has crowned this union. Our subject 
started in life with nothing and went in debt for 
his first land, but his energy, perseverance and 
enterprise brought him success in a high degree. 
He has a beautiful home in the village, where he 
spares no pains to secure the happiness of his fam- 
ily. He has ever been a liberal contributor to 
charitable purposes and no man who is worthy of 
his confidence is ever unkindly turned away when 
he seeks a favor at tlie hands of Mr. Bingham. 



-^ 



\¥) ON ATHAN PHILLIPS, an enterprising 
I farmer of Milford Township, is pleasantly 
located on section 2L He has one hundred 
and forty acres of land, eighty of which is 
under the plow and devoted to divers crops. Tlie 
buildings now standing on the faiin were put up 
by Mr. Kesby. Mr. Phillips has done a large 
amount of tiling on the place. He is a son of 
Leonard Phillips and a brother of A. J. Phillips, 
to whose sketch the reader is referred for facts re- 
garding his parents. 

The natal day of Mr. Phillips was April 30, 1842, 
and his birthplace his father's farm in Milford 
Township. He received an elementary education 
in the district schools and later attended the State 
Normal School at Ypsilanti. He resided at home 
until he was of age, and then started out without 
any assistance to make his way in the world. He 
first worked on a farm near Milford and did not 
lose an hour's time in eight months and a week. 
His wages were §17 per month. He then worked 
for Sidney Hudson until Christmas, helped his 
father build a shed, and then returned to his former 
employment and did not lose a day during the 
remainder of the winter. In the spring he entered 
the service of Mr. Kesby, who then owned the 
farm now possessed bj' himself. He worked for 
that gentleman three years, and then rented the 
farm for an ecpial length of time, paying a rental 
of one-tiiird the crops raised. Sir. riiillips next 
bought land on section 28, and settled upon it. 
The ninety acres had been poorly cultivated and 
the buildings were in keeping with the condition 



of the land." After remaining there two years he 
sold the place and bought his present property. 

In 1871 Mr. Phillips was married to Laura, 
daughter of Elizur and Mehitable (Stratton) Rug- 
gles. Mr. Ruggles was born in New York in 
1806, and Mrs. Ruggles in Pennsylvania in 1813. 
He came to this State in 1831, and was the first 
permanent white settler in the village of Milford, 
having made his location where the depot now 
stands. The Stratton family removed from Penn- 
sylvania to Ann Arbor in the j-ear 1825, and in 
1835 settled in Highland Township, this county, 
which thej"^ were among the first to build up. 
Jonathan F. Stratton, uncle of Mrs. Phillips, was 
the first .Justice of the Peace in that township, the 
first Township Clerk, and performed the first mar- 
riage ceremony among the settlers there. Mr. Rug- 
gles held the office of Treasurer and helped build 
the first sawmill in Milford Township. In fact he 
helped to organize the township and was one of its 
most prominent citizens during the earl}' times. 
He was the first Assessor of Novi Township, and 
was also Fence Viewer. He lived on his farm 
fortj'-five years. His patent was signed by Presi- 
dent Andrew .Jackson. He w.is first a Whig and 
then a Republican. He and his wife belonged 
to the Presbyterian Church, and he was a member 
of the standing committees. He died in 1870, and 
his wife passed aw.ay in 1882. They had eight 
children, three now living, viz: Mrs. Phillips, 
Stanley, and Eunice, wife of T. Harrison. 

Mrs. Phillips was born January 15, 1815, on 
the old homestead and received her education in 
Milford. She taught school for several years. She 
is the mother of six children, of whom we note 
the following; Anna R.. born February 29, 1872, 
is now the wife of W. K. Foote and lives in Hel- 
ena, Mont. ; John Dewej' was born September 1 8, 
1875; Cecil L., October 30, 1878; Amy, June 1, 
1881; Elbert, January 9, 1885; and Bennie E., 
September 30, 188G. The married daughter was 
graduated from the Milford High School in the 
class of '90, and the eldest son is now pursuing his 
studies there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and three of the children 
— Anna, Dewey and Amy — belong to the Presby- 
terian Church and the entire family take an active 





^^o^)/^ L/,^eAP^ 





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



395 



interest in the Sunday-school. Mrs. Phillips has 
been a teacher and Mr. Phillips has belonged to 
tlie standing committees of the cliurch. He has 
been Moderator of the school district for the past 
seven years. He was forraerlj' n Democrat, but, 
having been a strictly temperate man all his life 
and becoming convinced that the regulation of the 
liquor traffic was necessary to the good of the na- 
tion he helped to organize the Prohibition part}' 
in this vicinity and has worked with and for it ten 
years. He and his family move in the best circles 
and are numbered among the mosthighl}' respected 
and prominent people of this vicinity. 




FRANCIS PERRY. The pursuit of agricul 



ture is carried on with satisfactorj' results 
in Orion Township by Mr. Perry, who lo- 
cated here in the fall of 1873, and is occupying a 
fine farm of one hundred and thirty acres. He 
was born in Warren Count}-, N. J., April C, 1827, 
and was brought to this county in his early boy- 
hood. His father, John G. Perry, a native of the 
same county as himself, took up Government land 
in Brandon Township and built the first log house 
erected there. Owing to the sparse settlements the 
son had meagre school privileges, as the public 
school system w.as not in force and the subscrip- 
tions of the patrons would only allow of short 
sessions. The father died in 1842, when only 
about fort}' years old, and the son carried on the 
farm, and when he was of age bought the home- 
stead. He took care of his mother until her de- 
cease in 18G0. Her maiden name was Margaret 
Cruiser and she was born in New Jersey. 

September 2, 1855, Francis Perry and Mary E. 
Gibbs were united in marriage. Their wedded life 
was brief, as the wife died in 1856. March 15. 
1861, Mr. Perry was again married, his bride being 
Sarah Hart, who was born in tiiis Stale in 1849. 
Her father, 'William Hart, a native of New Jersey, 
is numbered among the early settlers of Michigan. 
He took up Government laud in Orion Township 
and died here March 29, 1891, at the age of 
eighty-three years. His wife, Margaret (Hibbler) 



Hart, was likewise a native of New Jersey. Her 
father, Abram Hibbler, took up a large tract of 
land in this section many years ago and died in 
Groveland Township. Mrs. Hart died in 1888, at 
the age of seventy-eight years. She was the mother 
of nine children, eight now living. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Perry there have come five sons and daugh- 
ters, whose names are William, Mary, Clarence, 
Frank and Lena. 

Mr. Perry has shown energy and skill in the 
affairs of life anil is deserving of a good report. 
He is intelligent, anxious to keep himself well in- 
formed, and interested in the welfare of the section 
in which he has made his home. He exercises the 
right of suffrage in favor of the candidates of the 
Democratic parly. He has gained the good-wilU 
of the people in his new home, as he bad in the 
old, and he and I'.is wife are generally respected. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Perry appears on 
another page of this volume. 



-^1= 



=a^^ 



ENRY BARRETT. There are many fine 

A) farms in White Lake Township which are 

monumental of the industry and prudence 

sj/ of their owners, and are the center of such 
agricultural efforts as bring good results in the way 
of fine crops and stock and satisfactory incomes. 
One of these tracts consists of one hundred and 
thirty-one and a half acres on section 17. where 
uumerous and substantial buildings have been put 
up, and various arrangements made for the comfort 
of the occupants and their convenience in carrying 
on their work. It is owned and occcupied by the 
subject of this notice, who has lived here since 
1853. He is well known in the vicinity as a breeder 
of fine stock, including Percheron horses and 
Hampshire sheep. He was formerly interested in 
Merinoes. 

The father and grandfather of our subject bore 
the same given name, .lolm, and were natives of 
Ireland, in which country the elder lived and 
died. John Barrett, Jr., emigrated to .\nierica in 
1848, and three years later came to this Slate and 
established his home in Highland Township, thia 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



county, on a farm of forty acres. After a short 
residence there he came to White Lake Township 
and lived on liis son's farm until his death, which 
event look place in the year of 1860. He was 
married in the Emerald Isle to Fanny Porter, 
whose father, Charles Porter, was an Irishman. 
Mrs. Barrelt lived until November, 1886. To her 
had been born the following children: Florondo, 
Matilda, John, Henry, Margaret, William, Marj- J., 
Fanny, Samuel and James (twins), Annie and Re- 
becca. Mr. Barrett was a Democrat and he and his 
wife belonged to the Episcopal Church. 

Henrj' Barrett was born in the Emerald Isle in 
1831, and at the age of fourteen 3'ears came to 
America and began his personal career in life. He 
lived in Now York CiU* ten years and while there 
was a porter in a wholesale commission house. 
From the metropolis he came to this county, where 
his work lias resulted in a good maintenance and 
the accumulation of the property' before mentioned. 
Mr. Barrett was married in Newark, N. J., to 
Elizabeth A. Hean}^ who was removed from him by 
death in May, 1856. She was a consistent member 
of the Episcopal Cluiich, and was a highly valued 
neighbor and friend. 

Mr. Barrett is a member of the Prohibition part}' 
and has been an adherent of its principles for more 
than a decade. His religious home is in the Pres- 
byterian Church, and he earnestly endeavors to 
carry out its teachings in his dail}- life. His brother, 
John Barrett, fought for the Union from 1862 until 
the close of the struggle. He enlisted in Company 
A, Ninth Jlichigan Cavalry, December 24, 1862, 
and saw much haid service. He was wounded near 
Nicholasville, Ky. 



^C 



E^ 




ENRY E. ALLISON. Few, if any names 
are better known in Pontiac than that of 
Henry E. Allison, who fi)r thirtj--eight 
3'ears devoted himself diligentl}' to the 
jewelry business and during that period repaired up- 
wards of twenl3' thousand watches and clocks. No 
man in Oakland .County has been continuously 
engaged in the business so long as he. He is now 



retired, having in 1887 sold out to bis son, Edwin 
v., who is continuing the business at the old stand. 
The jewelry' store is situated in a fine brick block 
on Saginaw Street, in a part of the city that is 
favorable for business purposes, and a large and 
thriving trade is there carried on. 

Samuel Allison, grandfather of our subject was 
born in New York and was of Irish and English 
ancestry. His son David was born in the same 
Stale as himself and adopted the occu|)ation of 
farming. In 1836 the latter moved his family to 
Oakland Count}', this State, and settled in Tro}' 
Township. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Susan Hammer, was born in New Jersey and was a 
daughter of John Hammer, who was descended 
from natives of Holland. To David Allison and 
his wife there were born eight sons and two daugh- 
ters, and our subject was the seventh on the family 
roll. He was born in Broome County, N. Y., June 
19, 1831, and was five j-ears old when his parents 
came to this State. His school daj's were begun in 
Troy Towusliip and he afterward attended school 
at the Rochester Academy. He decided to learn 
thejewehy business and seived an apprenticeship 
of three jears after leaving the school room. Hav- 
ing mastered the trade he began business for him- 
self and carried it on continuously until succeeded 
by his son. 

In 1862 Mr. Allison was united in marriage with 
Miss L. Irene Rhodes, an estimable lady who was 
born in this count}' and is a daughter of James A. 
and Lticinda (Martin) Rhodes. Her parents were 
natives of Vermont and New Hampshire respec- 
tively and were early settlors in Oakland County, 
to which they came soon after their marriage. Mr. 
and Mrs. Allison have six children of whom we 
make the following mention: Henri D. is an at- 
torney in Anacortes, Wash.; Edwin V.,is his father's 
successor in Pontiac; Bertha I., married Benjamin 
F. Stevens, and lives in Los Angeles, Cal.; John 1'. 
and Mary L. are students in the High School; and 
Frank is a school boy in a lower department. 

Mr. Allison is a Mason of a liigli degree and lins 
membership in Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. ifc A. Al. 
Pontiac Chapter, R. A, M. and the Consistory 
and Commander}'. In politics he is a stanch 
Republican. He has one of the most beautiful 



PORTRAIT AND BFOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



397 



WJ 



homes in Ponliac, his residence, a two-story brick, 
being situated on a rise of ground fronting on 
Oalcland Avenue, and the grounds consisting of 
about five and one lialf acres adorned with for- 
est trees and evergreens. Mr. Allison is in the 
hal)it of spending considerable time in exten- 
sive travels over the"country for pleasure and 
health, and ills journeys have extended from the 
Atlantic to the Piicific and from the lakes to the 
gulf. 



\Y70HN T. RKID, one of Michigan's veteran 
soldiers, was born in Oxford, Oakland Coun- 
ty, January' 13, 1840. His parents, Harvey 
and Sarah E. (Kctchum) Reid, were natives 
of New York, whence they came to Michigan in 
1833. Here they were wedded and began to found 
a home. Harvey was a tailor. After coming here 
lie engaged in farming pursuits, although he con- 
tinued working at his trade especially during the 
winters. To him and his excellent wife were born 
ten children, of whom our subject is the fourth in 
order of birth. The mother and five of tiic chil- 
dren still survive. The fatlier was called from earth 
July 1, 1873. 

The subject of our sketch grew u|) on the farm 
and continued there until after the breaking out of 
the late war. He enlisted as a private in Company 
A, Fifth Michigan Cavalry, August 18, 1862, and 
saw service in the Army o/ the Potomac. He was 
in seventeen different engagements, the most im- 
portant of wiiich are Gettj'sburg, Montera, Boones- 
boro, Hagerslown, Winchester and Cold Harbor. 
Mr. Reid was taken ill with measles soon after the 
Gettysburg fight, and was not with his regiment 
until the following spring. He received his dis- 
charge at Detroit, May 15, 1865. 

After the war our soldier came to Bruce, Macomb 
County, this State, and engaged in the agricultural 
business. The great and important event of his 
life was his marriage with l\Iary E., daughter of 
John L. and Lois (Pitts) Stanton. John L. Stan- 
ton, the father of Mrs. Reid, was a native of Ver- 
mont, and was born in Bennington County, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1811. He came to tiie State of Michigan 



in August, 1844, where he followed farming until 
1873, when he retired from active life and now 
makes his home with his son-in-law, our subject. 
The Stan tons have been notable in New England 
for generations. Thomas, the first of the name to 
come to America, located at Stonington, Conn. 
He was the great-grandfather of John L. His son 
John, the grandfather of John L., was left an or- 
phan when a lad and was bound out at the age of 
seventeen years to learn the trade of a blacksmith, 
in Rhode Island. There he metand raairied Mary 
Sherman, and a few years later removed to \'er- 
mont. His son Lodovick, the father of John L., 
was born in Vermont, July 28, 1784, and married 
Mary Lawrence April 16, 1805. John, of whom 
we have spoken, who was born M.iy 2, 1748, was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War, and his grandson 
proudly exhibits a powder horn which was carried 
by him through th.at period of conllict. lie died 
April 18, 1814. John L. Stanton is the last of his 
family now remaining. He is an intelligent old 
gentleman and a Democrat to the backbone. 

To the subject of this sketch and his estimable 
wife have been born two children, Frank and Eva. 
Eva remains at home and is attending school; 
Frank died in infancy. After their marriage they 
removed to Orion Township, where Mr. Reid 
worked a farm on shares for five years. Thence he 
removed to Addison Township, and made tbeir 
home there for four years. Thej' spent one 3'ear 
in Oxford, and then bought a farm in Watcrford 
Township in 187G, on which they remained for 
seven j'ears, wiien the family removed to Oxford, 
where he has been engaged in the grain business for 
three years. He Is a member of the Grand Army 
of the Republic, and a Democrat in politics. 



ON. CHARLES K. CARPENTER, a former 
iV citizen of Orion, was born at Ilornellsville, 
^Jy N. Y., January 23, 1820, and died in Orion, 
(^ August 19, 1884. He was a descendant of 
William C. Carpenter, who came from Amesbury, 
England, in the seventeenth century. Daniel P., 
the father of our subject, w;vs born In Westchester 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, N. Y., in 1781. His wife, Anna Ketchum, 
was born in Cornwall, Orange County, N. Y., in 
1787. Her ancestors were from Long Island, and 
removed to Orange County at an early day. The 
parents of our subject removed to ^Michigan and 
settled at Rudd's Mill in 1837, when Charles K. 
was but eleven years of age. 

After a residence of a few years at Rudd's Mills 
our subject removed to the homestead where he has 
ever since resided. He was married November 
27, 1847, to Miss Jeanette Coryell, of Mt. Morris, 
Livingston County, K. Y. Her parents were 
George and Eliza (Sherwood) Coryell, and she was 
born March 8, 1831. Her parents came West in 
the fall of 1845, and purchased a home in Lapeer 
County, where they lived until the death of the 
father at the age of seventy-six years. 

Mr. Carpenter has always been closely identitied 
with the enterprise and progress of Oakland Coun- 
ty, and has held many positions of honor and trust. 
In politics he was a Douglas Democrat — a "war" 
Democrat, lie was Supervisor of Orion in 1858, 
and was elected to the Legislature by the Demo- 
crats in 1859. When the war broke out he was the 
President of the first "war" meeting held in Oak- 
land County (at Pontiac) when Judges Baldwin, 
Crofoot anil Trowbridge were speakers. During 
tliewar he did much valuable work raising troops 
and supplies in this townsliip. He was President 
and Director of the Oakland County Farmers' 
Mutual Insurance Company when organized, and 
in 1871 helped organize the Detroit it Bay City 
Railroad Company at Rochester, and was its first 
Vice President and Director until 1878, and for 
several years the only Michigan Director with the 
exception of James F. Joy, of Detroit. He spent 
the years 1871-72 in raising subscriptions and se- 
curing the right-of-waj- for this road, and proved 
very successful. 

To Mr. Carpenter is largely due the locating of 
the Bay City road through Orion and Oxford in- 
ste.^1 of Romeo and Fish L.ake. In recognition of 
his services in connection with this cntei prise he 
was presented with a gold watch and chain by the 
citizens of Lapeer, in 1873. For many years he 
was a Director and for two 3'ears President of the 
Oakland County Agricultural Society. Believing 



the Grange an important educator of the farmer he 
was an active member of that order — being the first 
Master of the Orion Grange and instrumental in 
organizing the Detroit and Bay City District Coun- 
cil, of which body he was Master for several years. 
He has also been Jlasler of the County Grange and 
was one of the incorporators (preparing the con- 
stitution) of the Patron's Aid Society. 

In 1882 Mr. Carpenter was elected President of 
the Monitor Insurance Compan}', of Oakland 
County, which position he still held at the time of 
his death. As one of the incorporators of the Orion 
Park Association he has always taken great inter- 
est in the development of the park, and in making 
Orion a pleasant summer resort, his death probably 
being much hastened by his devotion to it, as his 
sickness dates from a day of service on the island. 
He alwa3s took much pains to advertise Orion as a 
resort, and by liberal treatment to encourage picnic 
parties to make their regular annual trips to Island 
Park. 

Mr. Carpenter was alwaj^s a strong temperance 
man, and on the organization of the Prohibition 
party became an active member, was nominated 
for various offices on its ticket, running for Gov- 
ernor in 1874. In 187G the Greenback party nom- 
inated him for Governor, but he declined the honor 
and never acted with the party. He has written 
much for the news()apcrs on various topics of gen- 
eral interest, and for many 3'ears was a subscriber 
to many papers solel}' for the purpose of ]>ushlng 
and advertising the railroads and park project He 
was the author of a series of articles in the Detroit 
Free Press, over the signature of "An Oakland 
Count3' Farmer," which were widely copied. Many 
of his articles on various subjects In that paper ap- 
peared as editorials. 

Our subject was the father of eight children, six 
of whom are still living: Prof. RollaC. of Cornell 
University; William L., attorney-at-law, of De- 
troit; E. Blanche, now Mrs. C. II. Seelej', of Faulk- 
ton. Dak.; Louis G., a graduate of the Agricultural 
College, attended the John Hopkins University 
sometime, and is now professor of the department 
of meteorology and irrigation in the Agricultui\il 
College at Ft. Collins, Col. He is now also en- 
gaged in writing a work on Irrigation; Mar}' L. Is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



401 



the wife of Dr. N. S. Maj'o, professor in Manhat- 
tan Agricultural College, in Kansas; and Jeanetle!! 
who remains at home. 

Mrs. Carpenter is identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and lias long been an active 
worker in the temperance cause, having given 
twenty-five years to service in this reform. She 
has the management of her husband's estate of 
nearly three hundred acres. She is a good business 
woman, practical and thorough in her work, with 
plenty of push and enterprise. She does not, how- 
ever, neglect her intellectual privileges, but in the 
fall of 1890 received her diploma for a four-years 
course of reading in the Chautauqua Literary- and 
Scientific Circle. 



OMER H. COLVIN, a member of the legal 
profession located in Pontiac, was born in 
Waterford Township, June 4, 1850. He is 
the eldest son and tUird child in the family 
of Levi B. and Keziah E. (Hodge) Colvin, both of 
whom were born and reared in New York, and ac- 
companied their respective parents to this State in 
early days. Grandfather Nathan R. Colvin was 
born in Vermont and so too was his wife, Margaret 
Bachelder, the former being of Scotch and the 
other of English lineage. The name was originally 
spelled Calvin, they being lineal descendants of the 
founder of the Calvanistic doctrine. They came 
to this covinty in 182.5 and settled on a tract of 
land and engaged iu farming. He was socially dis- 
posed and open-hearted, and his dwelling was al- 
ways open to passing strangers. He died in Mav, 
1873, when eighty-four years old, and his widow 
departed this life in March, 1880, when upwards 
of ninet3' years of age. 

The father of our subject was married in his 
twenty-fourth year and then established his home 
on land that his father had opened up for cultiva- 
tion. He is still living on the property, which 
consists of one hundred and ninety acres, where on 
are good buildings and suitable equipments for his 
work. He has generally kept a good flock of sheep 



■ and at present has registered Merinoes. He was 
formerly a Democrat but is now a stanch member 
of the Prohibition party. Besides our subject, his 
children are Emma A., wife of (leorge llealii, re- 
siding in Pomona, Cal.; Ellen L., wife of the Hon. 
AVilliam E. Carpenter, member of the present legis- 
lature; Esther, who is with her parents; Evangeline, 
living in Ft. AVayne and State Agent for the Clie- 
tauqua book concern; Natlian B., a physician, in 
Pontiac, and Hiram C, teller in the Pontiac Na- 
tional Bank. 

Homer H. Colvin spent his youth on a farm and 
attended the common school in the neighborhood. 
When twenty years old he became a student in the 
Pontiac High School, where he continued the pui-- 
suit of knowledge two years, after which he taught 
in the county three years. He then embarked in 
mercantde pursuits in com[)any with Newton ' B. 
Babcock, carrying on a general store under the 
style of Babcock & Colvin. Tiie connection was in 
force eighteen months, when Mr. Colvin sold out 
his interests and went to Reed Cit}', where for six 
months he was engaged in hotel keeping. Tlie fol- 
lowing winter he again taught school and in the 
meantime he read law more or less. In the spring 
lie entered the office of Robbins & Davis in Pon- 
tiac, and after eighteen month's reading thpre was 
admitted to the bar. He did not begin practice 
until after he had taken a course of study in the 
law department of the University of Michigan and 
graduated with the degree of L. L. 15. in 1879. 

Returning to Pontiac Mr. Colvin then opened a 
law office, associating himself with tiic Hon. C. E. 
Herrington and the firm of Colvin & Herrington 
was iu force eigiiteen montli.s. The partnership 
was then dissolved and Mr. Colvin entered into 
one with Mr. Robbins, with whom he had foiinerly 
studied. Since November, 1881, he has been alone 
in practice. Mr. Colvin was elected Mayor of 
Pontiac in 1883 and re-elected in 1881, and in 1881) 
was elected City Attorney filling the office during 
a period of two years. 

DecemVier 7, 1880, Mr. Colvin was married to 
Miss Emma E. Siblej', the ceremony taking pl.-xce 
in Chicago, 111. The bride was born in tliis county 
and is a daughter of Freeman F. and Mary (Stone) 
Sibley, who came from New York to this State a 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



numl)er of years ago. Mrs. Colvin is intelligent, 
reSned. and lias an estimable character. They iiave 
two daughters: Maud and Ruth, who are being 
carefully reared and well educated. Mr. and Mrs. 
Colvin belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and move in the best circles of Pontiac society. 
Mr. Colvin belongs to Oakland County Lodge, No. 
183, I. O. O. F. He is a Democrat and during sev- 
eral campaigns lias stumped the county for his 
chosen candidates. He has been a delegate to 
county, State and congressional conventions, and 
on several occasions has been a member of the con- 
gressional coraraittee. He has a sound knowledge 
of law, is fluent and apt in speech, and liis reputa- 
tion is increasing from year to year. 



-^ 



V^ 



"Y'OHN GREACEN. Four decades have passed 
since Mr. Greacen hjcated on section 23, 
Milford Township. He lias added to his 
original acreage here, cleared mucli of the 
land lie now possesses, and put on every building 
which meets the eye of the visitor. His estate con- 
gists of one hun<lred and sixty-six acres, all but 
twenty under the plow, and thoroughly equipped 
with modern machinery and stocked with domestic 
animals of good grade. Jlr. Greacen had .^200 in 
raonej' when he emigrated from the land of his 
birth and all the wealth lie has gained has resulted 
from hard work and wise economy. His aflfairs are 
now on a substantial basis and he has given his 
family good school privileges and surrounded them 
with many comforts. 

In County Armagh, Ireland, James Greacen, the 
father of our subject was born. He married Kitty 
Johnson, an Irish latly, and they reared a family 
of seven children, four of whom are now living. 
They spent their lives in the land of their birth, 
living upon a farm where their son John was born 
in 1817. This son grew to maturity in his native 
land and from an early period in his life was en- 
gaged in agricultural work. His school privileges 
were limited, but he made ujifor the lack of instruc- 
tion by natural quickness and ability to gr.asp the 
practical things of life. He was married in 1839 



to Eliza Sinclair, a native of County Armagh, who 
shared his fortunes almost half a century. She died 
in 1888, at the age of sixty-nine years. 

In 1847 the Greacens crossed the Atlantic and 
landed at Quebec, Canada. They spent two months 
there, then came to Milford, which was their home 
two yeais. They next spent seven j'cars in Wayne 
County, then sold their propert}' there, returned to 
Milford and settled on section 23. Mr. Greacen 
bought one hundred and twenty-five acres on 
which some slight improvements had been made 
and continued the work that had been begun, add- 
ing to his farm as soon as practicable. He still 
busies himself with some of the lighter labors that 
belong to domestic life on a farm, but does not 
take an active part in the actual farm work. He 
has alwajs voted a Rei)ublican ticket and is an un- 
failing attendant at the polls. He has acted as 
Pathmaster and materially advanced the interests 
of the traveling public in this vicinity. He is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church in Milford and 
is respected for the strength of his character and 
the industry he has shown in worldly affairs. 

The children of Mr. Greacen are five in number 
anil all are married. The first-born, and only son, 
is James, a pension agent in Kalkaska, Mich. The 
other children are Matilda, wife of Charles Stew- 
art; Mary Eliza, who married Ed Dreakes; Mar- 
garet Anna, at home, and Agnes, wife of John 
Howie. Some time after the decease of the lady 
who had been his companion for many years Mr. 
Greacen w.as married to Mrs. Mary Hawthorn, who 
died in February, 1891. 



jMffi^ 




ELYILLE H. MOREHOUS, a grain and 
produce dealer of Clyde, is a son of Lor- 
enzo D., whose father John was a native of V" 
Vermont. John went to~ Canada in his^ \ 
daj's, and there reared a family of eight chil- 
four sons and four daughters. He came lo 
gan in 1837 settling in Troy Township, Oak- 
County. Later he moved to Shiawassee 
ty and then to Illinois, where he lived about 
years, after which he spent seven years in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



403 



Iowa, and finally returned to SouthSeld Township, 
this county, where be ended bis days in 18G3. Ilis 
wife survived until 1880. She was Mary Hull, a 
native of Vermont. He fought at Lundy's Lane 
in the War of 1812. 

Lorenzo D. Morebous was born February 10, 
1826, in Westminister, near London, Canada. At 
the age of eleven years he came to Michigan with 
ilis [larents and from tliat time supported himself 
by working on a farm. When sixteen years old ho 
learned the blacksmith's trade and followed it for 
a number of years, but the latter [larl of his life 
was spent upon a farm. He was married in Canada 
to Harriet OdcU, a daughter of William Odell a 
native of Canada. Mrs. Odell was born in Ver- 
mont and she became the mother of five sons and 
seven daughters. 

31 r. and Mrs. Morebous had but one child, our 
subject. His parents went to Detroit where his 
fatlier worked for a year at his trade, after which 
he carried on the same work in Troy Township, 
Oakland County, until 1852 when he went to Cali- 
fornia. He earned there about $275 a nujnth in 
blacksmithing, and often received S20 for shoeing 
a span of horses. After spending two years in 
California he returned to Oakland County where 
he lived for eleven years. 

In 18G2 Lorenzo D. Morebous enlisted in a regi- 
ment of Michigan Engineers and Mechanics and 
served in this capacity for about five months. He 
was stationed at Kingston, Tenn., most of the time. 
He returned to SouthQeld to his farm anil in 18G8 
moved to White Lake where he lived for fourteen 
years, and then went to Highland Township where 
he spent the rest of his life. He died April I'J, 
1882. His wife survived until 1886. He possessed 
one hundred and twentj'-two acres of land. Both 
be and his wife were identified with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. In i)olitics he was a sturdy 
Democrat, and was Supervisor of White Lake for 
two years. 

The subject of this sketch was born October 25, 
1849, in Detroit. He remained at home until his 
marriage which occurred in Highland Township, 
September 21, 1874. His bride was Ada, daughter 
of Dr. and Mrs. Jessie (Newton) Robertson, of 
Clarkston. The mother was a native of the West 



India Islands and the father a Scotchman. The 
following cliildren have blessed the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Jlorehous: Edith, Claude and Charles. 
At the death of his father Mr. Morehous fell heir 
to one hundred and twenty two acres of land which 
he farmed until 1889, and then sold out and came 
to Clyde where in the spring of 1890, he engaged 
gaged in tlie grain and produce business. Most of 
his property is in money, but he owns the grain 
elevator which he operates. Ho is a Master Mason, 
a member of the Holly Lodge, No. 129. He is also 
an Independent Odd Fellow, a member of Clj'de 
Lodge No. 249. He is a Democrat and has been 
all his life and was made Su|)crvisor of the township 
for two years. 






~S*=V** 



TIS F. KNOWLES, a prominent dentist in 
Oxford, is a native of this county, having 
been born in Orion, December 17, 1852, the 
son of Jesse and Martha M. (Thompson) Knowles, 
natives of New York and Michigan respectively. 
Jesse Knowles came to Michigan in 1848 where he 
operated a farm. Here he met and married Martha 
M. Thompson, whose famii}' was among the early 
settlers of this section of the country. He died 
April 6, 1881. Six children were granted to him 
and bis good wife. 

Young Otis remained on the farm with his father 
until be was twenty-four years of age, pursuing his 
studies and assisting his father in the duties of the 
farm. He studied dentistry first with Dr. J. A. 
Harris, of Ponliac, then with a brother, and sub- 
sequentl3- in the dental department of Ann Arbor. 
In the spring of that year he located in Oxford 
where he has continued ever since. His office is 
remarkably well equi|)ped and has all the modern 
improvements in dental work to be found in the 
best offices in metropolitan cities. 

The marriage of our subject took place Decem- 
ber 22, 1880. He was then united for life with 
Kate Daley, a native of Elmira, N. Y. l}e is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias in which he fills 
the position of Master of Exchequer and is a mem- 
ber also of the Knights of the Maccabees in which 



404 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he i8 Record-keeper. He is ever interested in mat- 
ters of public interest .ind is wide-awake to tlie 
progress of tlie town. His political convictions are 
expressed in the platform of the Ropiiblic.in party 
and lie casts his vote for its candidates. 



-^-^ 



TCHARD F. BRIDGEMAN, proprietor of a 
„.. livery and sale stable in Milford, was born 
Al \V in Lyon Township, this count}', November 
3, 1847. His grandfatlier, Ira Bridgcman, 
was a lumber raanufact\irer in New York, and later 
one of the earliest settlers near Three Rivers, St. 
Joseph County, this State, where he died. The 
father of our subject, Truman T. Bridgeman, was 
born in Allegany County, N. Y., farmed there and 
later in Three Rivers, this Stale. Soon after his 
mariiage he came to this county and operated one 
hundred and sixty acres in Lyon Township until 
1870. He then sold it and bought two hundred 
acres in Milford Township, which he operated until 
he retired to Milford, where he died in 1887, at the 
age of seventy-two years. The mother of our sub- 
ject was Sarah (Town) Bridgeman, who was born 
in ]jjew York, and wliose father, Alford Town, was 
a native of Vermont, and after some 3'ears spent 
in New York came to this county and died here. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Mrs. Bridge- 
man died in 1856. Three of her children grew to 
maturity. 

Our subject was reared on the farm and enjoyed 
common-school privileges. When sixteen years old 
he began for himself at trading, and drifting to 
Flint became a delivery dork. He arose in station 
to a clerksiiii), and remained in that vicinity until 
1874, when he started in the grocery business in 
Milford. He began with a small stock of goods 
and has been the most successful dealer here. 
Seven years after opening the business he started a 
meat market in connection. The two story double 
brick store in which he carried on the business for 
a number of years was built in 1878 and 1880. 

In October, 1890, Mr. Bridgeman started in the 
livery business, and in April, 1891, disposed of the 
grocery and meat market and turned his entire at- 



tention to his latter enterprise. His stable is well 
equipped and carefully managed. Mr. Bridgeman 
has alw.a3'S |iaid close attention to his business 
affairs, and it was his rule when he had » customer 
to treat him so well that he would come again. Jn 
his dealings he was not only courteous and cordial 
but strictly- honest, and he m.ade a success. He has 
one hundred and fifty acres of well-improved land 
on the Huron River, adjacent to and within the cor- 
poration. It is supplied with ample accommoda- 
tions for its occupants and the stock and crops they 
raise. 

lyir. Bridgeman was alwa\s fond of horses and 
usually had the colts well broken before his father 
had occasion to use them. When ten years of age 
he was kicked on the right knee but said little 
about the blow, and the injury was therefore not 
properly attended to. When he took cold he would 
have a stiff knee joint, and when eleven years had 
passed he suffered from a breaking out above the 
knee and sought medical aid. He found that he 
had necrosis of the bone. The wound got better 
and finally healed up. but about five years later 
broke out on the opposite side and no effort would 
heal it. He was told that it would be necessary to 
amiiutate the limb, but he fought against it as long 
as possible. He was finally compelled to submit, 
and in 18S7 the member was removed by Dr. Rob- 
ert Johnston. Mr. Bridgeman had suffered for 
years and was at that time in so weak a condition 
that it was thought he would hardly survive the 
operation. A naturally strong constitution and an 
earnest determination to live, added force to the 
careful watching of the jihysician and brought him 
through. He now wears an artificial limb by means 
of which he gets around ver^' well. 

In Jlilford, May 25, 1874, Mr. Bridgeman was 
married to Mary A. Soulby, daughter of C. B. 
Soulby. The reader is referred to the sketch of her 
brother, C. W. Soulby, for further facts regarding 
her parents. She w.as born in Milford, has a good 
education and fine character. She h.as an adopted 
child, Fred K. Mr. Bridgeman has been Village 
Treasurer two terms, and has been Township Treas- 
urer two years. In politics he is a Re|)ublican. 
Althciugh he is well supplied with worldly goods 
he is too ambitious and energetic in nature to be 




W - HARRIS, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



407 




idle, and so continues to carry on business. He 
cxpeurls much of his energy for the good of others, 
|iarlicularly in lines of work connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a 
jironiinent member. He is now Trustee and has 
been Class-Leader and Steward. 

5)ILLIAM HARRIS. To a poor boy the 
life historj' of this aged man would afford 
\^^ comfort and encouragement, as it is that of 
one who began life without the aid of fortune or 
fame, and who has steadily pursued a course that 
has brought him worldly prosperity and an hon- 
orable name. On the opposite page appears tiie 
portrait of Mr. Harris, who has for a number of 
years been located on farm lands in West Bloom- 
field Township, and now owns two hundred acres 
on section 23, the greater part of which is in a 
liigh state of cultivation. There are one hundred 
and seventy-eight acres of cleared land and a 
full line of good buildings. Although ho is now 
eighly-one years old Mr. Hari>s is quite active 
and still manages his agricultural affairs and looks 
after his business interests. Prior to taking pos- 
session of this estate he was engaged in the rail- 
road business and had an experience of about a 
quarter of a century in that line. Few, if an}', 
railroad men in the State can claim a longer ex- 
perience, or have a belter record for failhfid and 
efllcient service. 

Mr. Harris was born in Cumberlandshire, Eng- 
land, September IG, 1810, and is the first-born in 
the family of .John and Hannah (Elliott) Harris, 
natives of the Mother Country. The other mem- 
bers of the parental family were Hannah, Rebecca, 
Mary and James, and all are living except the 
first mentioned. The mother died in her native 
land in 1817, and the father crossed the Atlantic 
in 1826 an<l settled in Dutchess County, N. Y. 
He lived there several years, but his death took 
place in New York City. He was a mechanic 
and machinist. 

The son of whom we write was reared to the 
age of seventeen years in his native land, and 



I 



there acquired some knowledge of the machinist's 
trade. He came to America about two years after 
his father had crossed, and finished his trade in a 
machine shop at Matteawan, on the Hudson River, 
sixty miles above New York City. In 1833 he 
came to Detroit and began working for the foun- 
dry firm of Dore, Jones & Williams, by whom he 
was employed three years. He then entered the 
service of the Michigan Central Railroad Com- 
pany as foreman of the shops at Detroit, and 
held that position about eleven years. Next going 
to Chicago, he took a position as locomotive en- 
gineer, and then became foreman of the shops of 
the old Rockford & Galena Railroad. 

After eight years spent as a Master Mechanic 
for that road Mr. Harris returned to Detroit and 
assumed a similar position for the Detroit, Grand 
Haven & Milwaukee IJailroad, but three years later 
abandoned railroad work and removed to the farm 
which he had owned since June 13, 1833. When 
he had bought the land it was in a wild state, 
without an acre cleared, and there were but few 
settlers in the neighborhood. Hard work and un- 
flagging perseverance conquered the obstacles in 
the way, and wise economy enabled Mr. Harris to 
carry on his work to advant.age and place around 
him the comforts he desired. This was not accom- 
plished at one bound, but gradually the object for 
which he labored was reached. 

The anxieties, plans and cares of Mr. Harris 
were shared by a faithful wife, who rejoices with 
him in their present prosperity as she has in every 
pleasure that has fallen to their lot. They became 
liusband and wife July 19, 1831, prior to which 
date the bride was known as Miss Margaret Simp- 
son. At, that time her home was in Matteawan, 
N. Y., but she was born in Ireland in October, 
1804, and is a daughter of John and Margaret 
(Moore) Simpson, of the Emerald Isle. Mrs. 
Harris is still living and is almost eighty-seven 
years old. She and her husband and the various 
members of their famil}' belong to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. They have had nine children, 
named respectively: Margaret A. and Hannah J. 
(twins), Rebecca, Mary J., Hannah, William J., 
Barbara, Mar}' E. and Christiana ; four only are now 
living. Mr. Harris has never taken part in polit- 



408 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ical wire-pulling, but is decided in his opinions re- 
garding parly measures and the principles on 
wbich Ibe organizations are founded. He is a Re- 
publican. Were one word to be used to charac- 
terize him, the word would be -'sturdy." 



\w/OHN S. HOWELL. This aged man has been 
a factor in the material, intellectual and 
moral progress of Avon Township for a 
quarter of a century, and has been closely 
connected with the agricultural interests of this 
section of the Wolverine State. In 1865 he 
located on the land he still occupies, and joined 
other capable men in making Oakland County 
blossom like the rose and produce abundantly- the 
golden grains that are so well adapted to the soil 
and climate. Mr. Howell has one hundred and 
thirty-six acres of well-improved land, upon which 
are to be seen the various farm buildings that are 
maile necessary by the extent of the work carried 
on, and a dwelling where creature comforts are 
supplemented by social and domestic enjoyments. 
The first of the Howell family who found a 
home in America was one of three brothers who 
was pressed into the services of Capt. Kidd and 
was left by that notorious pirate on the New Jersey 
shore, near Amboy. The succeeding three genera- 
tions were born in that State, and two of them 
were represented by men named Levi. The senior 
of this name was the grandfather of our subject, 
and was a blacksmith by trade. His family con- 
sisted of seven sons and three daughters. Levi, 
Jr., married Phebe Smith, and to them were born 
nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, but 
Jolin S. is now the only survivor. Levi Howell, 
Jr., died July 26, 1850, aged seventy-five years. 
He was accustomed to say that he lived fourteen 
days as a subject of King George, he having been 
born that length of time prior to the signing of the 
Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Phebe How- 
ell breathed her last April 1, 1851, when in her 
seventy-fifth year. 

The birthplace of John S. Howell was Warren 



County, N. J., and his natal day July 6, 1817. He 
obtained as good an education as was possible at 
the time to tliose who could not attend the few 
colleges then in existence in the United States, and 
secured a thorough acquaintance with farm work. 
He was married February 8, 1819, to Anna Corwin, 
daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth(Biles)Corwin, 
of New Jersey. To him and his wife eight chil- 
dren came, all of whom are living except Eleanor, 
who died in her infancy. The other members of 
the famil}' circle arc: Marcus D. L., an hotel- 
keeper in Knox, Ind.; William B., whose home is 
in this county; Electa, wife of Franklin Parker, of 
Pontiac; Elizabeth, wife of Mervin Terrell, of 
Ogemaw County; Emma, wife of James Chipman, 
of this county; Alice L., who married Charles 
Moore, and lives near Knox, Stark County, Ind.; 
and Franklin, who is still with his parents. 

Prior to the establishment of their home in this 
county Mr. and Mrs. Howell sojourned in Ohio for 
a few months. Jlr. Howell is a Democrat, '-dyed 
in the wool." He has been a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church for more than sixty years, 
and his wife has been connected with the same de- 
nomination for fifty years. Long 3'ears of useful- 
ness and well-doing have been passed by lliein and 
their labors have been rewarded by a competence 
sufficient to insure them against want and enable 
them to gratify' all reasonable desires in the waj- of 
aiding others and making their surroundings com- 
fortable and attractive. They have alw.a^-s en- 
deavored to do their dutj- b3' their children and 
their fellow-men, and they are regarded with rev- 
erent affection by the one and deep esteem bj- the 
other. 



EORGE WELFARE, a wealthy farmer of 
Commerce Township, resides on section 36. 
^^ He is a living illustration of the truth that 
American life on the frontier holds grand possibili- 
ties for the future to young men who are willing to 
work hard and make their way in life. As a poor 
*boy he had nothing and he has made his fine for- 
tune by hard work, enterprise and integrity. Hjs 
father was James Welfare, a native of Sussex, Eng- 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



409 



land, where he was born about forty miles east of 
Loiulou, and where he pursued the business of a 
farmer. He was married in England to Elizabeth 
Osborne, and continued to reside there until 1830, 
when he came to America and settled in East 
Bloom field Township, Ontario Country, N. Y. In 
1833 they came to Michigan and made their home 
on section 34, Commerce Township, on the farm 
now owned hy Jacob Moore. 

This new home of Mr. and Mrs. Welfare was 
sheltered by an old log house, and their farm of 
eighty acres of wild land soon eng.aged their every 
energ}', but before long they decided to exchange 
this farm for another on section 3.5, where they 
made their permanent home. With tiie help of his 
son James Mr. Welfare cleared up that fa'rm and 
added a few acres to it. He bought a frame build- 
ing and moved it on the farm and converted it into 
a pleasant home. Near his home was an old Indian 
camping ground, and he liad frequent visits from 
the Indians. After pa3'ing for his land and a cow, 
this pioneer had about $r> left in his pocket. Both 
he and the boys had to work out for the neighbors 
occasionally to earn the necessary money with which 
to buy provisions and clothing. Many a time were 
the boys followed by wolves when out looking for 
cattle. Nine children blessed this home, five of 
whom are now living, namely: Rebecca, Mrs. Mur- 
lay; our subject, John, Samuel, and Clarissa, Mrs. 
Foster. Their school advantages in the early home 
were very poor. In England the famil}' was con- 
nected with the Established' Church. 

George Welfare was born October 16, 1817, in 
Sussex, England, and was only a bf)3' when became 
to this country. He began to work out for others 
before he was ten years old, and continued to do 
so for many years. After coming to Michigan be 
attended school for a short season, but the educa- 
tional advantages were very poor heie. He worked 
for his father until he was twenty years old, and 
then entered the employ of Jesse Tuttle. He pur- 
chased a yoke of cattle and gave to bis father to 
pay for this year of time which his father bad 
granted him. He bad thus just $15 left him from 
his year's wages with which to clothe himself. He 
started out for himself entirely empty handed. 

The young man went to Farmington Township 



and worked out upon farms, and in 1844 or 1845 
be settled upon ninety-three acres in Novi Town- 
ship. About ten acres of this land was roughly 
cleared, and there was a small house there. He built 
a larger bouse and barn and cleared off all the tim- 
ber, also buying and clearing fifty-four acres in 
addition. He now has one hundred and fifty acres 
of good land in an excellent state of cultivation. 
He is an exceedingly prosperous man, and pays as 
large a tax as any one here. He is a Rei)ublican in 
politics and keeps himself well informed on polit- 
ical issues. He has served on the Subool Board and 
has been Road Overseer. He rents his farm to his 
nephew and makes his home with his brother John, 
who married Nancy Reynolds and who has three 
children. His parents both lie buried in the 
Walled Lake Cemetery. The old original home- 
stead is still in the family. He is a citizen who is 
universally esteemed by bis neighbors for his ex- 
cellent character, upright life and success in busi- 
ness. 

-^^ ■ »■ -1^ 'f ■ =^^r- 




;ILLIAM H. BENEDICT, one of the prom- 
i\]ent fruit raisers of Bloomfield Township, 
^ is a native of Saralog.i Springs, N. Y., 
where he first saw the light January 15, 1840. He 
is a son of Eri and Delia E. (Darrow) Benedict, 
who were born in New York State and were mar- 
ried in Saratoga Springs. It was about 1843 
when they removed to Michigan and located in 
Detroit, where be followed the business of a car- 
penter and contractor. He remained there about 
ten years and then removed to Birmingham and 
turned his attention to farming. Both he and bl.s 
good wife died in the village of Birmingham. He 
was a man of large means at one time but was 
ruined financially by going security for others. He 
was a Whig, and later a Republican, but was not 
active in politics. He believed earnestly in the 
necessity for churches and religious services yet 
never connected himself with any denomination. 
His seven children were Amelia, Hannah M., 
Charles, John, Ann, Lois and William II. The 
two eldest and Ann are deceased. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in Detroit 



410 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and attended the public schools there nntil he was 
about thirteen years old, when he came to Birm- 
ingliam, this county, with his parents and spent tlie 
remainder of his youth upon a farm. He remained 
with his father until he was twenty-five years of 
age and in 1870 tooli charge of the farm which he 
now owns, a tract of one hundred acres. He has 
done all the improving on this farm and has put 
up a fine two-story frame residence and extensive 
barns. He started in life poor, as his parents were 
in moderate circumstances, and he has gained all 
tliat he now possesses by unflagging industry. He 
has made farming his life occupation and is giving a 
great deal of attention to fruits, raalcinga specialty 
of peaches, apples and grapes. His political con- 
victions are with the Republican partj'. 

The lady who is now Mrs. Benedict was Miss 
Georgie Barnum of Birmingham, where she was 
born June 25, 1850. Slie was a daughter of Hor- 
ace and Mary (McCarty) Barnum, wtio were na- 
tives of Lenox, ]\Iadison County, N . Y. Tiiey 
were early pioHcers in Birmingliara and there ended 
tlieir days. One child only has blessed the home 
of our subject and his wife, namel}': Mary E., 
a little one of six and one-lialf years. 



*^^ 



1 «=^ " 




(ALTER KNOX, a prominent citizen of In- 
dependence Township, is the son of Walter 
and Jane (Todd) Knox. He was born in 
Independence Townsliip March 26, 1842, and was 
reared on a farm where he lived with his fallicr 
until 1861. Wlicn nineteen years of age he ro 
sponded to the call of "Father Abraham" for sev 
enty-five thousaud men and enlisted in the army, 
being one of the three first men to enlist from In 
dependence Township. But when the company 
was formed it was found that a sufficient number 
had already been mustered in to fill the requisition. 
But this youth was determined to enter the service, 
and joined Company F, Fifth Michigan Infantry, 
and was mustered into the United States service at 
Ft. AVayne, for the term of three years or doing 
the war. This was on the 28th of August, 1861, 
and the regiment was assigned to the Army of the 



Potomac. It was attached to the Third Army 
Corps and reached its place of rendezvous Septem- 
ber 13, 1861. 

The first general engagement in which our young 
hero took part was the battle of Williamsburg, 
Va.., May 5, 1862. He was wounded in the left 
arm and breast bj' a musket ball. The loss of his 
regiment in this engagement was eighty-three killed 
wounded and missing. After being in the hospital 
at Fortress Monroe for three weeks he was detailed 
for recruiting services, in company with Capt. 
Lafever, and sent to Michigan. There he remained 
until September 10, 1862, when he rejoined his reg- 
iment. On account of meritorious conduct he was 
promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and 
had command of his company through the Freder- 
icksburg campaign. He also participated in the 
Chancellorsville fight in May, 1863. After Gen. 
Robert E. Lee crossed tlie Potomac and invaded 
Maryland and Pennsylvania, his regiment again 
joined in the march to Oettjsburg, Pa. The regi- 
ment arrived on the field at 2 o'clock P. M. on 
July 2, 1863, and went directly into the engage- 
ment at 4 P. M. after marching ten miles in three 
hours. They lost in this charge one hundred and 
five men. Acting Capt. Knox had charge of a de- 
tail of one hundred men, who had in charge an am- 
unition train during the battle. 

After Lee's retreat South, the regiment was 
called to New York City to suppress the famous 
riots there, which had risen on account of the draft. 
After peace was restored in that city they again 
joined the arm3' of the Potomac where our hero 
participated in all the engagements of the Wilder- 
derness. He was again wounded at North Anna 
and after this he was detailed on tlie staflf of Gen. 
Byron R. Pierce with rank of First Lieutenant, 
where he served until October 18, 1864. His horse 
was shot from under him the last day he was in the 
service. 

August 11, 1864, was the wedding day of Lieut. 
Knox. Ho was then united to Alice B.acon, who 
died in December, 1872, leaving two children to 
mourn her loss. Her daughter Emily, born July 
24, 1866, is now ]Mrs. Benjamin F. Scott, and lives 
at Grass Lake, Mich. The son, Herbert, born June 
11, 1869, still resides at home. On December 16, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



411 



1873, Lieut. Knox was happily married to liis pres- 
ent, wife whose maiden name was Maria Kennedy. 
Slie was born in Hamilton, Ontario, September 11, 
ISIS. Mrs. Knox is a member of the Episcopal 
Church. In politics Mr. Knox is a Republican. 
He is also a member of Fairbanks Post,No. 17, G. A. 
R. and resides one and one-half miles north-west of 
Clarkston where he has one hundred and fifty-eight 
acres oi fine land wliich he devotes to mixed farm- 




EV. CHARLES I. DEYO has been associ- 
ated with the religious life of this part of 
Z*i\\\ the State for many years. Beginning to 
preach before his majority and constantly' 
cultivating his natural powers of oratory, he has 
excelled in pulpit eloquence and is held in high 
esteem for both character and ability througlioul 
Southern Michigan. lie resides in Oxford. He 
was born in Parma, Monroe County, N. Y., July 
10, 1839, and is a son of James B. and Kezia (Les- 
ter) Deyo, natives of Ulster County, N. Y. James 
B. was a mechanic in his earl^' life and a farmer 
later. The Deyo f.amily was originall}- from France, 
as the name indicates. The Lesters were of Puri- 
tan stock. 

James B. Deyo and family came to Michigan in 
1851 and located in Kalamazoo County on a farm. 
The last five years of his life he resided witli his 
son, our subject, in St. Joseph County, where he 
died January 29, 1884. His wife preceded him to 
the deathless land June 9, 1878. His son, Charles 
was educated in the public schools of Kalamazoo. 
Just before the opening of the war he entered tbo 
Baptist College at that city but was taken ill and as at 
the same time his "chum" enlisted he became quite 
unsettled in ids school plans ancl gave up further 
attendance at college. 

This young man commenced preaching before 
he had attained his majority, his first charge of 
tlirce years' duration being at Watson, Allegan 
Count}'. Only half of his time was necessarily 
taken atW»tson and he supplied various pulpits as 
he could. From Watson he went to Battle Creek 
Township, Calhoun County, where he preached for 



the LeRoy Congregation. From there he went to 
Linville, Ogle Count3% 111., and remained in that 
State one year and tlieu returned there one year 
later after spending a year in Michigan. He lo- 
cated first at Belvidere then went to Naples, N. Y. 
In the fall of 1869 he located in Nashville, Barry 
County, where he had a charge for three 3'ear3 and 
built a home of worship. He then preached for three 
years in Jackson, and went back to Nashville for 
another term of three years. From there he went to 
Mendpn, St. Joseph Countj', where he preached for 
five years. 

Mr. Dej^o was appointed Chaplain of the House 
of Correction at Ionia in Marcli, 1883, which posi- 
tion he filled for two years. In 1885 he came to 
Oxford and in 1887 he was elected to the State 
Senate on the Democratic ticket. During his at- 
tendance upon his duties as Senator he filled his 
pulpit every Sundjy. He has always taken .i great 
interest in politics, having been a speaker for his 
party through different campaigns. 

Our subject was united in marriage with Lillian 
L.Gardner, February 11, 1891. This lady is a 
daughter of C. W. and Louise Gardner, of Lawton, 
Mich. Mr. Deyo is a member of the Free and 
Accepted Masons, both Chapter and Commandery. 
He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias, 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights 
of the Maccabees. He has since 1 860 been identi- 
fied with the Christian Church, in which he was 
ordained as a preacher April 13, 1862. He has un- 
usual power as an orator. By many he is claimed 
to be the orator of this part of the State. He is a 
fluent speaker, is possessed of an excellent voice 
and holds large audiences charmed by his sermons. 
He is a very pofjular preacher. 



!^F BRAM REED. The agricultural interests 
@^J| j of this county have been made of practical 

ill 111 value to many men who are operating 
^^ farms of greater or less extent and enjoy- 

ing the independence and home comfort that can 
be secured in rural districts if one so desires. 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Among this number is Mr. Reed who is carrying 
on his labors in Oxford Township. An enterpris- 
ing farmer and upright man, be has alwajs lived 
on what is familiarly known as the old Reed home- 
stead. It oomprises three hundred and sixtj- acres 
of fine land and is pleasantlj- located on section G, 
By a life of industrv Mr. Reed has won not onl^' 
worldly gain but that which is better, the esteem 
and confidence of tlie entire community where his 
life has been passed. 

Tlie grandfather of our subject, Nathaniel Reed, 
was l)orn in New Jersc}', where he passed his entire 
life and died st a good old age. Among his chil- 
dren was Benjamin who was born in Sussex County, 
and there lived many years. In 1836 he came to 
this State which was then in the primitive condi- 
tion of nature, with few inhabitants beside the 
wandering Indians. Mr. Reed located on the land 
which he entered from the Government and imme- 
diately built a log house where a few months later, 
December 25, 1836, the eyes of Abram Reed first 
opened to the light. Ills early recollections are of 
the scenes of pioneer life; the deer and wild game 
tliat were often seen and not infrequently- furn- 
islied a valuable addition to the larder; the pathless 
forest which showed no sign of its present fruitful 
condition, and the old log cabin long since replaced 
by an elegant residence. 

The father of our subject devoted his time to 
developing a farm from the forest and was re- 
niRri<ably successful in his undertaking, although 
he experienced ni.inj' hardships during the early 
j'ears of his residence here. He lired to see the 
covinfj' take rank as one of the best in the Stale 
and could justly- feel that he was connected with 
its high development. lu 1888 his death occurred 
when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years. 
He enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of ac- 
quaintances and wherever he went was universally 
esteemed. He was very prominent in local affairs 
and often served his township in various capacities. 

Our subject is the sixth of the eiglil children 
born to his jiarents, and all of his brothers and sis- 
ters are still living. His mother, whoso maiden 
name was Mar}- Coats, was born in New Jersey and 
died in 1872. Our subject received his elementarj' 
education in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse, 



but was able to attend but little after he was largo 
enough to aid in farm work. In 1883 he brought 
to his home a bride, whose loving co-operation has 
proved of inestimable assistance to Mr. Reed in 
the years that have followed. Mrs. Reed bore tlie 
maiden name of ^Minnie Winkley and was born in 
1858 in Flint, Mich. The three children who have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed are named Blanche, 
William and Mary C. Mr. Reed is a true type ot 
the intelligent Democrats of the county and uses 
his influence for the benefit of his party. His hon- 
orable life has brought to him tlie confidence of 
his fellow men who are assureil of his reliability 
and good citizenship. 



'I ^^ENRY MKAD. Among the men who have 

l] prospered in worldly affairs so that they 




are able in their declining j-ears to retire 
from active life, secure in the thought that 
they have a competence sufficient to supply their 
wants, is Henry Mead, who has for some time past 
been living in Pontiac. He was formerly engaged 
in farming and still owns outlying property, but 
since 1874 he has lived in the city and contented 
iiimsclf with looking after his financial interests, 
while relieved from undue exertion. He occupies 
a pleasant residence on North Perry Street, in a 
good location, where he is supplied with all of the 
comforts heart could wish and whence he is alile 
to attend such gatherings as he desires. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Kzra 
Mead, of Vermont, who was of English descent, 
and his maternal grandfather was Moses Cole, a 
native of New York. Michael Mead was born in /'^ 
Rutland County, Vt., in 1770, and Abigail Cole 
opened her e^'cs to the light in Saratoga County, 
N. Y. in 1785. The marriage of this couple was 
solemnized in Seneca County- and they settled on 
a farm there. Mr. Me.ad died March 4, 1834, and 
Mrs. Mead April 26, 1853. They reared a family 
of six children, named respective!}-, Ezra, Philinda, 
Lewis, Fanny, Henry and Stephen, but only Henry 
and Stephen are now living. 

The birth of Henry Mead occurred in Seneca 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



413 



Count}', N. Y., Ma3' 28, 1811, and he spent his 
boyhoofl in Romulus Township, attending school 
during the winter months and worlcing on the farm 
in the summer. He remained with his parents 
until he iiad attained to his majority, and the en- 
suing fall came to this State. He was accompanied 
by a bride of a few days — Miss Maria Rettan, 
daughter of .Julin Rettan. The young couple took 
up their abode in Waterford Township, this county, 
and opened up a new farm of two hundred acres. 
Good buildings werecrected on the tract, the num- 
ber being added to from time to time as the cleared 
land grew in extent and more storage room was 
necessary. Mr. Mead bought three hundred and 
sixty acres more and after a few years made another 
purcliasp of one hundred and twenty acres. Ho 
carrieil on general farming and raised sheep and 
cattle until 1874, when he traded one hundred and 
.sixty acres of his land for city property and moved 
into I'onliac. 

Tiie bride of Mr. Mead's early manhood died in 
June, 18.37, leaving one son, Delos, who is now a 
resident of Tuscola, Mich. In September, 1838, 
Mr. Mead maile a second marriage, wedding Eunice 
C. Wilson, a native of Saratoga Countj-, N. Y., 
who w.ns at tliat time living in Niagara County. 
Her father was Alexander Wilson. This union re- 
sulted in the birth of five children, but only one 
survives to this writing. This is Linda, wife of 
Ebb Voorheis, whose home is in Pontiac and 
whose famil}' consists of six children. The mother 
of the sons and daughters above mentioned was a 
devoted member of the Prosb)"teri!in Church and 
was connected with that religious body forty 
years. Siie breathed her last November 1, 1890, 
after a wedded life of fifty-two j^ears. 

Mr. Mead is pnlitically a stanch Democrat and 
the list of Presidential candidates for whom lie has 
voted was headed b}' the name of Gen. Jackson 
and closes with that of (!rover Cleveland. He lias 
been a member of the Presbyterian Church for for- 
ty-five years and has served as Deacon for a long 
time. In 1806, while living on the farm, he met 
with a serious accident. He had placed a ladder 
on a wagon and was standing on the rounds, pitch- 
ing shocks to a party who was topping out a stack 
when the ladder slipped and be was thrown vio- 



lently to the ground, breaking both legs. He was 
kept in bed sixty-fire days, during which time he 
suffered a good deal, besides being punished by the 
confinement to the house. 



J. HAMMOND, of Pontiac, was born in 
Oakland Township, January lo, 1841, being 
one of the five surviving children of the 
seven born to David and Eleanor (Voorhies) Ham- 
mond. Tiie mother was born in New Hampshire 
in 1804, and died in 1863. The father was a New 
Yorker, born near Auburn in 1796 and departed 
tliis life July 10, 1884, in his eigiity-seventh year. 
He was the son of David Hammond, a New En- 
glander of Englisii extraction. 

In 1825 David Hammond came to Oakland 
County and took up land, and two years later 
moved his family to the West. He took up one 
hundred and sixty acres and cleared up eighty of 
it, and he and his sons put up buildings and car- 
ried on general farming until 1866, when he re- 
tired from farming and moved to Flint where he 
ended his days. His children are named as follows: 
Sarah C, Mrs. Amasa Morse, now a widow; Newton 
and Newman, twins; the former lives in Flint and 
the latter is deceased ; Susan A., now the widow of 
Alfred Howell ; Oscar, deceased ; Judson D., our sub- 
ject, and Irving J., a farmer near Flint. 

Our subject spent his boyhood days on the farm 
and in the district school, starting out for himself 
at nineteen years of age. He spent two years at 
Walled Lake and four years at Rochester. Selling 
out his effects he enlisted in the service of his coun- 
try in Company K, Twentj'-seeond Michigan In- 
fantry, Col. Moses Wisner, commanding. Later 
he was transferred to the Twenty-ninth Michigan 
which w.as assigned to the Army of the Cumber- 
land. He enlisted early in the spilug of 1865, and 
was discharged the following fall. 

Mr. Hammond then returned to Oakland County 
and bought a farm in Oakland Township, the old 
homestead of his father, comprising ninety-eight 
acres. Here he carried on general farming for five 
years, when he sold the farm, and moving to Pon- 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiac, engaged in the produce business with James 
O. Hilton, under tbe firm name of Hammond & 
Hilton. Tins business connection continued for 
eight years when lie bought out his partner's inter- 
est and finally sold out to Peter Perr3'. Since then 
he has retired from active life and is looking after 
his varied interests. ■ 

Mr. Hammond was united in marriage in Octo- 
ber 17, 1806, with Miss Josephine N. Harper, of 
Oakland County', a daughter of Mason D. and 
Nancy (Hopkins) Harper. Mr. and Mrs. Ham- 
mond have two sons : Ward and Frank. The for- 
mer is in a mercantile establishment of this city, 
and the latter is still in school. Our subject is a 
member of the Oakland County Lo<lge No. 183, L 
O. 0. F., and of the Dick Richardson Post No. 147 
G. A. R., in which he h.is held several offices. He 
has s<;rvcd as Alderman for the Third Ward. He 
is one of the stockholders and directois in the Sec- 
ond National- ]}ank and helped to organize the 
Pontiac National Bank in which he is a stock- 
holder and director. He was elected a member of 
the Water Works Commission and was Clerk of 
that board. For the past fourteen years he has 
served as Trustee of the Baptist Church and is one 
of the Directors of the local board of the Capital 
Investment Building and Loan Association of Lans- 
ing. Mich. The confidence in which he is held by 
the community has been proven by his being ap- 
pointed administrator of several large estates. He 
settled the same satisfactorily' to all parties con- 
cerned. Mr. Hammond began his career with lim- 
ited means and by industry and good judgment he 
has accumulated a handsome property. His resi- 
dence is at 148 Perry Street. 



-5-^*=^«$4^-^ 




BRAM W. LINDERMAN. A history of 
the development of Waterford Townshii) 
Ij 14 would be incomplete without notice of 
this gentleman and what he has accom- 
plished in connection vrith its immense agricultural 
interests. He has taken a leading part in improv- 
ing this section of the country and is today one of 
its most influential citizens. Its gives us ])leasurc 



to place on these pages a record of the life of this 
worthy farmer and pioneer, who is respected for 
the persistent industry, good citizenship and up- 
rightness which characterize his life. 

In Tompkins County, N. Y., Mr. Lindermau was 
born March 1, 1817. His father, John Linderman, 
a native of Orange County, N. Y., was married in 
1814 to Martha Wood, and for some time after- 
ward operated as a miller and carpenter. In 1841, 
during the pioneer d.iys of this countj', lie came 
thither and located in Waterford Township. The 
farm which he purchased was partly improved, and 
the work which had been begun he carried forward 
nobly until his estate was considered one of the 
best in the vicinity. While thus' employed, he en- 
gaged at his trades, and was also prominent in the 
public affairs of the township. His life was a busy 
.ind useful one and his death was mourned by all 
who knew him. As a citizen he was interested in 
every means of advancement and all movements to 
increase the true prosperity of the county. 

Upon attaining j-ears of maturity our subject 
cliose as his wife Miss Rebecca, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Elizabeth Green, natives of New York. 
Mr. Green and his good wife came to Michigan in 
1841 and bought a tract of Government land in 
Holly Township. From this wild land they evolved 
a pleasant homestead, where their children grew to 
manhood and womanhood, and whence they went 
forth to homes of their own. They had fourteen 
children, all of whom attained t0 3'earsof maturity 
and all married. The two youngest sons are now 
deceased; the remaining children reside in Michi- 
gan with the exception of the oldest son, who is a 
resident of New Jerse}'. 

As soon as he was in a position to purchase a 
farm for himself Mr. Linderman bought two hun- 
dred acres of land and mill property on section 2, 
Waterford Township, and there he engaged for 
several years in milling. We next find him in 
Orion Townsbi]), where he purchased two hundred 
acres of land and resided twelve )-ears. These 
years were busily- devoted to the imjirovement of 
the estate, and at the expiration of the time he was 
»bie to sell at a fair advance. His next purchase 
was a farm at Drayton Plains, where he kept a store 
for one and one-half years. In 1867 he bought 







6(1/./- ^ '^ ^^ffiMiJyjL^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUJI. 



417 



the farm and mill property where he now lives. 
This properly cost ^11,000 and was bought in 
partnership with James Rilter. In 1880 the land 
was divided Ijetwecn tlie partners, our subject tak- 
ing the portion on section 2, while Mr. Riker liei)t 
the mill and the I.'ind on section 11. 

Mv. Lindernian and his estimable wife have 
never had any chihlren of liieir own, but the}' have 
taken into their home and reared to maturity three 
children, for whom they have done as much as 
though they were their own. Two are now 
married and ver}' pleasantly situated. Mr. Linder- 
nian has taken very little part in politics, prefer- 
ring the quiet of his homo to the cares of public 
life ; however, he uniforml}' casts his ballot for 
the candidates of the Rei)ublican party. He was 
formerly a member of the Methodist Church, but 
is now a communicant in tlie Presbyterian Cliurch. 
He is financially independent, having besides his fine 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Waterford 
Township, twenty-eight acres of timber in Pontiac 
Township. His home estate is embellished with a 
splendid set of farm buildings, sufficiently commo- 
dious to fulfill the purposes for which the}' were 
erected. Under their hospitable roof good cheer 
abounds and the affable manners of the host and 
the gracious courtesy of his wife combine to en- 
hance the charms of a visit there. 




i^ILLIAM A. WEATHKRHEAD. Much 
as one may regret the shortening of the 
happy days of boyhood by the necessity of 
assuming cares and responsibilities beyond their 
years, it is nevertheless true that sucli a state of 
affairs often develops a stronger character than 
would otherwise be the case. This truth is exeni- 
[ilified in the life of the late Capt. Weatherhcad, 
whose portrait is shown on the opposite [jage. lie 
was left fatherless when about eight years old, and 
ere long shouldered a burden which is not generally 
assumed by one so young, and as he grew toward 
manhood he took the lead in improving and man- 
aging the farm and aiding his mother iu the care 



of her family. His self reliance was developed and 
his mind disciplined so that in after life he held a 
prominent place as a man of business affairs, a 
brave soldier and gallant ollicer, and an influential 
citizen. For a score of years he resided in South 
Lyon or the vicinity, and as the owner and opera- 
tor of a merciiant and custom mill his name became 
familiar throughout this section, and his character 
brought him many friends. 

Mr. Wcatlierhead was the first white male child 
born in Cambridge Township, Lenawee County, 
where he opened his eyes to the light, July 11, 
1834. He was the eldest son in a family of six 
children, and his parents were Anthony and Lydia 
(Smith) Weatherliead. The father was born in En- 
gland, and met the lady who became his wife, on 
shipboard, when emigrating to America. He came 
direct to Lenawee County and bought one hundred 
and sixty acres of land on which he S[)pnt a number 
of years, passing through the struggles and experi- 
ences which belong to all pioneer history. After 
his death his son William gave his toil and care to 
others, and after becoming of age started out to 
lind a place for himself. He found employment in 
a flouring-mill and after having learned the busi- 
ness located in Tecumseh and ran a gristmill there 
several years. There he was married to Justiua 
Deuel, who bravel}' shared his joj-s and sorrows, 
and endured the anxiety' consequent u[)on his ab- 
sence in scenes of danger during the Civil War. 
The marriage took place in the spring of 1861, 
about a month before the firing upon Ft. Sumter. 

For a time Mr. Weatherhead remained at home 
on account of home duties, but when a further call 
for trooi)S was made, in 18G2, he felt that he must 
sacrifice other interests for the sake of his country. 
Already one brother was in the South, fighting for 
the old Hag, and he enlisted July 27. His earnest 
work in enrolling others was rewarded by the com- 
mission of First Lieutenant of Company E, Eight- 
eenth Michigan Infantry, and in August the regi- 
ment was mustered into service. It was sent to 
Lexington, K3'., and remained there until Feb- 
ruary, 1863, during which month our subject was 
promoted to the captaincy of Company D, of the 
same regiment. The regiment was sent to Decatur, 
Ala., after having done service about Nashville, 



418 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and was employed in scouting over the adjacent 
country. 

While on an expedition Capt. Wentherliead and 
his men were captured and imprisoned for two 
months. The exposure and privation of tliat per- 
iod probably laid the foundation for the disease 
which resulted in the death of the Captain, although 
his demise did not take place for some j'ears. Wiien 
the garrison at Athens surrendered, it was stipu- 
lated that the^- should be paroled, and by a happ}- 
mistake the names of Capt. "Weatherhead and his 
companions were sent in with those of the garrison. 
They were Iheiefore paroled November 14, 186-t, 
and resumed their places among their comrades. A 
few months later the war was brought to a close, 
and in June, 1865, Capt. Weatherhead was mustered 
out and honorabli' discharged. 

Restored to home and friends, Capt. Weather- 
head looked around for a location for business, and 
within a year was established at Green Oak, where 
he carried on a mill some 3ears. He then removed 
to South Lyon and put up the first gristmill in the 
town. He there became known as a wide-awake 
business man, straightforward in his dealings, and 
public-spirited and enterprising, readv to push for- 
ward anj' project that promised to be for the gen- 
eral welfare. He was interested in sihools and 
churches, and in his later years carried out the prin- 
ciple that had animated his j'outh — that of living 
not for himself alone, but for others. He died of 
consumption, April 21, 1889, and his funeral was 
conducted by Stansel Post, G. A. R., of which he 
was a member. It was attended by as large a num- 
ber as ever gathered on a similar occasion in the 
village, and the text from which the officiating 
minister spoke, was the aiipropriate passage, -'For 
none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to 
himself." 

Capt. Weatherhead w,as an uncompromising Re- 
publican, always laboring for the good of the party. 
He did more than any one individual in securing 
the riglit of wa)' and giving other encouragement 
to the railroad in this place. He gave the right of 
way through his mill property to the Grand Trunk 
Railroad. At all times he was found in the front 
rank to encourage any project for the general good 
of the community, giving to all such both his time 



and substantial aid. He was not of those who 
"hide their light under a bushel," and in the selfish 
striving for s^iu forget their dut\' to others, but 
was ever kind and thoughtful in his relations to all 
about him, and no one was readier to extend sym- 
pathy to those in distress than he. 

Mrs. Weatherhead was born in Dutchess County, 
N. Y., January- 31, 1840, and is a daughter of 
Timothy and Harriet A. (Boardman) Deuel, who 
came from Dutchess Countj', N. Y., to Lenawee 
County, this Slate, about 1842. One of her broth- 
ers was killed at the battle of the Wilderness and 
the other is now living in Tecumseh. Her happy 
union with our subject was blessed by the birth of 
four daughters and two sons, all living except Julia 
Estella, who died November 24, 1889; Lilly A., 
the eldest, is the wife of Maurice Bristol, of Grand 
Rapids, and has one child; Charles L. lives in 
South Lyon; Edwin M. is at work in a printing 
office in Marlette; Audellaand Edith are with their 
mother. Mrs. Weatherhead occupies a beautiful 
home which was built b)' her husband in 1882. !^he 
and her daughters move in the best society, and 
the j'oung ladies are very agreeable, intelligent and 
refined. 



•^^' 




j^ ARWIN B. HORTON, the proprietor of 
the Ilorton hotel at Davisburg, and the 
father of a notable family, was born in 
Wayne County, N. 1'., in tiie town of Pal- 
myra in 1826. His father was Caleb, a native of 
Orange County, N. Y., and his grandfather, Barna- 
bas, was a farmer and a native of England, from 
which he emigrated and became a pioneer of Wayne 
County, N. Y., before the Erie Canal was built. He 
lived to an extreme old age. 

The father of our subject journej'ed from Wayne 
County, N. Y., where he had lived from early 
boyhood, to Michigan in 1835. He came in the 
good old way b\- canal boat to Buffalo, by lake 
boat to Detroit, and then taking team to the new 
home. He bought one hundred and sixty acres in 
Waterford where there were already some slight 
improvements and a log house. He had come out 
in the fall of 1834 prospecting and then returned 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



419 



and on June 3, of the following jear arrived at 
Wiiterford Township, with his wife and eight chil- 
dren, lie died Ma}' 11, 1859, aged sixty-four 
years, and liis faithful wife survived him until Sep- 
tember 3, 1865, having completed her span of 
three-score 3'ears and ten. Nine children had been 
born to her. Caleb llorton was considered as one 
of the old landmarks of Oakland County, having 
served as Justice of the Peace for many years. His 
wife's maiden name was Jane VauBlaracura. 

Darwin B. Horton made his journey West when 
in his ninth year and cherishes vivid recollections 
of the journey. A log schoolhouse was soon 
built uear his father's farm in Waterford and here 
the boy attended school. The rate bill system was 
then in use. The schoolhouse had slab benches 
with i)ia legs and a writing desk fastened to the 
wall around the room. When he was nineteen 
3ears old he returned to Palmyra, N. Y., for a 
year's schooling. 

Our subject began life for himself at marriage, 
January' 25, 1850. Ilis bride was Sarah C. Springer, 
who was born in Wayne Count}', N. Y. in 1833. 
He bought eighty acres of land in this township, 
and farmed it for nine years. He then traded it 
for proi)erty in Davisburg, and began keeping hotel 
in 1859, which business he has pursued from that 
day to this. He occupied his original hotel prop- 
erty for (en 3'ears and then built the present four- 
story hotel whicli he has operated since 1869. Aside 
from his hotel property he owns twenty lots and 
three buildings in Davisburg, and keeps a hotel 
barn besides a horse and carriage for his own use. 
One of his five children has been called aw.iy from 
earth — Elmer K., who died when tliirt3'-nine years 
old leaving a wife and six children, who liveti in 
Detroit. He had been messenger for the American 
Express Company on the Michigan Central Rail- 
road between Detroit and Chicago for fifteen ^'cars, 
Cassie married Homer TerBush, who is the barber 
in Hodge's hotel in Poutiae; they have three chil- 
dren. Frank married Lena Linabury; he is Sup- 
erintendent of train dispatchers on the Rock Island 
Road at Davenport, lown. The}' have two chil- 
dren. Cora married John McCibin, and lives in 
Detroit; he has been in the drug store of T. J. 
Hinchman ife Sons for twelve years as Superintend- 



ent of the drug department. Myrta C. is still at 
home. Our subject has thirteen grandchildren of 
whom he is suitably proud and fond. His wife is 
an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist 
Church, as is also the daughter Myrta. 

Mr. Horton is a Democrat in his political views, 
and socially he belongs to various orders, being a 
member of the JNInsonic order, Austin Lodge, No. 
48, and also of the Chapter Lodge No. 44, at Pon- 
tiac. In the early days he was a good huntsman 
and shot quantitios of game. Deer, bears and 
wolves crossed his farm. He helped to kill one 
bear in Waterford. There is only one settler here 
now who was here before he came. 




RS. DUANP: COGSDILL, a resident of 
Novi Township, bore the maiden name of 
Mary C. Tibbits. She is a daughter of 
George and Therina (Hyde) Tibbits, both 
natives of Wayne County, N. Y., where Mr. Tib- 
bits was born in 1802 and his wife in 1804. The 
maternal grandfather, Dr. Hyde, of HydesviUe, N. 
Y., was a very prominent and wealthy man of that 
region. The parents of Mrs. Cogsdill were mar- 
ried in that State in 1822, and after a two-year's 
residence there the}' came to Michigan in 1824 
and made their home on one hundred and sixty 
acres of unbroken land in Farmington Township, 
having the patent to Ihe tract signed by President 
James Monroe. After paying for his land he had 
enough money left to buy a yoke of oxen and a 
horse. 

This pioneer couple worked hand in hand to clear 
their land and built their home and although Mrs. 
Hyde had been reared in luxury by her father, she 
helped saw the shakes for the roof of the log house. 
She was a graduate of Brandon College and her 
husband was also a college graduate. Both had 
taught school in the East and Mr. Tibbits taught 
the first school that was organized in Farmington 
Township under his own roof. He cleared uji his 
farm and after awhile substituted a large frame 
house for a log shanty. He also built the first saw- 
mill, which is now known as the Delling mill in 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



which he lost considerable property. Mr. Tibbits 
built the first large frame barii in 1830 that was 
built in Farmington Township at the raising of 
which he would not furnisii whiske3^ Some of the 
intn stole away and got a jug of whiskey and hid it 
out unknown to Mr. Tibbits who heard nothing of 
it until sometime after. lie never sold a bushel of 
grain that was used for the jjurpose of making 
whiskey or other intoxicating drinks. So strong 
were his temperance views that he did all in his 
power to prevent the manufacturing and sale of 
all intoxicating beverages. 

Mr. Tibbits died in the year 1856 and liis wife 
afterward married the Rev. Nehemiah Lamb, and 
both are now deceased. There were born eleven 
children to Mrs. (Hyde) Tibbits by her first mar- 
riage, eight of whom are now living and all reached 
years of maturity and are married. The surviving 
are named: Mrs. Volney Babcock, Mrs. Dr. Hunt- 
ington, Mrs. Jasper Packard, Mrs. Cogsdill, Mrs. 
Linda Tuttle, Mrs. Col. George Halloway, George 
Tibbits and A. J. Tibl)it3. The parents of this 
family were stanch members of the Baptist Churcb 
and the father was Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school for a number of years. He also organized 
a Sunday-school in his home district of which be 
was the Superintendent. His children have taken 
an active part in Sunday-school work. He was a 
Whig and later a Republican, and for awhile School 
Inspector. He was strictly temperate in every par- 
ticular. 

Mrs. Cogsdill was bora March 23, 1831, on the 
old homestead. She attended the Michigan Cen- 
tral College and also Hillsdale College. She after- 
ward taught eight terms of school in this county. 
Her marriage with Duane Cogsdill took place in 
1853. This gentleman was a sou of Clarke Cogs- 
dill, a native of Wayne County, N. Y., where he 
was born in 1807. His wife, Sophia Cornell, was 
born in the same county in 1814. There they were 
married and resided until they came is Michigan 
in 1826, when they settled on section 12, Farming- 
ton Township, where tiiey made a home and reared 
their family. He died in 1860 and she passed away 
in 1880. Of their five children one only now sur- 
vives. Mr. Cogsdill was a man of wealth and much 
respected in his community, serving for years as a 



Justice of the Peace and being at one time highly 
favored as a candidate for the Legislature. 

JMr. Duane Cogsdill was born August 8, 1832, 
on the old homestead. After taking what educa- 
tion he could in the district schools lie attended 
college for one year in New York State. After 
marriage the young couple settled on eighty acies 
of improve I land in Farraington Township. After 
a residence there of eight years they sold their 
property and removed to Detroit where he kept the 
Franklin House, the first temperance hotel in that 
city. This house they carried on for ten years and 
then removed to NoTi Township and bought the 
farm of eighty acres and a small house. He added 
to the farm, making it ninety scwea acres and built 
the residence where his widow now resides at a 
cost of ^2,000. llis death occurred March 29, 
1891. 

One child only w.as sent to this worthy couple, 
A. V. L. Cogsdill who now resides in Cooper Town- 
ship, Woodbury County, Iowa. He married Clara 
Howe and by her has had five children. Mr. and 
Mrs. Cogsdill were both members of the Grange in 
which he was an ofBcer and wiiere he took an active 
part. She was Chaplain in this organization for 
four years. He was a Director in the school dis- 
trict. In his early daj's he was a Democrat and 
later a Prohibitionist. They were both Good 
Templars and charter members of that lodge at 
both FarmingtoB and Novi Township. Mrs. Cogs- 
dill has two sisters, Mrs. Babcock and Mrs. Dr. 
Huntington who are twins, and who were among 
the first white children to be born in Farmington 
Township, where they first saw the light in 1824. 



EDAVIN P. 
this count 
farms, th( 



DAVIN P. FLOWER. In traveling over 
ity one sees manj' finely-improved 
the appearance of which betokens 
more than ordinary energy and good judgment on 
the part of those who own and operate tiiem. In 
tracing the history of the fortunate possessors of 
such lands we find man}' an one that is worthy of 
consideration and affords lessons of industry, fru- 
gality and uprightness, deserving the emulation of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



421 



others. There are features in the career of the 
gentleman above named that stamp him as one 
deserring of representation in such a volume as 
this and his friends will be pleased to read an ac- 
count of his life. He owns a landed estate of goodU- 
size and occupies a beautiful home on section 1, 
Highland Township. 

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Flower was 
born in Vermont and removed to New York in an 
early day. Theie his first wife died and he was 
killed in an accident, while raising a barn on his 
own property. He had married a second wife and 
she in later years contracted a second marriage 
and came to Macomb County, this Stale, where she 
breathed her last. The first marriage of Grand- 
father Flower was blest by the birth of a son, Alan- 
son, father of our subject; and the second by the 
birth of two sons and one daughter. Alanson 
Flower was born in Warsaw, Geneva Count}', N. 
Y., April 22, 1810, and when ayoung man came to 
Macomb Count}', this State. He bought two hun- 
dred acres of Government land in Lennox Town- 
shi[i and there spent the remainder of his life. He 
was engaged in farming from his youth, but also 
followed the profession of teaching for many years. 
He was mainly self-educated and bad gained his 
knowledge by reading by the light of an open 
fire. He was the first School Inspector elected in 
Lennox Township. He was a Republican from the 
organization of the party, and he and his wife be- 
longeii to the Baptist Church. 

Alanson Flower was married in New York to 
Angeline Collins, a native of Massachusetts, and 
to them there came two sons and two daughters — 
Lydia, Norman L., Edwin P. and Mary A. The 
first two are <leceased ; Mary is the wife of James 
Mitchell and lives in Shiawassee County, near New 
Loliirop. AVheu the parents of our subject came 
to Michigan they found their way to the new loca- 
tion by following blazed trees, that being the mark 
made by the Government to indicate the road to 
tiie township. Mr. Flower had visited Michigan a 
year or so prior and selected his land. For many 
years th(^ir nearest neighbors were Indians and they 
went to church with an ox-team for eighteen years. 
They endured all the hardships of pioneer life, but 
by their courage and cheerfulness brightened the 



gloomy days for themselves and others. Mr. 
Flower was always a student and an omniverous 
reader of all that came in his way. Mrs. Flower 
was a faithful worker in protracted meetings and 
through her influence in the public gatherings and 
in private life she brought many souls to Christ. 
She was loved by all who knew her. She died in 
February, 1889, in Highland Township, while liv- 
ing with her son, Edwin; she was then seventy 
eight years old. Mr. Flower died on the farm in 
Macomb County in 1876. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
October 4, 1842, in Macomb County, and lived on 
the homestead there until he was twenty-five years 
of age. He then married and for three years 
rented a farm on-shares. Tlie fourth year he [laid 
cash for the rental and then, having saved $2,000, 
he came to Highland Township, this county, and 
bougiit ninety acres. He made a cash payment of 
the amount he had saved, and gave a mortgage for 
$2,500. Before he had the land |)aid for he bar- 
gained for thirty acres more, and as soon as he was 
clear of debt bought an additional fifty-seven acres, 
incurring another indebtedness of ?>2,800. "Whtn 
this was nearly paid ui) he bongiit twenty-three 
acres and he now has two hundred acres, which 
fine tract is a monument to his good manrigement 
and thrift. The residence he occupies was built 
in 1884, and a large and substantial barn was put 
up in 1880. Mr. Flower carries on general farm- 
ing and breeds sheep and horses, the latter being 
mostly of tiie I'erclieron stock and the sheep Hamp- 
shires. 

Mr. Flower was married in liis native county to 
Betsey E., daughter of Elzra and Margaret Bates, 
who came to the State from New York at quite an 
early period in its settlement and established their 
home in Cliesterfield Township, Macomb County. 
Both belonged to the Free-Will Baptist Church and 
their home was an hotel for ministers, wiio were 
always cordially welcomed under its roof. Mr. 
Bases was engaged in farming during his entire 
active life. He cast a Republican ballot. He died 
in 1872 and his wife in 1885. When they came to 
this State tliey were accompanied by their respect- 
ive grandmothers and the aged ladies sjient the 
remnant of their days here. The family of Mr. and 



422 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mrs. Bates comprised four sons and four daugh- 
ters. Tlie union of Mr. and Mrs. Flower has been 
a childless one. 

Since 1883 Mr. Flower has been identified with 
the Prohibition part}-, but prior to that time he was 
a Republican. He has never aspired to office, but 
has preferred to lead the life of an independent 
farmer, and to discharge the duties which belong to 
every citizen, in a quiet manner. He and his wife 
belong to the Presbj'terian Church and be has been 
one of the Trustees of the society with which he 
is connected for more than fourteen years in suc- 
cession. He was converted at the age of sixteen 
j'ears, joining the Baptist Church, but wlien he 
came to Highlan<l Township he united with the 
Presbyterians. Mrs. Flower, who was also con- 
verted early in life, was also a Baptist until their 
removal hither. 

^ OOP , 



Vw/OSEPH V. HAG ADORN, of Highland 
Township, is a son of John L., whose father 
John Ilagadorn, was a native of Holland. 
He came to Rensselaer Count}', N. Y., in an 
early day and there reared his family. In that 
county the father of our subject was born, and 
when a young man he went to Steuben County, 
where he was marriea and resided until he came to 
Michigan in 1834. His wife was Dorcas, a daugh- 
ter of James Brown. To theai were born eight 
children: William, Stephen, George, John. Joseph, 
(our subject), Charles, Esther, and Hannah. These 
children were all born in Polka Township, Steuben 
County. 

When John L. Ilagadorn came to Michigan he 
settled in Green Oak two miles northwest of South 
L^'on in Livingston County. Here he lived and 
died, being sixty-five years of age at the time of 
his decease. His wife remained on the farm until 
her death which occurred at the age of seventy-two 
3'ears. Mr. Hagadorn took eight}- acres from the 
Government, upon which he put in the genuine 
hard work of a pioneer farmer. He was a poor 
man when he came to Michigan and by hard work 
he obtained a comfortable property. He was a 
Democrat in politics and he and his good wife were 



^ 



efficient and active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. There was no schoolhouse in 
Green Oak when Mr. Ilagadorn came to the town- 
ship. 

Joseph V. Ilagadorn was born January 6, 1827, 
in Steuben County, N. Y., and was seven years old 
when his parents brought him to Michigan. He 
remembers vividly the days when Indians and wild 
animals abounded and looks back with pleasure to 
his boyish enjoyment of venison and bear steaks. ■' 
He was once chased by wolves while he was taking ' 
care of his father's sheep. He and his brother 
caught a fawn which they kept as a pet for some 
time. When sixteen 3cart old he went to work by 
the month on a farm. He not only supported 
himself but helped his father. The first pair of 
boots he ever had he earned himself. His mother 
was ver}' energetic and industrious and she used to 
card and spin wool and make woolen and linen 
goods from which she made clothes for the family. 
She sold considerable linen thread of her own man- 
ufacture to merchants at Kensington. She was a 
small woman but a great worker. 

When our subject was of age he left home. Pre- 
vious to that time he had worked out bj- the month 
near home, except during two years, when he rented 
a farm of David Picket in Milford Township. In 
1848 he was married in Milford Township to Caro- 
line, daughter of Philip and Ilulda (Inman) John- 
son, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this 
book. The j'oung couple moved to Lj'on Town- 
ship and made their home on the farm now owned 
by Henr}- Smith, one hundred acres of which the 
young man had purchased. But their wedded 
happiness was of short duration for after six months 
the j'oung wife died. The new farm was now no 
longer attractive to the bereaved husband and he 
sold it and removed to a farm of eight}' acres in 
Green Oak Township. Here he lived for thirteen 
years after which he sold it and bought one hun- 
dred and sixty acres in another part of the town- 
ship. In 18G6 he came to Highlan<l Township 
where he still makes his home. His first farm in 
this township consisted of one hundred and twenty 
acres, and he now owns a small farm near Highland 
Station where he resides. 

His second marriage united him with Almira 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



423 



Loomis, with whom he lived for fourteen years, 
when she died leaving five children, of whom only 
one survives. His third wife, Sarah Reed, was the 
mother of three daughters, who are all now living. 
His fourth wife was Sabrina, daughter of Alonzo 
Lockwood, a resident of Highland Township. Her 
two children arc Maudie and Elsie. The son of 
the second marriage is Charles H. by name and 
the children of the third marriage are: Cora, Emma 
and Edith. Mr. Hagadorn is a Republican in his 
political sj'mpathies and is a conscientious voter 
but never aspired to office. His church connection 
is with the Free Will Baptist Church. Besides his 
small farm he h.as abundant means, the interest on 
which gives him an ample income. 



r—^-c*- 



-SS^- 



♦ j * " - 



M 



ESHACH G. NORRIS, a resident of Holly, 
Mich., and a dealer in fine stock, was born 
t ill August 19, 1824, in Stansted, Canada. 
* His parents are Meshack and Hannah 

(Young) Norris, natives of New Hampshire. They 
lived successively in Canada, Vermont and New 
York, and in 1834 in Trumbull County, Ohio, and 
finally reached Michigan in 1837 and settled in 
Holly Township. They were among the pioneers 
of this place. They finally took eighty acres of 
Government land in Rose Township where the}' 
built a good frame house which is still standing. 
They mailc substantial improvements and made it 
their permanent home. After the death of the 
father of our subject, which occurred in March, 
1864, the mother came to Holi}' and took up her 
residence there with her daugliter, Mrs. Carrie 
Walker, with whom she remained until her death 
in 1872. 

The grandfather of our subject was the Rev. 
Moses Norris, of Vermont, who was a Revolution- 
ary soldier. He was a Baptist clergyman. The 
maternal grandparents of our subject were Thomas 
and Tamma Ha3'3, natives of New Hampshire, who 
removed to Canada and there engaged in farming. 
On both sides of the house they were well-to do 
farmers 

The father of our subject had a family of seven 



children, four of whom are living, namely: our 
subject, Mrs. Elsena Ilollister, of Detroit; Mrs. 
Carrie Walker of Detroit; and William Y., of 
Minneapolis, Minn. When fifteen years of age 
young Mesliach left home and went to work for 
his uncle Ansen Beebe. After he remained there 
one year he went into the woods on Lake Huron 
and worked through the winter at a place called 
Point of Barks. In the spring he went to Lexing- 
ton and worked in the pine woods for Jacob Buell, 
where he served as foreman for three years. He 
then for one season went on the lakes boating from 
Buffalo to Ciiicago. The next twelve j'ears lie 
spent at wagon-making, learning the business and 
afterward carrj-ing it on. 

Mr. Norris now came to Holly and engaged in 
speculating. He purchased a lot on the corner of 
Maple and Saginaw Streets upon which he built an 
hotel and sold it. Later he purchased the same 
property aud kept it for two years. He has built 
four houses and two barns and has suffered consid- 
erably by fire, losing his hotel and two barns. He 
has a fine farm one mile east of town where for 
many years he has been buying and selling fine 
horses and speculating in lands. For a number of 
years he filled the oltice of Deputy Sheriff. 

The presiding genius of the home of Mr. Norris 
is his excellent wife, to wliom he was united in mar- 
riage June 14, 1848. She was Mary J. daughter of 
William and Lucy (Gilmau) Young, natives of New 
Hampshire and Vermont, respectively, who came to 
Oakland County in 1836 and took up Government 
land in Holly Township. They built a log house 
which is still standing. Mr. Young was thus one 
of the first pioneers of Oakland County. He died 
in Holly January 13, 1890. He had been bereaved 
of his wife December 28, 1869. They were the 
parents of eleven children, seven of whom grew to 
be men and women, but only four of them are now 
living. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Norris 
were Joshua and Tabitha Oilman, natives of Ver- 
mont. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
AVar. 

Mr. and Mrs. Norris have a family of two chil- 
dren, namely, Herbert M., one of the leading attor- 
neys in Detroit, and Alma A., Mrs. Wendell of 
Rose Township. An adopted daughter, Lydia 



424 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Brown, is now Mrs. Dunning. The Democratic 
party receives the votes of this gentleman. He is 
deeply interested in the prosperity' of the town and 
lias always promoted every effort to make it Vietter. 
The latch string of the Norris mansion always 
hangs out and no one is turned away hungry from 
their hospitable door. 



-^b^^— 



>>-^=»$-«- 



eLARK B. TURNER. Few men exert a 
greater influence over the people in any 
community than the editors, and none have 
belter opportunities to promulgate their views and 
S|ire.id information. It is generally conceded that 
the business of a newspaper man is one that re- 
quires pronounced ability and the man who suc- 
ceeds in this field is deserving of commendation. 
The gentleman whose name introduces these para- 
graps is one of the firm of Kimball <fe Turner, 
editors and proprietors of the Fontiac Gazptte. a 
well-conducted weekly which has a good circula- 
tion and reputation. Tiie paper is a nine-column 
folio, 28x44 inches, is neatly printed, carefully 
edited, and gives a weekly compendium of well- 
assorted news. Its editorial and local columns are 
filled with piliiy criticisms and items of interest to 
the communit}', and its influence in politics is on 
the side of Republicanism. In connection with the 
publication, Messrs. Kimliall &. Turner carry on a 
job-printing department, which is equipped as well 
as any in the county, and turns out a large quan- 
tity of excellent work. 

Mr. Turner became connected with the Gazelle 
in 1863, and he and his partner, Mr. Beardsley, 
found but an apology for an office, the establish- 
ment having been in the hands of non-professional 
printers and badly managed. They at once began 
to renovate the olfice and build up the business. 
They removed into new, clean quarters, added such 
material as was needed, and the improvements were 
continued until 1874, when tlie present proprietors 
added steam power to their facilities. The Guzetlc 
is now printed on a first-class Potter C3'linder press 
and its mechanical appearance is in keeping with 



the worth of its printed matter. Its advertising 
columns are well filled and displayed, and the cir- 
culation is nearly twenty-three hundred copies — 
the largest in the congressional district. Mr. Kim- 
ball has been particularly efficient in the political 
department of the paper and his work in behalf of 
the Republican cause has been acknowledged by 
his appointment several j'ears since to the Post- 
mastership at Pontiac, and more recently as Gov- 
ernment Appraiser for the port of Detroit. A high 
moral tone is shown throughout the paper, particu- 
larly in the editorial columns, and its editors are 
radical in defence of what they deem right. 

The birth-place of Mr. Turner was Mount Ross, 
Dutchess Count}', N. Y., and his natal day May 12, 
1838. His father, Cornelius AV. Turner, was a 
woolen manufacturer in that town, and died at 
Plushing, this State, when eight^'-threc j-cars old. 
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Anna Eliza Young, and is a daughter of David 
Young, who was the village blacksmith at Pine 
Plains, Dutchess Cour.ty, N. Y. She was reared 
in the Quaker faith, lioth parents being of the So- 
ciety of Friends. She is still living and is now in 
her eightieth year. She bore her husban<l four 
children. 

Clark Turner passed his school days in New York 
and Massachusetts and at the age of thirteen years 
was apprenticed to the proprietors of the Berkshire 
Count}' Courier. He remained there two years, 
when Clark W. Bryan, one of the partners, went 
to S[)ringfleld and took control of the Springfield 
liejiu/jlican. and young Turner went with him. He 
subsequently joined his father at Waterbur}', Conn., 
and entered the office of the "\Yaterbury American. 
Therf he continued his labors until 1857, when he 
found employment in the book publishing estab- 
lishment of George F. Trow in Nevv York Cit}'. 

In the fall of 1857 Mr. Turner came to Flint, 
this State, and entered the employ of F. H. Rankin, 
who was conducting the Wolceriix' Citizpii, and ere 
long became foreman in the office, holding the po- 
sition six j'ears. He then came to Pontiac with 
W. I. Beardsley, and the two bought the plant of 
the Pontine Gazi-lte. Some changes have been 
made in the firm, Mr. Beardsley having been suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Rami and he b}- S. H. Tomlinson, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBDM. 



427 



and in 1872 Charles F. Kimball became associated 
witli our subject. For about a year of this time 
Mr. Turner was sole owner, selling a lialf interest 
to Mr. Rann, his former partner, wiio in 1872 sold 
to Charles F. Kimball. This connection has con- 
tinued and the two gentlemen have made a success 
of their business. 

August 18, 1868, Mr. Turner and Miss Cliarit}- 
I. Northrup were united in marriage. The bride 
was born in Watertown, Conn., was left an orphan 
when six j'ears old and was brought up by her sis- 
ter, Mrs. Janles McWIiinnie. Mr. and Mrs. Turner 
have five children: Artliur C, foreman in tlie 
Gazelle ofliee; Mabel; Birdie, who like her sister 
was graduated from the I'ontiac High School; 
Harry N., salesman in Fife's Siioe store in Detroit: 
and Roy N., a school boy. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Turner 
was for Abraham Lincoln, and he has been an un- 
swerving Republican since that time. He has been 
a Knight Templar for a number of years. He and 
his wife are devout Methodists and for fifteen 
years past Mr. Turner has been Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school connected with the church in 
Pontiac. His intelligence, uprightness and good 
citizenship entitle him to tlie respect of other mem- 
bers of the community, and it needs but a mention 
of his name to hear him well spoken of. 



\fnV, EV. F. J. BAUMGARTNKR. The first 
erlifice iu Pontiac seen b3' an approaching 
traveler is the church of St. Vincent. It 
stands on an eminence and the gilded 
cross that tops the one hundred and forty -six foot 
spire is more than four hundred feet above the 
level of Detroit. The building is in the Gothic 
sl^le of architecture, of red brick, witii stone foun- 
dation and trimmings. Its length is one hundred 
and thirl y-eight feel and its width fort3--five feet, 
wiclth of transept fifty-nine feet, and lieight from 
lloor to crown of ceiling fort3'-two feet. The in- 
terior decorations arc chaste and artistic, the fres- 
coing being of quiet tints and discriminatingly 
lihiccd. The stained windows would do credit to a 




cathedral and the entire structure reflects honor 
on the munificence of the congregation and the 
taste of the pastor. The many friends of Father 
Baumgartner, under whose leadership this building 
was planned and brought to completion, will be 
pleased to notice his portrait on the opposite page 
and to read the following paragraphs, in which the 
more salient features in bis career are noted. 

Father Baumgartner was born at Connor's 
Creek, near Detroit, July 28, 18.50, and is the son 
of Wendelin J. and Frances (Anselm) Baumgart- 
ner. They were natives of B'ulen, Germany, and 
settled in Wa)'ne Countj', near Detroit, Mich., in 
1832. Both are now deceased. After being grad- 
uated at the district school our subject spent two 
years at the Lansing Academy and then went to 
the Seminar^' of Our Lady of Angels, at Niagara 
Falls. There he remained but a year, ill health 
compelling him to abandon his studies there, but 
he did not give up llie thought of entering the 
priesthood to which he felt called. After his re- 
storation to health he attended St. Francis Semi- 
nary at Milwaukee where in due time he received 
the orders of Snb-deaconship and Deaconship 
from the hands of the venerated Arch-Bishop 
Ilcnni. 

On the completion of the course of ecclesiastical 
studies. Father Baumgartner was ordained in St. 
Clair June 9, 1876, by the Right Rev. C. H. Bor- 
gess, Bishop of Detroit, and soon afterward was 
appointed to take charge of the parish of Our Lady 
of Help in Detroit. Owing to poor health he re- 
signed this charge and came to Pontiac, where he 
was ordained. At that time he weighed only one 
hundred and twenty three pounds, but he has since 
regained his health and now presents a stalwart 
manhood and almost perfect physique, being about 
six feet tall and weighing one hundred and ninety 
pounds. This a|i|)ointment was occasioned by 
the illness of the late Father Limpens, and on 
November 26 the Bishop placed the young priest 
in charge of the mission at Pontiac. 

Owing to the fact that the members of the par- 
ish of Pontiac had not been educated in the re- 
quirements necessary for a prosperous congrega- 
tion, the mission was considered the least desirable 
in the diocese, and the charge was one to daunt 



428 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the courage of a bokler man and one of a more 
rugged i)l)j'sical constitution than Father Baum- 
gartuer. He, however, did not shrink from the 
difficulties before him but entered upon his work 
witli tlie enthusiasm and ardent desire for success 
that were followed bj' the natural sequence. Old 
prejudices were removed, new friendships cemented 
and by slow but natural degrees the people were 
made to realize their obligations to God and man. 
Ere long they saw the necessity of a larger and 
better church as they were meeting in what was 
originally a Universalist iiouse of worship — an old 
building on which continual repairs were needed. 
The congregation of St. Vincent was formed into 
a committee of the whole and a monthly taxation 
for the erection of a building fund was instituted. 
As soon as circumstances warranted, a beautiful 
site of two acres was pureliased and the work of 
building begun. The edifice, whose dedication 
was an imposing religious demonstration, is a mon- 
ument alike to the industry' of an untiring pastor 
and the zeal of what is now one of the most willing 
congregations in the State. Father Bauragartner 
is possessed of liberal views and much public spirit, 
and while his chief interest centers in his own peo- 
ple, he is desirous of the welfare of the community 
in general and the upbuilding of the city in which 
he is laboring. His culture of mind, his genial 
manner, and his pleasing address prepossess new 
acquaintances in his favor and he is very generally 
liked by the citizens of Pontiac and vicinity. To 
his parisiiioners he is greatly endeared by his efforts 
in their behalf, and b}- the clergy in general he is 
respected as his culture and zeal merit. 

\tl ON S. WARNER, the genial Postmaster at 
Orion, is a native of this county, born June 
"21, 1859. He is a grandson of Judge Mat- 
thew Warner, of Livingston County, N. Y., who 
was Circuit Judge for many 3'ears and had a prom- 
inent position in society. The father of our sub- 
ject was Ambrose S. Warner, who was born in 
Lima, N. Y., in 1815, and came to Livingston 
County, this State, in the '40s. After eight years 




of farm life near Hamburg he sold out and removed 
to this county, setting up his home in Orion which 
was a hamlet of a few houses. For two years he 
was engaged in mercantile business and two years 
after he withdrew from the trade he re-entered it as 
a partner of David Rowley, with whom he was as- 
sociated several 3 ears. 

The interest of Mr. Rowley in this business was 
finally bought by Mr. Warner who carried on the . 
trade alone until 1880, when his son, our subject, I 
became his partner. The firm then became known 
as A. S. Warner & Son, and under that style the 
business was conducted nine years when the senior 
member retired. He died February 12, 1890, at 
the age of seventy four years. He was a conspicu- 
ous figure in local political circles and was a stanch 
8a|)i)orter of Republican principles. During Lin- 
coln's administration he was appointed Postmaster 
of Orion and with the exception of two years dur- 
ing Johnson's administration, he served until 1886. 
His religious home was in the Congregational 
Church, of which his wife was a member. Mrs. 
Warner bore the maiden name of Lucrelia Tinker, 
was born in Livingston County, N. Y., in 1823, 
and died in this county in 1874. 

Tlie subject of this notice attained to his major- 
ity in Orion and in 1878 he began clerking in a 
store at Oxford. He remained there some three 
j'ears, then returned to Orion and went into busi- 
ness with his father. He is the only living repre- 
sentative of the parental family, the other two 
members having died. He is possessed of an un- 
usual degree of energy, as is shown in the fact that 
he is able to oversee various business enterprises 
besides the distribution of the mail and the proper 
management of the post-office. He is American 
Express Agent and represents the Aetna Insurance 
Company. He owns one hundred and five acres of 
land adjoining the town, and twenty acres within 
the corporation which is platted in town lots. He 
has served acceptably as Village Treasurer and 
Clerk and has held the position of Postmaster since 
1889. Politically he is a Republican. 

In 1882 Mr. Wagner was married to Miss Cora 
B. Andrews, who died in 1887, leaving one child, 
Veru A. In 1888 Mr. Warner made a second mar- 
riage, wedding Miss Edna Shurter, who was born in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



42a 



Brandon Township, this county. Husljand and 
wife arc identified with the Congregational Church. 
'I'liey endeavor to keep abreast of the times in their 
linowledge of affairs of general interest, and having 
courteous manners and fine characters they liave a 
large circle of friends. Mr. Warner is not only 
full of energy and business tact, but lie is obliging 
and therefore popular. 



-^^ 



x^> HANCEY EARL. Among tbe most useful 
(li members of society in any community are 

^^'' those physicians who by their character 
and their standing in the profession have made 
themselves a necessity to the comfort and health 
of their fellow-citizens. Dr. Earl, of Ponliao, is 
one of these men, and having devoted thirty-eight 
years to the practice, is universally respected and 
trusted by those who know him. He was born in 
Erie County, N. Y., ou September 3, 1828. He 
was the third son of Grandy and Polly (White) 
Earl, both natives of New York. The father was 
born May 11, 1793, and was the son of Benjamin 
p;;arl, of English descent. 

The mother of our subject was born August 21, 
1796, and was married to his father in Montgom- 
ery County, N. Y., February 9, 1812. Soon after 
marriage thej' removed to Erie County, where 
thev remained on a farm until the fall of 1838, 
when thev located in Oakland County, this State. 
They took up a farm in the township of Oxford, 
cleared it of timber and improved it. After the 
death of his wife Grandy Earl removed to the vil- 
lao-c of Oxford, where he died June 27, 1883, at 
the very advanced age of ninety years. He had 
been twice married, his second wife being Miss 
Deborah Powell. The village schools furnished 
what education our subject received during his 
earlier years. As soon as he was old enough he 
began teaching during the winters. He then studied 
medicine in the olfice of Dr. Spaulding, of Oxford. 
After this he entered the department of medicine 
at the University at Ann Arbor, from which ho 
was graduated in March, 1853. 

The voung Doctor began practice at Orion, this 



county, in 1853, and remained there until the fall 
of 18C6. He tiien removed to Pontiac, where he 
established his practice and has continued to the 
present time. For the past twenty-one years he 
has been Examining Surgeon for United States 
Pensions and has been a member of the Pension 
Board since it was organized in 1890. The Doctor 
was married July 22, 1858, to Miss Mary P. Tan- 
ner, at Rochester, Oakland County. She is the 
daughter of Lewis G. Tanner and was born at 
Rochester, Mich. Her parents were very early 
settlers of the county. 

Two lovely daughters have blessed the home of 
Dr. and Mrs. Earl. Josephine M. is the wife of 
J. R. McLaughlin, attorney-at-Iaw and real-estate 
dealer at Detroit, and is the mother of four chil- 
dren. Florence E. still makes her home with her 
parents and is an accomplished musician, especially 
upon the violin. The pleasant home of this fam- 
ily, at No. 1 15 North Saginaw Street, is ever open 
for the gathering of their friends and neighbors. 
The Doctor's political afliliations are with the Re- 
publican party and he is active and interested not 
only in local affairs but in national movements. 




OSES HILL, a retired farmer residing at 
Pontiac, Mich., was born in Macedon, 
i^ Wayne County, N. Y., July 18, 1814. He 
is the son of Elijah Hill, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts, who was born in 1775. The grand- 
father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 
The mother of our subject, Hepsibah Brown, was 
a native of Massachusetts, where she was born in 
in 177G. She removed to Wayne County, N. Y., 
in 1801, and died in 1818. The father married a 
a second time and dicil in 1848, in his eighty- 
fourth year. Our subject had six brothers and 
there were two children by the second marri.age. 

The common schools and the farm formed the 
education of young Moses. He married, in 1840, 
Harriet, daughter of .Sylvanus and Harriet (Sex- 
ton) Allen, of Palmyra, Wayne Countj-, N.Y. Here 
they settled and engaged in general farming for sev- 
eral years. In April, 1855, Mr. Hill removed his 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



family, consisting of his wife and two children, to 
Michigan and located in Independence Township, 
Oakland County, on a farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres. He has always kept his farm in an 
excellent condition and has it stocked with good 
cattle. In 1876 he left the farm and removed to 
Pontiac, where he lived a retired life. 

Mr. Hill built his first residence in 1878, a 
large handsome frame building on the corner of 
Perry and Huron Streets. Two children, a daugh- 
ter and a son, brightened their home until they 
went out in the world for themselves. Delia A. is 
now the wife of L. C. Hanmer, of Detroit, a book- 
keeper in the Savings Bank. Pliny married Ida 
King and now resides on the old homestead in In- 
dependence Township. 

Mrs. Hill is a devoted member of the Presby- 
terian Church. Mr. Hill was a Republican, but 
last spring voted the Prohibition ticket, and Mrs. 
Hill is also a stanch Prohibitionist. She is a woman 
of unusual intelligence and abilitj' and takes an 
active part in furthering the cause of temperance 
in every way. She is often appointed on impor- 
tant committees and her commodious and well- 
appointed home is always open for meetings of 
committees who are planning work for the temper- 
ance cause. Her influence in the community is 
much more than ordinary and is always exerted 
for the good of her fellow-men. 



■m^ 






/^N APT. ALMERON S. MATTHEWS, of Pon- 
(l(^L tiac, a brother of Gen. S. S. Matthews, al- 
^^7 though a worthy citizen and one highly 
respected, leads a verj' quiet and retired life. On 
account of his injuries to health received in the 
Civil War he is on the pension list and is quite 
disabled from active work. He was born in Troy, 
Oakland County, September 20, 1824, and is the 
eldest son of Salomon J. and Susan (Whitney) 
Matthews. Both father and mother were born near 
Auburn, in Cayuga County, N. Y., the father June 
24, 1799, and the mother March 14, 1800. Mr. 
Matthews went to Michigan in 1822, and purchased 
a farm in Troy Township, in connection with his 



grandfather. He, however, made a trip to New 
York in the fall of 1822 where he was married. 
Here he made his permanent home and passed his 
days. He died in August, 1850. His wife survived 
until June, 1864. Of their nine children seven are 
now living. 

Almeron S., the subject of this sketch attended 
the neighborhood schools and gained what he 
could from them in the way of education. He re- 
mained with his parents until he reached his major- 
ity and then learned the trade of a carpenter and 
joiner which he followed until 1854, when he took 
a trip to California by water and engaged in mining. 
After one year of this Western life he returned to 
Oakland Count}' and engaged in working at his 
trade in Pontiac until in 1857 when, in Januarj', 
he was appointed Under Sheriff of Oakland County, 
and kept the jail under Clark Beardsle}- who was 
then Sheriff. After this he spent two years in the 
pursuit of his trade and then enlisted in the service 
of his country, June, 1861, in Company H, Seventh 
Michigan Infantry, Col. Ira R. Grosveuor, com- 
manding. This regiment was assigned to the arm}' 
of the Potomac and was in Landers Brigade, and 
participated in the battle of Ball's Bluffs. Having 
organized a compan}' he was elected First Lieuten- 
ant of his company, but after the battle of Ball's 
Bluff in January, 1862, he resigned his position. 

In July, 1862, this young soldier re-enlisted in 
Company D, Twenty-seeond Michigan, Col. Moses 
Wisner commanding, and was made First Lieuten- 
ant of his company. In October, 1862, he was 
made Adjutant of the regiment. He took part in 
the battles of Danville, Ky., March 24, 1863; 
Hickman's Bridge, March 27; Peavine Creek, Sep- 
tember 16; McAffee's Church, Tenn., September 
19, and Chickamauga, September 20. At this last 
battle he was taken prisoner and removed to Libby 
Prison where he remained until May 7, 1863. He 
was then taken to Dimviile, \'a., thence to Char- 
lotte and from there to Greensboro, N. C. He was 
then passed on to Macon, Ga., and to Charleston, 
S. C, where he was placed under fire and remained 
from July 29 to October 7. 

Our subject was then taken to Columbia, S. C, 
and was carried eight miles into the country and 
placed in a stockade. December 1 2, he was removed 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



431 



lo an open stoekarlc without shelter at Columbia. 
Here he remained until February 14, when he was 
removed to Charlotte and afterward to Raleigh, 
N. C, and from there to Goldsboro, the same State. 
From there he went back to Raleigh, where he was 
paroled and exchauoed. 

The subject of this sketch was passed through 
the lines on the 1st of March, 1865, near Wil- 
mington, N. C. He went on to Annapolis Md., 
where he was given a thirtj' days' leave of ab- 
sence and went home. At the end of thirty days 
he reported at Camp Chase, Ohio, and was ordered 
to join his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., where 
he arrived May 14, 1865. While he was a prisoner 
he had been promoted to the rank of Captain, the 
commission dating from October 11, 1863. He 
remained with his regiment until he was mustered 
out June 26, 1865. They proceeded to Detroit 
where they were paid off and discharged July 14. 

Capt. Matthews was appointed Deputy Collector 
of Internal Revenue for the Fifth District of 
Michigan in December, 1865. He continued in 
this office until September, 1866, when he resigned 
to take a position in the regular army with the 
commission of Second Lieutenant in the Four- 
teenth United States Infantr}', having quarters in 
Camp McDowell in Arizona Territory. He re- 
mained with his regiment until September, 1867, 
when he was removed, on account of ill-health to 
San Francisco, Cal. He resigned from the regular 
army in December, 1867, and came home in 1868. 
He was appointed Deputy United States Marshal 
for the Eastern District of Michigan, and filled this 
position for nine years, from 1877 to 1886. He 
served faithfully in this capacity but was obliged 
to retire from it as he could not endure the neces- 
sary exertion. 

The lady who (iresides so graciously over the 
home of Capt. Matthews became his wife March 
12, 1851. She was Miss Helen Smith, of Troy 
Township, this county, a daughter of Hiram and 
Philena (Andrews) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
have one daughter at home with them — Miss Ella 
E. Their other child, Minnie B., died when a little 
over one year old. Capt. Matthews is a member 
of Pontiac Lodge No. 21, A. F. ..t A. M.; of Oak- 
land Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; of Pontiac Council 



No. 2, and Pontiac Commandery No. 2, K. T. He 
has served as Secretary of both Chapter and Coun- 
cil, as Recorder in the Commandery and also as 
both Junior and Senior Warden in the same. He 
is also a member of the Dick Richardson Post, 
G. A. R. His large and comfortable residence is an 
ornament to the city and is situated at No. 39, 
Clark Street. Capt. Matthews was appointed Cen- 
sus Enumerator for the Fourth Ward and also as 
special agent for collecting manufacturing statis- 
tics for the city of Pontiac. He has been a Repub- 
lican since the formation of that party, voting for 
John C. Fremont and Abraham Lincoln. 



^OHN DONALDSON, a well-known farmer, 
located on section 9, Troy Township, has 
made all that he has of worldly possessions 
b}' hard work and strict attention to his 
business affairs. He owns and occupies a well-im- 
proved farm of one hundred and forty-one acres, 
most of which is under the plow, and upon which 
good buildings of various kinds ma3' be seen. He 
is a native of Ireland, born in 1823, and is the 
youngest son and sixth child of John and Nanc}- 
(Hill) Donaldson. His parents were of Irish birth 
and their last days were spent in their native land. 
They had four daughters and' six sons. John re- 
ceived his education in his native place and in his 
boyhood learned the machinist's trade at Belfast. 
About the time he entered his teens he went to 
Scotland and found employment in the ore works. 
In his own land, September 22, 1847, he was mar- 
ried to Eliza AViison, and about four years later he 
came to America and located in Baltimore, Md. 

Mr. Donaldson remained iu that cit3'' about four 
years, working in a coal j-ard, and then came to 
this county and for a time operated a rented farm. 
He hoarded his resources, and aided by the prudence 
of his wife, accumulated means with wliieh to se- 
cure a home of his own. The first land he bought 
was on section 9, Troy Township, and he remained 
thereon five years. He then bought another tract 
on the same section, which he sold and later pur- 



4.32 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



chased forty, eigbtj' and sixty acres in different 
parts of tLe township. He finally traded for the 
place on which he is now living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson eight children have 
come, of wliom we note the following: Samuel 
lives in Southfield Township; Agnes is the wife of 
Thomas Donaldson; Mary is the wife of E. Graves; 
John remains on the homestead; Elizabeth is the 
wife of James McKibbin.and now lives iu Detroit; 
William J. resides in Huron County; Albert R. is 
living in Birmingham; and Joseph M. makes his 
home in Huron County-. 

From the time he became an adopted citizen of 
the L'nited States Mr. Donaldson has given his 
allegiance to the principles of Roi)ublicanism. A 
proof of his populaiit^- in the local party is in- 
stanced in the fact that he was elected Magistrate 
by the receipt of every Republican vote in the 
township. He did not, however, accept the office, 
and the only way in which he has been a public 
servant has been as Roadmaster, in which capacity 
he has acted man^' years. He and his wife belong 
to the L'nited Presbyterian Church, of which he is 
Trustee and Treasurer, and has been numbered 
among the workers for the cause since he joined 
it thirty years ago. 



^ 



^ 




ERMAN BARTELS, Ju., is a farmer of 
Roj'al Oak Township, who bears among 
his neighbors the reputation not only of en- 
ergy and success in his work, but also of 
being an honest Christian gentleman. His birth 
took place in Hanover, German^-, in 1821, and his 
father, Herman, Sr., wus born in the same place 
iu 1784. The grandfather was Henry Bartels and 
he, as well as the father, died in the old country. 
The mother also, who boiu the name of Anna 
Schirloh, died there at the age of fifty-two in the 
year 1835. She was one of two sisters anil three 
brothers. 

Herman Sr. and Anna, his wife, were united in 
marriage about the year 1814. Of their seven 
children three grew to manhood. When our sub- 
ect was but seveatoen years old he began inde- 



pendent work by clerking in a drug store. He 
then spent three years in a warehouse before com- 
ing to America, where he landed at New York, 
June 21, 1845. He worked in a grocer}' store in 
that city for three years, and tiien came to Mich- 
igan. Here, iu Royal Oak Township, he made his 
home with Charles Jasper. The same 3ear he 
bought eighty acres in the township of Warren, 
Macomb Count}-, and after holding it for ten 
years sold and went to Sterling, Macomb County. 
Here he bought thirty acres and made his home 
for five years before coming to Royal Oak Town- 
ship. He then bought one hundred acres, to which 
he afterward added forty acres more, and remained 
upon it about twenty-five years. He then went on a 
farm of twenty acres in another part of the town- 
ship, and after six years there came to his present 
home. 

The marriage of Herman Bartels, Jr., with Jo- 
hanna Maney took place in 1853. She was a 
daughter of ^Michael Maney and became the mother 
of one child, Heiman, who died when an infant of 
five months, and this little one and his mother lie 
side by side in the cemetery near their home. The 
second marriage of Mr. Bartels took place in 1855. 
He was then united with Johanna E. M. Jacobs, 
daughter of Bernard Jacobs. She was the eldest 
of six children and the only daughter of her par- 
ents, who were natives of Saxe Weimar, Germany. 
To her were given four children: Charles was 
born in 1856; Anna, in 1858; Ellen, in 1860; and 
Otto, in 1864. Anna is the wife of Alfred Park», 
of AVarren, Macomb County, and is the mother of 
three children. Ellen died al the age of seventeen 
years, and Charles when a little one. Otto was 
married October 12, 1888, to Anna E. K. Hen- 
dricks, who is a daughter of John D. Hendricks, 
of Royal Oak, a native of Oldenburg, Germany. 
This young coui)le are earnest and devoted mem- 
bers of the L'nited Presbyterian Church and are 
the parents of one son, Ray Herman, born March 
8, 1890. Otto is a Re|)ublican and cast his first 
vote for Benjamin Harrison. His mother is 
buried by the side of her children, whom she fol- 
lowed to the spirit land iu .September, 1886. 

The subject of this sketch started in life with no 
capital except his braia and brawn, and he hag 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



433 



gained a handsome property. He gave to his mar- 
ried daughter a nice home of one iumdred acres 
well supplied with buildings, and retains seventj'- 
seven acres, where he now lives. For a number of 
years he has been one of the Trustees of the United 
Presb3'terian Cliurch, to wiiicli he belongs. He 
has been a Highwaj- Commissioner. His first vote 
was cast for Taylor and his last for Harrison. His 
reputation for intelligence and probit}' is guaran- 
teed by all who know him. 



"fjOSEPH W. CHAPMAN, an enterprising 
and progressive farmer of Waterford Town- 
ship, owns and occupies a good farm of 

Ij/J ninety acres on section 29, upon whicii he 
located in 1865. In the accumulation of his prop- 
erty- his efforts have been ably seconded by the 
prudent management and wise counsel of his wife, 
whose loving heart and thrifty ways have made 
their dwelling place a true home. He himself has 
manifested unflagging industry, has pursued wise 
methods of cultivation and exhibited good judg- 
ment in determining the rotation of crops. He has 
ever endeavored to assist in the movements to ad- 
vance the interests of society and develop the ma- 
terial resources of this section of Michigan. 

The father of our subject, Amasa D. Chapman, 
was born in Connecticut and emigrated to New 
York when j'oung, where he followed the calling 
of a farmer. In 1822 he married Miss Hannah 
Aikin, a native of Massachusetts, and of the union 
two children were born — J. W. and G. W., both 
residents of Waterford Township. A few years 
after their marriage the motlier of our subject died, 
in 1825, in New York, while still in tiie prime of 
womanhood. In 1839 Mr. Chapman came to Michi- 
gan, settling in the township of Pontiac and clear- 
ing from the forest a comfortable home and a fine 
farm. There he resided about fifteen years, when 
he sold it at a fair profit and going to Kentucky, 
sojourned in that State about five 3'cars. 

Upon his return to Michigan the father of our 
subject purchased a farm on section 33, Waterford 
Township, where he died December 1, 1882. He 



was a man of fine characteristics, thoughtful and 
discriminating, and always considerate in his rela- 
tions to others. He was highly esteemed by all as 
one whose integrity of purpose held him to duty 
without regard to general considerations. These 
traits, with his well-known interest in all that per- 
tained to the growth of the township and his ener- 
getic co-operation with his fellow citizens in pushing 
forward any plans devised for the benefit of the 
community, made him very desirable as a factor in 
carrying on the public work. 

In Genesee County, N. Y., J. W. Chapman was 
born June 8, 1823, and was at the age of two years 
deprived of his mother's loving care, she having 
died in 1825. Tlie opportunities for education 
offered In hig youth were limited, but he has be- 
come a well-informed man through reading and 
observation. At the age of twenty-one years he 
commenced to work for himself, and for two years 
worked by the month. Careful economy enabled 
him to purchase an unimproved farm in White 
Lake Township, and this he cleared and improved 
residing upon it for eight years and six months. 
He was successful in his efforts to cultivate and 
improve his farm, making of agriculture a science 
and devoting his entire attention to his chosen 
calling. 

After carefully improving this farm, Mr. Chap- 
man was enabled to sell it at a fair profit and 
bought land in AVaterford Township, on section 17. 
Once more he commenced the labor of developing 
an attractive estate and for ten years resided upon 
this homestead. In 1865 he sold it and bought his 
present homestead on section 20. When he first 
came to this county wild game was plentiful and 
he became an expert hunter. For forty-nine win- 
ters in succession he hunted and trapped and prob- 
ably has killed more deer than any other resident 
of Oakland County. He has also killed five bears 
and a great many wolves. Politically he is a 
strong Democrat and has served as Road Commis- 
sioner twelve 3'ears. Socially he is a Mason. 

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Catherine Crawford and was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y. She is the daughter of William and 
Mary Crawford, natives respectively' of New York 
and Connecticut. Her parents came to Michigan 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in 1830, settling in Pontiac Township, where the}- 
passed the remainder of their lives. The father 
died in 1849 and the mother in 1854. Their fam- 
ily' comprised eight children, all of whom are living 
iu Michigan, excepting one who is in Missouri. 
Mr. Chapman and his estimable wife have one 
child, Ella, who married Herschel D. Parker, a 
grocer living at Flint, Mich. Mrs. Parker received 
an excellent education in Pontiac High School and 
prior to her marriage was a teacher. 




\OBERT D. SCOTT. One of the most flour- 
^ ishing and widel3' known manufacturing 
establishments in Pontiac is that of Mr. Scott, 
who makes a specialty of road-carts, carry- 
ing on business under the style of R. D. Scott & Co. 
The establishment is taxed to its fullest capacit}' 
and it is impossil)le to fill orders as rapidly as they 
are received. The principal points to which the 
vehicles are shipped are Chicago, Indianapolis, Coun- 
cil Bluffs, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Dallas and the 
Pacific Coast, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland 
etc. and they are largely sold b}' car lots for the 
jobbing tra<le. The .Scott road -cart is one of the 
easiest riding vehicles of the kind iu this State, and 
is built after models upon which Mr. Scott has 
secured valuable patents, he having invented the 
improvements by means of which he has built up a 
large trade. 

Air. Scott was born June 25, 1826, in Scotland, 
where his father, Robert Scott, was a modest farmer. 
In 1834 the family came to America and a location 
was made on a farm in Eramosa Township, county 
of Wellington, Canada. After twentj- years of 
residence there the father — Robert Scott returned 
to his native land and remained until 1875. He 
then came again to the Western Continent and sjient 
the remnant of his d.ij's with a daughter in Canada 
dying in 1877, at the venerable age of nin''t3-- 
six years. The mother of our subject died on the 
Canadian homestead in 1848, in the fift}-eiglUh 
year of her age. Her maiden name was Agnes Bal- 
mer, and she was a daughter of Robert Balmer 
The children born to herself and husband were 



seven in number — three sous and four daughters, 
and the subject of this sketch is the j'oungest. 

The boyhood of our subject, up to his eighth 
year was spent in the land of his birth and lie then 
crossed the Atlantic witli his parent and lived in 
Canada until he had grown to manhood. His school- 
ing was obtained principally' in Canada and in the 
intervals of studv he worked on the farm. At tlie 
age of eighteen years he left the parental roof and 
went to the town of Guelph, where he learned the 
carriage trade, with Robert Armstrong, a noted 
manufacturer who died in 1848. Mr. Scott then 
carried on the business for the widow a year, at the 
expiration of which time he bought out the business 
and for three years conducted the enterprise at 
the old stand. In 1852 he built a manufactory 
wherein he made carriages and wagons until 1865. 
He then sold out an<l moved to Lake Erie and to- 
gether with two partners gave his attention to the 
manufacture of lumber and staves, the enterprise 
proved unprofitable and Mr. Scott lost all his invest- 
ment. He therefore closed out the business and 
removed to Pontiac, securing employment from 
Martin Lowry, will) whom he remained until March, 
1866, when he again started in business for himself. 
He remained in Pontiac, and beginning his work en 
very limited means, he once more devoted himself 
to the manufacture of wagons and carriages, and 
continued it until 1876, when his sons had grown 
up sutlicicntly to assist. He then went to Detroit, 
wiiere he opened a general repair shop, which he 
carried on two years. Returning to Pontiac, he 
bought a shop on Lawrence Street, and turned his 
attention to the manufacture of buggies and spring 
wagons, a work that he continued until 18S8 when 
he gave his exclusive attention to the making of 
road-carts. 

The marriage of Mr. Scott and Miss Elizabeth 
Ann D.ay was solemnized at the bride's home in 
Eramosa, Canada, June 14, 1849. The father of 
Mrs. Scott was Daniel D.ay, a native of Yorkshire, 
England. To Mr. and Mrs. .Scott liave been born 
seven children — Agnts, Maria, Mary, William R., 
Louis \V.. Phcebc and Nellie. Mary is the wife of 
Henry Ward, a prominent lumber manufacturer in 
Pontiac; Phccbe married Howard Stephens of ]>en- 
ver, Colorado; and Nellie is now Mrs. John King 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



437 



of Jackson, Mich. Louis is deceased, having died 
in Denver in 1885. William is now engaged in 
business with his f.'ithei'. The family residence is a 
neat and substantial dwelling, wliicli is kept in per- 
fect order by the housewifely skill of his daugliter 
Maria to whose tender care is intrusted an invalid 
mother, and is the centre of a happj' domestic and 
social life. 

Politically Mr. Scott is now a Prohiliilionist, but 
until 188.1 he was strong in the faith of the Repub- 
lican partj' and he is still in sympathy with that 
organization on nianj- questions, although he has 
decided that the liquor traflic is one that must be 
looked to if the nation is to continue its existence 
and its honor. Mr, Scott is very thorough in his 
rcsearciics for knowledge, making it a point togoto 
the bottom of evcrj' subject. He is possessed of 
strong will power, and takes a firm stand when once 
his plans are matured, and his decisions are not 
easily reversed. Both husband and wife are devo- 
ted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
lie having been identified with the denomination 
since 18.34. They are higlil}' respected bj' those 
who know them, and are regarded with a warmer 
feeling by many. 



"SfOHN BP:NJAMIN. The liome of this gentle- 
man has always been on section 8, Royal Oak 
Township, where he was born December 
21, 1842, and be has only been away from 
the homestead during the period in which he was 
serving his country in the .South. He was reared 
in the manner customary to the sons of those who 
lived in the rural districts, oI)taining his education 
in the common scliools and acquiring good habits 
and steadfast principles under the instruction and 
guidance of his parents. His father was at one 
time engaged in the manufacture of grain cradles 
and tlie lad learned the business. He aided his 
father in that and in farm work until 1864, when 
he enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Michigan In- 
fantr}'. He was a fifer for the company, witli which 
he acted a few months, when the command was 



mustered out at Jackson in June, 1865, and he re- 
turned to the parental home. 

At least two men in the direct line of ancestors 
have borne the same name as our subject and both 
were natives of New York. The grandfather lust 
his life during the War of 1812. The father was 
born in Monroe County in 1809 and married Ruth 
Ann Warner, who was born in Niagara County ,June 
4, 1819. She came to Michigan with her parents in 
1828 and her marriage occurred in 1835. Mr. and 
Mrs. Benjamin at once located where their son is now 
living, taking possession of a tract of wild land 
and bringing it under cultivation. Mr. Benjamin 
had come to this State Ove years before his mar- 
riage. He died here in 1878, and his widow is 
still living on the homestead with her son. Her 
other children are Levi, who died when twenty- 
one years old ; Mary, who remains at the old home; 
Asenath, wife of A. L. Perkins, whose home is in 
Soutlitield Township; and Julia H., wife of D. L. 
Campbell, of Rcjj-al Oak Township. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
par.agraphs was married in 1868 to Martha A. 
Campbell, who shared his fortunes only a few 
years, dying in 1872. The marriage was blest by 
the birth of one daughter, Mattie, who lived to be 
but ten months old. Mr. Benjamin contracted a 
second matrimonial alliance November 30, 1876. 
His bride w.as Ella S. Parker, who was born in 
Royal Oak Township October 4, 1851 . Her par- 
ents are Asher and Harriet N. (Castle) Parker, 
whose sketcli will be found on another page in this 
Album. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin are rearing a 
little gill who is called Elsie M. 

The farm that our subject is successfully operat- 
ing consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well- 
improved land, and he and his excellent wife dis- 
pense the hospitality of their pleasant home with 
right good will. Mr. Benjamin has been School 
Asses.sor in his district twenty years, having been 
first elected in 1868. He was Townshij) Treasurer 
from 1876 to 1880, Supervisor from that date until 
1883, and again from 1886 to 1890, was Constable 
one year and School Inspector four years. In fact 
he has held some ofHci'al place since ho was nine- 
teen years old. He has been a member of the 
Grand Army of the Republic six years and 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



has been connected with the Grange for sixteen 
years. He and his wife belong to the Methodist 
E|)iscopal Chinch in Royal Oak and both bear a 
part in the Sunday-school work. He has been 
Superintendent seven j'ears, has been Church Stew- 
ard fifteen years and has also held the Treasurer's 
office. For a score of years he has led the singing 
and in the capacity of chorister has done much 
to add to the attractiveness of the Sunday ser- 
vices. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Benjamin appears 
on another page of this work. 



-^ 



^^ ILBERT M. SH ATTUCK. A goodly number 
:tl f-—, of men who have won a competence by 
^^i|j their inilustrious work as farmers have now 
retired from active life and are spending their de- 
clining years in the thriving towns of Oakland 
County. One of this number in Pontiac is the 
gentleman above named, wlio for a number of 
years was one of the most prominent farmers and 
stock-raisers of Pontiac Township. He owned a 
fine tract of choice land one mile from Main Street, 
whence he removed to the city in 1888. He still 
owns tiie farm and gives some attention to looking 
after his financial interests in connection with that 
and other propertjs but does no active work 
thereon. It consists of three hundred acres of land 
which has been brought to a high state of cultiva- 
tion and su|)plied with first-class buildings. While 
living on tlie farm Mr. Shattuck was one of the 
principal breeders of thoroughbred Holstcin cattle 
in the county-. 

Tlie maternal ancestors of our subject emigrated 
from Holland to America early in the seventeenth 
centurj' and located in the Hudson River Valley. 
]n the vicinity of Auburn, N. Y., Sarah Collier 
was born and reared, the date of her birth being 
in November, 1799. Slie married Alfred Shattuck 
who was born in Massachusetts August 15, 1794, 
and whose parents were Joseph and Chloe (Scott) 
Shattuck, whose births occurred on the 3d of Oc- 
tober, 1749, and the I'Jth of October. 1756, re- 
spectively. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Shattuck made 



their home in Steuben Count}'., N. Y., until 1832, 
when the}' came to this State and settled on a farm 
near Plj-moulh, Wayne County. There the hus- 
band passed the remnant of his days and died 
August 13, 1847. His widow survived until Sep- 
tember 12, 1886. They were the parents of eight 
sons and four daughters, and the subject of this 
biographical notice is sixth on the family roll. 

In the town of Cobocton, Steuben County, N. Y., 
May 9, 1828, our subject was born. He was but 
little more than an infant when his parents came 
to this State and he obtained his schooling in Ply- 
mouth, first attending the common and later con- 
ning his lessons in a select school. In the intervals 
of stud}' he worked on the farm, remaining with 
his parents until he was of age when he started out 
for himself, first teaching school and then clerking 
in a general store for a time. Leaving the store be 
engaged in farming and after his marriage he set- 
tled in Livingston Count}'. He sojourned there 
but a short time then returned to the vicinity of 
his old home in Wayne Count}-, and actively car- 
ried on farm work there until 1865. That year he 
bought his property near Pontiac and labored uj)on 
it until he fe'.t justified in taking his ease, and so 
came to town. 

In 1855 Mr. .Shattuck was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary A. Donelson, the ceremony taking 
place at the bride's home in Watcrford Township. 
Her parents, Ira and Mary (Shattuck) Donelson, 
were among the early settlers of (Jakland County, 
having come here in 1827. They established their 
home in AYaterford Township, became prosperous 
and influential and died full of years and honor. 
They were devoted members of the Jlethodist 
Episcopal Church, and their dwelling was the home 
of the itinerant minister during his visits to the 
locality and under its roof new settlers found nel- 
corae and shelter. Mr. Donelson was alw.ays rcaily 
to assist the strangers in locating farms, pl.icing 
his team at their service and giving his time in 
showing them over the country. Jlr. Donelson 
and wile had six children — one daughter, Mrs. 
Shattuck, and five sons. The four eldest sons were 
Methodist ministers, and the Methodist Cliurcli 
now of Pontiac was organized at the house of Ira 
Donelson. in Waterford Township, fifty years ago 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



439 



b}' twelve members in the class, the church being 
subsequently transferred to Pontiac. Two of the 
ministers above spoken of are deceased. A daugh- 
ter reared by such parents could scarcely be other 
than hospitablo, whole-souled und generous-hearted, 
and Mrs. Shattuck is esteemed for the qualities 
which made her ()arents well beloved. Her cliil- 
dien are a son and daughter named, respectively, 
Florence M. and Charlus lr». 'I'he daughter is now 
living in Jackson, being the wife of J. J. Baker; 
they have one daughter. The son is carrying on 
his father's farm; lie married Miss Maud Green, of 
North Farmington, Oakland County; they have 
one son. 

After investigating the issues between the par- 
ties Mr. Shattuck gave his allegiance to Repub- 
licanism, lie is a member of I'onliac Lodge, No. 3, 
I. O. O. F. His wife is a devout member of tiie 
Methodist Episco[ial Clnircli, and has been idenli- 
lied with that denomination for many years and 
is a liberal contributor toward its sup|X)rt. Her 
husband likewise attends the same church. He 
and his wife stand high in societj- 'and exert an 
influence on the side of right and true civilization. 



eHARLES C. BOWLBY is, in his declining 
3'ears, enjoying all tiie comforts that heart 
can wish and the pleasures that can be found 
in town life, having removed from his farm to 
Pontiac and taken possession of a substantial brick 
house on Auburn Avenue. Mr. Bowlby has been 
successful in piosecutiiig the affairs of life and 
has a competency, so that he is able to indulge every 
reasonable lasle and to contribute liberally to the 
enterprises in which he is interested. He has been 
closely identified with the financial interests of 
Oakland County since 18.35, with the exception of 
a short time, and In this county he carried on farm 
work and has also loaned money and made various 
investments. 

Gage and Anna (Chrisman) Bowlby, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives of New Jersey and 
were of German ancestry. Their wedded life was 
begun in their native State, whence they subse- 



quently removed to Steuben County, N. Y., and 
later to Cayuga County. Li the fall of 1837 they 
came to this State and established themselves in 
Orion Township, Oakland County. There the 
father followed farming during the remainder of 
his active life and died in 1852, in the eightv- 
fourth year of his age. The mother breathed her 
last in her sixty-third year. They were the parents 
of two daughters and five gons, and the only sur- 
vivors are, Thomas, Charles C. and Jacob M. 

The birthplace of our subject was Warren 
County, N. J., and his natal day July 26, 1814. 
His boyhood was [mssed in St(;uben County, 
N. Y., in an altcrnatiou of study and work such as 
is usually the case with those who live on farms 
and attend the common schools. In 1835 he came 
to Michigan and his first business here was to act 
in the capacity of clerk in the dry-goods store of 
his brother in-law, John Ilankinson, with whom he 
remained two years. He then returned to New 
York and spent a year in Cayuga County, then 
coming back to this State followed his parents to 
Oakland County. He located on a tract of un- 
broken land, cleared a part of the estate, and then 
sold it and bought seventy-six acres on the Lapeer 
gravel road. He spent several years there, then 
disposed of his property and bought one hundred 
and thirty-six acres in another part of the town- 
ship, and later added twenty acres more. He car- 
ried on general farming there until 1SG9, when he 
sold the property f<ir fl 1,100 and took up his resi- 
dence in Pontiac. He had built a dwelling, barns 
and other edifices on the farm, and so increased its 
value very decidedl3-. Since he came to Pontiac 
he has been chiefly engaged in money loanino-. 

In Orion Township, Oakland County, in 1840, 
Mr. Bowlby and MissTacy Ann Clark were united 
in marriage. The bride was born in Wayne County, 
Pa., and came to this state with her parents, Elijah 
15. and May A. (Yerkes) Clark, about 1829. Her 
father was born in Connecticut and was of English 
descent, and her mother was of German extraction. 
.Mr. and Mrs. Bowlby have five children: May H., 
wife of Lewis"i\Iorgan; Helen I., who married John 
C. Buchner; Orcelia, wife of John Whitsell; Ch.irles 
v.. and Georgia, wife of E. Y. Allison. 

JMr. Bowlby affiliates with the Republican [)arty 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in State and national matters, but in local elections 
votes independent!}'. For one term lie was an al- 
derman of the city. While not a member of any 
church he has been a liberal contributor to differ- 
ent denominations, beliering that their work is of 
a civilizing and elevating nature. He has a good 
reputation for honesty and uprightness and has 
made many friends during his life journey. 



■—1-1 




^|/_^ ERMAN G. RIES. This young gentleman 
is rapid !}• coming to the front among the 
farmers of Royal Oak Township, where he 
has been living since his boyhood. He took 
possession of his present estate, which consists of 
eighty acres on section 36, some five years since 
and now has thirtj'-six acres under cultivation. 
He built the house and barn and is gradually but 
steadily bringing the farm into good condition. 
Mr. Ries was born in Detroit December 16, 1860. iiis 
parents being William Henry and Augusta(.Schultz) 
Hies, who were natives of Germany. The mother 
was the youngest child of George and Minnie 
Schultz, and had four brothers and two sisters. 
Our subject's mother die<l in Detroit in 1867. Mr. 
Ries, the father, is now living in Flint, still work- 
ing at his trade of a tailor. He was married a sec- 
ond time when the son, of whom we write, was nine 
years old, his bride being Mrs. Isabel Thompson. 
At thut time Herman came to Royal Oak Town- 
ship to make his home with Charles Watts, but after 
a short time he became anieuiberof the liousihold 
of John Watts, and still later lived with .lohn Ful- 
ton two years. He then spent five years with 
George Besancom,of Redford, Wayne County, and 
at the expiration of that period went to Detroit 
and worked a year in the ear shops. He then re- 
turned to Redford and made it his home for tiiree 
years, after which he settled where he is now living. 
He was married March 10, 1886, to Alice J., 
daughter of William and Jane Fulton, for whose 
history the reader is referred to the' biography of 
John Fulton. Mrs. Ries is the j-oungest in a fam- 
ily consisting of three daughters and two sons. 
She and her husband have two children — Clarence 



W., born January 30, 1887, and Howard F., May 
May 4, 1889. 

When national candidates are before the people 
Mr. Ries always votes for those named on the Re- 
publican ticket, but in local work he is independ- 
ent, looking to the character of the man rather 
than to the political element he represents. Both 
husband and wife belong to the Congregational 
Church of Royal Oak and Mr. Ries is Trustee, and 
Superintendent and teacher in the .Sunday-school. 
His character is irreproachable and his general in- 
terest in that which is worthy in civic (>nd social 
matters redounds to his credit among the people. 
Mrs. Ries is intelligent, kind-hearted and capable, 
and she has many friends. 



♦^^ 



^^- 



^OHN W. COLLINS. That Oakland County 
j I has advanced far beyond the pioneer state, 
is attested by the fact that the first white 
,^j^^ child born in Farmington Township is now 
and h;is been for many years a business man, and a 
prominent citizen. This child, who bears the name 
of John AV. Collins, was born September 26, 1824. 
His father, George W. Collins, was born in On- 
tario County, N. Y., and became a farmer and 
moi-cliant. He came to Michigan in 1824, ami in 
March located in Farmington Township, upon a 
tract of land which was entirely unbroken and un- 
cleared. He built a log bouse and proceeded to 
im[)rovc the place. He afterward removed to 
Farmington, where he opened up a genera! store. 
He was also Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk and 
Postmaster for a number of years. He died in 
1805, leaving behind him a widow, C^'nthia JI. 
(Newton) Collins, who lived to be hinet^'-thrce 
years old. They were the parents of three sons 
and four daughters. After being educated on tlie 
farm and in the log schoolhouses of that d-iy our 
subject started in life for himself at the age of 
twenty-one, but remained at home, working for his 
father on the farm and in the store. 

Esther Wixon, the only child of Civilian and 
Martha Wixon, of New York, became the wife of 
John W. Collins iu 1854. To this couple were 




\ 






PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



443 



given five children, all of whom grew to maturity. 
They are: Minnie, a book-keeper in the llarter 
Hospital, in Detroit; Jessie, the wife of J. M. 
Green, of Farniington Township; Coriune, a type- 
writer in Detroit; Henrietta, head type-writer in 
Charles Wright's Medicine Company, in Detroit, 
and is considered one of tlie best in Michigan; 
and "William E., wiio graduated at the head of the 
Class of '90 in the pharmaceutical department of 
liie University at Ann Arbor. 

Mr. Collins is carrying on a general store in 
Farminglon, where he has been for forty 3'ears. He 
is a Republican and wide awake in regard to po- 
litical affairs. He was at one time Treasurer of the 
township for many 3'ears, and has been Highway 
Commissioner. He was Postmaster of Farmington 
for twentj'-tive years. 



i% 



W^^^M^i^! 



^ILLIAM W. CRIPPEN. Various business 
J/l interests are represented in Milfonl, and 
wM' few are more important than that of Mr. 
Crippen. He is a dealer in agricultural imple- 
ments, and carries the largest and most complete 
stock in the place, so full that he requires several 
l)uildings for storage. Himself a practical farmer, 
he knows well what machines and implements will 
be found serviceable and cheap by reason of their 
usefulness, and his supply is well selected and of 
reliable makes. Mr. Crippen, whose portrait ap- 
pears on the opposite page, is one of the old set- 
tlers, having been born in Highland Township in 
1842, his natal day being .September 3. AVhen he 
was four years old his mother removed from the 
farm to the village of Milford, where he had the 
advantages of the common school. As soon as he 
was strong enough to do so, he began working on 
the farm, and until his marriage that was his home 
and his efforts were given for the general good of 
the familj'. 
^^ SamuelCrippen, a native of Vermont, grew to 
* tiiauhood amid the Green Jlountains and became 
one of the first settlers in Highland Township, this 
county. Here he was engaged in farming until his 
death, which occurred not long after his removal. 



He married Margaret Porter, who was born in Ire- 
land near Londonderry, and whose father, .John 
Porter, settled in this county immediately after his 
immigration, .and farmed in Bloomficid Township 
the rest of his life. Mrs. Crippen was left a widow 
with three children, and ke|)t her familj- together, 
rearing them carefuUj' and giving them practical 
educations. Her last years were spent in the home 
of her son, our subject, who had been her mainstay 
from his boyhood. She died in 1883, wiien more 
than fourscore and ten years old; she was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. Her children are 
Mrs. Mary ,1. Bowman, now living in Colon; Mrs. 
Fanny A. Dickinson, of Hillsdale; and William W. 

When William Crippen was nineteen years old, 
he entered the Union Array as a member of Com- 
pany I, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry, the date 
of his enlistment being July 11, 1862. He was 
mustered in at Detroit, and sent to Covington, Ky., 
and his first active service was during Kirb^' 
Smith's raid on Cincinnati. He took part in the 
engagement at Mt. Sterling, and in the noted bat- 
tles of Resaca, Chickamnuga and Lookout Moun- 
tain. He was one of the participants in the Georgia 
cam|)aign, from Chattanooga to the capture of At- 
lanta, and then returned under Thomas to Tennes- 
see, where he remained until the order was received 
for his company to be mustered out. He was dis- 
charged in August, 1865, after an army life of 
over three years, during which he was away from 
his company but two weeks, and then was in the 
hospital suffering fiom fever. 

On his return home Mr. Crippen engaged in the 
harness business and carried it on some eighteen 
months. From that time until 1872 he was en- 
o-ao-ed in farming, and he then went to Kalkaskia 
County, in the Grand Traverse country, and look 
up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. 
He cut his way into the woods six miles from any 
settler, and had the honor of naming P^xcelsior 
Township, where he was the first pioneer. He 
hewed out a farm on which he remained ten years, 
placing one hundred and forty acres under the 
plow, and erecting substantial and sullicientlv' num- 
erous buildings. He called the township meeting, 
and gave the locality' its nau)e, because it was the 
best township in the county. For two years he 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was its Supervisor. For eighteen months he was 
engaged in tlie grocer^' business in Kalkasliia, but 
his home was on the farm. In 1882 he rented the 
property and relurned to Milford, wliere he has 
since been carrjMng on his present line of trade. 

The wife of Mr. Crippen bore the niaiiicn name 
of Mary .1. Stephens, and is a native of Milford, in 
whieli place she reared and educated. Her father, 
Willis Stejjhens, was born in Ireland, and further 
facts regarding his history will be found in the bio- 
graphical sketch of Charles W. Soulb^', to which 
the reader is referred. Mrs. Crippen has in her 
own right a farm of one hundred and twenty- acres 
in New Hudson Township. Her marriage was sol- 
emnized in 1875. .She and her husband have an 
adopted daughter, Fanny E. Mrs. Crippen is a 
well-informed, kindly woman, and a sincere be- 
liever in the tenets of the Presbyterian Church with 
which she has been identified for a number of years. 

In the spring of 1889 Mr. Crippen was elected 
Supervisor of Milford Township, and he lias been 
a member of various committees, the chief of which 
are those on County Buildings, Justice Claims and 
Miscellaneous Claims. He has been President of 
the Village for three terms, and Village Trustee as 
long, and still holds the latter office. For years he 
acted as Justice of the Peace. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and he has been a delegate to county 
and State conventions. He belongs to Col. La 
Favor Post, No. 181, O. A. K.,and Union ^'etcran 
Union, Thomas Ward Command, No. 39. 




UL. SAMUEL E. BEACH is one of Oak- 
land's worthiest citizens, a brief sketch of 
whose life we place upon the pages of the 
history of the old county. Ever a prominent min 
among the citizens of the count}' he has received 
the tokens of his fellow-citizens' regard and con- 
fiilcnce by numerous elevations to official stations 
within their gift, lie has been one of the workers 
of the community, whose labors have redounded 
more to others' substantial benefit than his own. 

Samuel Elmore Beach was born in Lewiston, 
Niagara County, N. Y., April 7, 1823. His father. 



Noah Beach, was a native of Whitney, Rutland X^ 
County, Vt., where he was born October 3, 1788, 
and died in Bridgeport, Saginaw County, Mich., 
Miiy 23, 1866. His mother was Eunice Cooley, 
daughter of Col. Benjamin Cooley, of Revolu- 
tionary fame, who was born at Pittsford, Rut- 
land Count}-, Vt., April 30, 1747. She was born in 
the same town, April 16, 1791. She died at Bridge- 
port, Saginaw County, Mich., to which State she 
and her husband came in 1837. Noah Beach, the 
father, was a member of the lower house of the 
State Legislature from Saginaw County, in 1842, 
and a member of the Senate in 1848, from the 
senatorial district composed of the counties of Oak- 
land, Saginaw, Shiawassee and Lapeer. 

The subject of this sketch attended the district 
school in his native place until he arrived attheage 
of fourteen years vvhen, in November, 1837, in 
coiu|)any with Martin Miller, he left Lewiston to 
go to Michigan, traveling on foot through Canada, 
and arriving at Detroit the night previous to the 
descent of the patriots of 1837, on Windsor, who 
burned a portion of that pl.ice. On the last day 
of November the lad (Beach) arrived at Pontiac, 
whither his father Ind preceded him in August. 
In Februar)-, 1838, the father removed to Spring- 
field, to a farm, accompanied by the son, who 
wrought upon the farm during the S|)ring, summer 
and fall following, and taught school during the 
winter of 1838-39. In September, 1840. the young 
man returned to Pontiac and engaged with .Sanaiel 
Chamberlain as a clerk in a dry -goods and grocery 
store, in which situation he remained until August, 
1842, when he removed to Franklin to take charge 
of a similar store and tlouring-mill for D. M. Hins- 
dale, who also had a general store at Pontiac. 

Young Heach remained at Franklin, conducting 
the business of his employer until the spring of 
1845, when he returned to Pontiac and engaged 
with the firm of Mathews & Beach, in the dr}'- 
goods line, and remained with them until March 1, 
1847. When he was but fourteen years of age he 
was a member of a rille company in Lewiston, un- 
der command of Capt. Robinson, which company 
was called out and stationed on the line between 
Mew York and Canada, to preserve the neutrality 
of the I'nited Stales in the Patriot War. This 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



415 



brief experience gave him a taste for military affairs, 
and when the United States Coi.gress authorized 
the President to raise ten additi<mal regiments for 
the prosecution of the Mexican War, the feelings 
of patriotism engendered in the hosom of the young 
salesman proved too ardent to allow of further 
service in the measurement of tape and calico, and 
lie at once resigned his position behind the coun- 
ter, and calling on his associates soon raised a com- 
pany of forty-five men, and received a commission 
as Second Lieutenant in Company A, Fifteenth 
Ilnited States Infantry, commanded by Col. George 
W. Morgan, of Ohio, assigned to service in Mexico. 
The regiment was filled up with recruits from 
Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin. The forty- 
five men recruited by Lieut. Beach were enlisted by 
liim in a few days, prior to his departure to De- 
troit. Before he left Pontiac to join his command 
tlie citizens of that place presented him witli a 
handsome sword, belt and sash. After about a 
week's staj' in Detroit he left that city under orders 
to report to Col. Morgan, at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 
and arrived at his destination in June, and williin 
two weeks the command proceeded via the paved 
road of the Spanish conquest, to Pueblo, and joined 
Gen. Scott's forces at that point. The command 
was brigaded with the Ninth United States Infantry, 
commanded bj' Gen. Franklin Pierce, afterward 
President. On August 17, Lieut. Beach with his 
regiment left Pueblo for the valley of Mexico, 
where tlie en'tire command of Gen. Scott concen- 
trated and moved toward the capital. At Contre- 
ras Lieut. Beach participated in the storming and 
capture of the works, on tlie morning of August 
20, 18i7, and in the afternoon of the same da}' was 
engaged in tlie desperate assault and final capture 
of Cliurubusco. F'or meritorious conduct in these 
engagements he was breveted First Lieutenant. On 
the 8th of September following he was engaged in 
the battle of Moliuo del Rey, and on the Kith of 
till- same month he and his company were foremost 
in the storming of Chepultepec. Lieut. Beach's 
company received eight of the fifteen certificates 
for bravery and merit which were awarded by Con- 
gress to participators in this last-named assault, the 
balance of the Fifteenth Regiment receiving the 
other seven. Lieut. Beach placing and ascending 



the first ladder successfully raised against the walls 
of the castle, by which tlie same were scaled. The 
Fifteenth regiment, in honor of its priority in the 
capture, was posted in the citadel of the castle at 
Chepultepec. About the 1st of February, 1848, 
the regiment was ordered to Cueruavaca, and on 
the 23d of the month Lieut. Beach received his 
promotion to the rank of First Lieutenant in the 
United States Army. Peace having been declared 
bis command was ordered to Covington, Ky., where 
on its arrival it was mustered out of the service, 
and in August following the Lieutenant returned 
returned home to Pontiac with the surviving 
members of his company who enlisted thereat, and 
with them was received with demonstrations of joy 
and accorded an enthusiastic public reception. 

In the following April Lieut. Beach was elected 
Justice of the Peace of Pontiac, then a thriving and 
bustling village, for a term of four years, and while 
holding that office, in the fall of 1850, was elected 
to the office of County Treasurer for a term of two 
years, and re elected thereto in 1852 and 1854. He 
was nominated by his part}' (the Democratic) in 
1856, but was defeated by a small majority by 
Judge Harry Andrevvs. In the fall of 1860 lie was 
a candidate for Sheriff of the county, but the great 
political revolution which swept over the Northern 
States left Lieut. Beach defeated. He was, how- 
ever, at that time Cashier in the Custom House at 
Detroit, and remained at his post until the spring 
of 1801, when being again elected Justice of the 
Peace of Pontiac, he returned to that city, but be- 
fore taking the position (July 4) the War of the 
Rebellion had burst u|)on the countr}', and the 
charms of home and emoluments of office were but 
a featiier's weight in the scale as against his coun- 
try in tlic breast of this patriot, and he at once 
threw his whole influence into the work of raising 
volunteers under the President's call for seventy- 
five thousand men. So strong was the patriotic 
ardor of tlie community, juid earnest the zeal of 
the leader, in one week's time one hundred and 
forty two men were enlisted and eager for duty. 
The call having been filled, and troops being 
offered every day, more than tlie Government 
could clothe and equip, enlistment ceased for a 
time, but the men already enlisted in Michigan 



4t6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



were gathered into a camp of instruction at Ft. 
AVayne, near Detroit. On the defeat of the Union 
arms at Bull Run the call for more troops was 
issued, and the skeletons of regiments in Ft. Wayne 
were ordered to their places of rendezvous to fill 
up their ranks. On June 19, 18G1, Lieut. Beach 
received a commission from Gov. Blair as Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel, and was assigned to the Fifth Regi- 
ment of Michigan Infantry, and July 22, 18G1, was 
ordered to report n-ith his regiment at Washington, 
where he arrived about September 15, and the regi- 
ment was assigned to the brigade commanded by 
Gen. Israel B. Ricliardson, and went into camp 
south of Alexandria, Ya. When the general ad- 
vance was made the brigade went to Fortress Mon- 
roe, and a few days afterward participated in the 
siege of Yorktown. 

While in the trenches before Yorktown Col. 
Beach was the first to discover and report tlie evac- 
uation of those fortifications by the enemy. Col. 
Beach's regiment was in the advance in pursuing 
the retreating foe, and was early engaged in bat- 
tle with liini at Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, where 
his regiment lost one linndred and forty-three 
killed and wounded. Col. lieach being among the 
latter. ^Vhile charging the rifle pits of the enemy 
he was severely wounded in tlie left thigh by a 
minie ball, and was taken from the fiehl, from tiie 
effects of which wound he has never recovered. lie 
was t.iken to Baltimore and was confined to his 
bed, at the residence af Dr. Robinson, Yice Presi- 
dent of the Relief Society, for six weeks, lie was 
then suflicientl}^ recovered to travel, and was taken 
to his home in Pontiac, where he slowly regained 
his usual strengtli, and tlie wound healed sufficiently 
to enable him to get about on crutches, when he 
was assigned to recruiting service in December, 
with iieadquarters at Pontiac, where he remained 
nearly a year, when believing be was able to 
resume active duty in the field he joined his regi- 
ment, then upon the Rapidan, at Brandy Station. 
But it required a few days only in the saddle to 
develop serious difliculty with his wound, and he 
was forced to relinquisli the idea of doing fmtlier 
field duty, yet despite intense suffering he jiartici- 
pated in the movement on Mine Run. AViien the 
command returned to Brandy Station he applied 



for and received a transfer to the hospital, and 
after his health had somewhat improved he was 
assigned to duty on the general court martial, at 
Washington, Gen. Griffin, President. On Gen. 
Griffin's resumption of active service with his com- 
mand Col. Beacii succeeded to the Presidency of 
the court martial, which position he filled until the 
terra of his enlistment expired, and he was mus- 
tered out of service in August, 1864. In Novem- 
ber following he was elected to the office of Sheriff 
of Oakland County, and re-elected in 18G6, his term 
expiiing December 31, 1869. In April, 1871, he 
was elected Justice of the Peace, of Pontiac, for four 
years from July 4, 1871, and in April, 1875, was 
reelected to another term of four years, which office 
by re-election in the spring of 1891, he is at tiie 
present time filling to the entire satisfaction of the 
people. 

On October 11, 1849, Col. Beach was united in 
marriage to a daughter of John Thompson, of 
Broome County, N. Y. She was born in the town 
of Lisle, in said county, January 15, 1827. Tliere 
are now surviving four children of this marriage, 
throe daughters and one son, who are named as 
follows; Mary; Ilattie, wife of Robert J. Lons- 
bury, attorney, of Pontiac; Katie E., wife of Dr. 
M. AV. Gray, of Pontiac; and Samuel E., a clerk 
in tlie First National Bank at that place. In 1883 
Mr. Beach was made Justice of the Peace and 
served for a terra of four years, since which tirae 
he has been engaged iu the business of insurance 
collections and pensions. Col. Beach is, and ever 
has been, a Democrat in politics. He was elected 
President of the village of Pontiac for two years, 
about 1854-55. 



-^^ 



^w AMES MORRISON, an old settler in Com- 
merce Township and a cousin of D. W. 
Morrison, whose biography appears in this 
/ volume is a man who stands higli in the 
community for integrity and probil}'. His father, 
James, was a native of County Derry, Ireland, 
where he was born in 1804. In his young d.a\-s lie 
was a weaver. He uame to America in 1827 and 



'm 





i/H? . ~c^^<^-^2^^^uc>oc) . 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



440 



tooU eighty acres of wild land from tlie Govern- 
ment near Walled Lake, Commerce Township. He 
did not remain here at tiiat time but returned to 
New York City where he made his home until 
1832. The mother of our suhjeet was Dorcas 
Thompson, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, 
who came to America when quite young and set- 
tled in New York City. She was born in 1810. 
After their marriage in New York City they came 
directly to Michigan and built a log house on the 
land which Mr. Morrison had located at his first 
visit. Before long they sold this property and 
bought one hundred and sixty acres from the Gov- 
ernment, the deed to which, still in the posses- 
sion of our subject, is signed bj- Andrew Jackson. 
He built a log house and began clearing the land. 
It was timbered openings. At different times he 
added twenty acres and forty acres more to his 
farm. He and his boys together cleared one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of this land and placed upon 
it a barn, and the present house. lie died in 1870 
and his devoted wife followed him to the grave in 
1874. 

Mr. and Mrs. James Morrison Sr., were the par- 
ents of eleven children, nine of whom are living. 
Both parents were members of the LTnited Presby- 
terian Church, in which and in the Sunday-school 
he was active and eflicient. He also took a lively 
interest in the local schools. He helped to organ- 
ize this township and vvas a Whig and later a Re- 
publican. James was born upon this farm March 
26, 1844, and here he attended local district 
schools and grew to manhood, beginning work for 
himself upon attaining his majority. 

Miss Susan M. Gamble became Mrs. James Mor- 
rison in 1875. She is a daugliter of James and 
Mary (Sinclair) Gamble, both natives of Ireland, 
who came to I\lichigan in tlie early days and set- 
tled in Commerce Township. Mr. Gamble passed 
away in 1856 but his widow survived until 1891. 
They were the parents of nine children, six of 
whom are now living. Their daughter Susan was 
born in Commerce Township. Mr. Morrison has 
placed many improvements upon the old homestead 
and has put it in a much better state of cultivation. 
He carries on general farming, dividing his atten- 
tion between a;rain and stock. Four of their five 



children are still living: Joseph S., born October 
7, 1876, a student of more than ordinary ability; 
Elsie M., born March 6, 1878; Emma B., January 
23. 1884; and James K., February 7, 1886. 

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are members of the Pres- 
b^'terian Church at Commerce, and they both take 
an active interest in Sunday-school work, Mrs. 
Morrison being a teacher in the same. He is the 
Moderator of the local school board and always 
takes an interest in local polities, being a Repub- 
lican. He is a temperate man in his habits, and in 
every respect is a model of true manliness and 
right living which might be emulated by the 
young. 



<^;/OIIN M. ELLENWOOD, a prominent and 
prosperous farmer on sections 7 and 12, 
West Bloomficld Township, was born in Am- 
herst, Hillsboro County, N. H., June 29, 
1814. He is a son of John and Jane (Stanley) El- 
lenwood, both natives of Hillsboro County, N. H., 
where they made their home in their early married 
life. The father was a surveyor, and at the time 
that this son was born he was jailor at Amherst. 
In 1816 he removed his family to Ridgeway, Or- 
leans Count}', N. Y., and lived there until the sum- 
mer of 1825, when hecanieto Michigan and located 
the land where his son John now makes his home. 
He took it froth the Government, and making his 
home there, settled down to spend the remainder of 
his days. He did considerable surveying in Oak- 
land County, and laid out nearly ever^' road that 
was put through at that day. He was instrumental 
in having a Post-otlice established at Pine Lake, 
and was the first Postmaster to take that office in 
charge. He lield this position for twenty-seven 
j'ears, for which space of time he also officiated as 
Justice of the Peace. When he came to Michigan 
he bad only about *300, but before his death he 
had gained a handsome propcrtj'. 

Both John EUenwood and his good wife were de- 
vout Christians and honored citizens of ttieii- town- 
ship. This worthy gentleman was a member of the 
Territorial Legislature whicU framed the first con- 
stitution of Michigan, and was also a member of 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the next session. He was a stanch and sturdy 
Democrat, but did not allow his political views to 
land him into partisan actions which were not cal- 
culated to improve the condition of his county. 
He was well educated, and had a rich fund of in- 
formation, having followed the profession of a 
teacher through many years of his early life. He 
mirried more couples than au3' other man in Oak- 
land County ill his day. His father Eben, was a 
native of New Hampshire, and traced his ancestry 
to Ireland. The father of our subject passed away 
from earth May 9, 1856, having then almost com- 
pleted his four score years. His wife lingered un- 
til April 1, 1864, when she died at the age of 
eighty-three years. They were the parents of five 
children — Calvin, Eben, Jane, Ismenia and John. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, 
and whose portrait is shown on another page, is 
now the only survivor of the parental household. 
He has lived on the same farm erer since he came 
witli his parents to Michigan in 1825, when he was 
eleven years old. He bought the old homestead 
and took charge of his parents in their later yeais, 
caring for them faithfully and tenderly until their 
departure. He bought the old homestead and now 
owns one hundred and twenty acres on section 12, 
town of West Bloomfield, and section 7, township 
of Bloomfield. These two tracts of land adjoin 
each other and form a beautiful farm situated on 
the east side of Pine Lake. Altogether it is one of 
the most desirable locations in the county, and the 
land will sell any day for $100 per acre. In the 
earl}' days he was u notable huntsman, and used to 
kill from forty to fifty deer every fall, and other 
wild game in abundance. 

The marriage of our subject with Miss Sarah 
Middaugh, of Bloomfield Township, took place 
April 22, 1839. She was born in Chemung County, 
N. Y., May 8, 1817, and is a daughter of Samuel 
and Phila (Chatman) Middaugh, both natives of 
the Empire State, who came to Michigan in the 
spring of 1829, and took up Government land in 
Bloomfielil Township. They lived on the farm 
row owned by John Greer, Sr., and there spent the 
remainder of their days. 

Ten children came to brighten the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Ellen wood: Calvin is now a farmer in 



Troy Township, this county; Ismenia died when 
eleven years old; Phila J., deceased, was the wife 
of Norton McHenry; Andrew died when a child; 
Ismenia, deceased, was the wife of Norton Mc- 
Henry; Pha-be is the wife of M. W. Bloomburg, 
the Sheriff of Oakland County; Levangy is the 
the wife of William Newman, of Davisburg; Julia 
is the wife of Edmund Lodge, of West Bloomfield 
Township; Frances E. is the wife of James Gam- 
ble, of Pontiac; and Robert L., who died when 
nineteen years old. Mr. EUenwood has been a 
Democrat all his life, and has held numerous minor 
town offices. He has been a subscriber to the 
weekl}' Detroit Free Press for more than sixty 
years, and is considered one of the old stand-bys 
of the county. 




%^ ON. CHARLES B. BOUGHNER. Though 

'^ merit often goes unrewarded, yet it is true 

that the qualities of genuine manhood are 

^j sometimes given public recognition, and the 
men who are capable of discharging the duties of 
high official station are placed in positions where 
their good judgment is of avail to the people at 
large. Such is the case with Mr. Boughner, who 
after jears of meritorious work as a private citizen 
and a local officer has been sent to the State Senate 
from the Fourteenth Senatorial District. For some 
years he has given his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits and he raises stock of good grades and crops 
of superior quality. His residence is on section 
27, West Bloomfield Township, and his home farm 
consists of two hundred and forty-five acres on that 
and the adjoining section. He has made all the 
improvements upon this property, and has a fine 
set of buildings and many fruit trees, in the care 
of which he has taken delight. 

The Boughner family was established in America 
b}' the great-grandparents of our subject, and in 
Pennsylvania his grandparents, Jacob and Moicah 
(Hull) Boughner, were born. In the family of 
that couple was a son Martin, who was born in 
Schuylkill County, on the Delaware River, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



451 



when a young man went to Hnntenlon County, 
N. J. Tbeie lie met and married Catherine Swal- 
lovY, and in 1825 they left tlial locality and settled 
in Cayuga County, N. Y., but later removed to 
Seneca rount3'. In 1835 they came to this State 
and made their home at what is now Ash Town- 
siiip, Monroe County, where they lived two years, 
then establislied themselves on land now owned by 
our subject. Here they spent the remainder of 
their lives, dying at the respective ages of sixty- 
seven and eighty-four years. Mr. Boughner was a 
weaver bj- trade, and during his early life gave his 
attention almost wholly to fancy weaving, but af- 
ter coming to tliis State he was a farmer. For sev- 
eral years before his demise he was an invalid. He 
voted the Democratic ticket-, and he and liis wife 
belonged to the Baptist Cliurcii. They had four 
ciiildren, Cliarles B. being tlie first-born. The sec- 
ond was Jacobs., who died in childhood ; the third, 
Marj' A., now deceased, who was tlie wife of John 
G. Durkee, of Birmingham; the fourtli, John A., 
who is farming witli his brother Cliarles. Mrs. 
Boughner was a daughter of John and Ann (Case) 
Swallow, and was born in Hunterdon Countj', N. 
J., as were her parents. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
February 14, 1825, at Flemington, Hunterdon 
County, N. J., and was ten years old when he left 
New York for JMichigan. He had lived there from 
his early infancy and had no recollection of the 
place of his birth. He grew to maturity on a farm 
and received a common-school education only, as 
his father was in but moderate circumstances. Quite 
early in life he became a teacher, and he also 
worked by the month as a farm hand, being thrown 
on his own resources when quite young. By the 
liicc he was of age he had saved enough money to 
buy fifty acres of land where he now lives, and in 
1852 he settled here. By close application to farm 
work, persevering industry and good judgment in 
making investments, he has brought his estate to 
its present large acreage, and gathered around him 
the manj' comforts which pertain to modern civili- 
zation. He has had the wise counsel and sympathj' 
of a prudent wife and to her management of house- 
hold affairs he owes mucli besides the comforts in 
the, dwelling. She bore tlie maiden name of So- 



phronia Harger, and became his wife, January 21, 

1852, at which time she was residing in West 
Bloomfieid. She was born in Niagara County, N. 
Y., June 3, 1827. and is a daughter of Seeley and 
Arvilla (Seeley) Harger. Mr. and Mrs. Boughner 
have no children, but his brother John and his two 
sons, William M. and Charles B. are living with 
them. 

For twelve years Mr. Boughner served as Super- 
visor of Bloomfieid Township, and he was Justice 
of the Peace at different times; he has also been 
Township Clerk and School Inspector. So well did 
he discharge the duties of these offices, and so high 
an opinion had his fellow-citizens of his capability 
and public spirit, that the Democratic party nomi- 
nated him for Representative from his county on 
two different occasions. He declined to accept the 
honor, hut in 1890 the county convention, without 
his knowledge or consent, presented his name as a 
candidate for State Senator, and such pressure was 
brought to bear upon him that he stood for the 
position. He was elected 1)3- a majority of over 
four hundred and fifty. He is a member of the 
standing committees on the liquor traffic, engross- 
ment and enrollment, public printing, public build 
ings, and the soldiers' home, and is serving as Chair- 
man on four of these. He east his first Presidential 
vote for Martin Van Buren, and he hss nerer 
swerved in ids allegiance to Democratic principke. 



■=T^ 




ON. JAMKS M. HOYT, M. D. The biogra- 
piiy of a nobleman who has gained eminence 
in the medical i)rofession, that profession 
which ministers to the suffering and relieves 
distress, and who, although affected by blindness 
in his later years still stands as a model to the 
young and a counselor to the aspiring young men 
of the medical profession, is ever of interest to the 
reader and an inspiration to all. Dr. Iloyt. widely 
known in Oakland County, and throughout the 
State, boti) as a phj-sieian and as State Senator is 
such a man. 

Tlie father of this honorable gentleman was Dr. 
Jonathan Iloyt, a native of Greenfield, Saratoga 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



County, N. Y., where he was horn Fehruary 25, 
1792. His fallier was also Jonathan Iloyt, who 
was one of the farmer soldiers of the Revolution- 
ary days. He passed through a period of imprison- 
ment in the hands of the British but lived to a good 
old age. He was the son of Gideon Hoyt, whose 
grave is at Greenfield, N. Y. The mother of our 
subject was Prudence Edd}', daughter of Nathan 
Eddy, an old New England farmer, who was mar- 
ried in New York State and whose daughter Pru- 
dence was born April 13, 1788. The parents of 
our subject were married about 1812. The father 
had studied medicine at Saratoga, and made his 
home at Amsterdam, Montgomery County, for 
about five years. He tlien went to Erie County. 
and made his permanent home at East Aurora; 
he died November 20, 1850, while on business 
in the city of Buffalo, of apoplexy, having been 
bereaved of his wife in March, 1844. 

Tlie subject of this sketch is the second son in a 
family of five children, three of wliom are still liv- 
ing. His brothers and sisters were: William C, who 
died at the age of seventy-Qve j'cars; Harriet N. 
Pixley, deceased; Orson C, aged sixty-six years, 
and Horace aged sixty eight. Their mother was 
a member of the Baptist Cliurch. Tlie father took 
great interest in public affairs and was a lifelong 
Democrat. For ten years he was Judge of the Cir- 
cuit Court of Erie County, N. Y. He was a man of 
remarkable memory' and good literary taste. Noth- 
ing ever escaped his memory. He was a candidate 
of the Democratic party in his district for Congress, 
his opponent lieing Millard Fillmore, afterward 
President of the United States. He was a strong 
temperance man and delivered many fine public 
lectures on that theme. 

The birth of Senator Hoyt took place October 
5, 1817, at Aurora, N. Y. His elementary educa- 
tion was conducted at the ac.ndemj- at East Aurora. 
His first teacher in the district school was Millard 
Fillmore, and another of his teachers was the wife 
of President Fillmore. He took three years' sludj' 
in medicine with his father and also studied with 
Dr. John E. Marshall, of Buffalo. N. Y., who had 
charge of the Marine Hospital at that place. He 
completed his coursein the Geneva Medical Col- 
lege, taking his diploma in January, 1839. He then 



took the practice of Dr. Marshall, at Buffalo, that 
eminent physician having just died. In May, 1840, 
he came to Michigan and settled in the village of 
Commerce. After practicing there for three years 
he removed to Walled Lake. Hero he carried on 
an extensive practice for thirtj'-six years, until 
failing eye sight, the result of sickness, compelled 
him to lay aside iiis work. His advice is highly 
prized by young practitioners and he is often 
sought by old friends and neighbors who feel that 
Dr. Hoyt'S opinion on their case is worth more 
than that of any other man. 

The Doctor has a fine farm in Commerce Town- 
ship of two hundred acres, one hundred and sixty 
of which is nicely improved. His friends and 
neighbors have often called him to fill positions of 
trust both in township and State. He has been 
School Inspector, Clerk and Supervisor of his town- 
ship, lu 1858 he was elected to the Jlichigan 
State Senate from what was then the Sixth District. 
The Doctor had to overcome a majority of three 
hundred for the other candidates on the ticket. He 
did it and carried over to his own side a majority 
of forty. His opponent was the Hon. Henry W. 
Lord, late of Pontiac. His record during tiiis ses- 
sion of the Legislature was worthy of the man. He 
was Chairman of the Committee on Asylums for 
Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Also a member of the 
Committee on Mines and Minerals. His rei)ort on 
the former committee was adopted unanimously 
by both branches of the Legislature and was em- 
bodied in a law. In 1860 the Doctor was again 
made a candidate for this honorable position but 
was defeated. He was re-elected however to the 
Senate in 1864. This was tlie time when the State 
was all excited over the question of counting or 
not counting the vote of the soldiers in the field. 
He was deprived of his seat on this account. The 
Supreme Court decided against this act but in some 
way this decision was over-ruled. 

In medical societies Dr. Hoj't has ever been a 
prominent man. He helped to organize the now 
existing State Medical Society. He is also a mem- 
ber of tlie local medical societj* located at Milford, 
and the National Medical Association. His wife, 
witii whom he was united April 3, 1841, was Mar- 
garet, a daughter of the Hon. Hiram and Lucinda 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



453 



(Barrett) Barrett, who were earlj- settlers in this 
county, settling in Commerce Townsliip in 1836. 
This worthy couple have since passed away. 

Dr. Hoy t and wife were the parents of ten children 
five of whom are now living. Hiram J., the eldest 
son, is a member of the law firm of Smith, Jvims, 
Hoy t & Erwin, of Muskegon ; Harriet N. is deceased ; 
James M., Jr., lives on a farm in this township; 
Benjamin R., M. D. is in active practice in the city 
of Detroit; William E., is a law3er in Greenville, 
Montcalm County. A pair of twins were born to 
this household and died in infancy without anj^ 
apparent illness, Susan, wife of S. M. Porter, died 
leaving two children; Lucinda lives at liome and 
Carrie, who was the wife of Dr. E. A. Ciiapman, a 
practicing physician in Walled Lake, died leaving 
one child. The mother of these children passed 
from eartli, July 25, 1859. 

The second marriage of Dr. Hoyt took place 
May 1, 1860. The present Mrs. Hoyt is Eliza H., 
daughter of Lyman and Harriet (Rowe) Halhorn. 
Her parents, now deceased, were early settlers in 
Michigan, having settled upon a farm in Novi 
Township about 1834. They were leading mem- 
bers of tiie Baptist Church. Tiie affliction of blind- 
ness under wiiich Dr. Hoyt is suffering is a severe 
trial to a man of his active nature. He walks about 
his place and occasionally drives out, but spends 
much of his time in listening to reading by his de- 
voted wife and daughter. His pleasant home was 
built in 1852 on the banks of the beautiful sheet of 
water known as Walled Lake. He is a notable 
member of the Pioneer Society of Oakland Count}', 
and also of the State Pioneer Societ}-. He is also a 
member of the State Legislative Society. 



E^^ 



m 



O. HATHAWAY. Waterford Towivship 
contains no better illustration of the ample 
reward which can be obtained by determina- 
tion and well-directed efforts, than in the 
person of the gentleman above named, who by his 
own exertion has accumulated a large amount of 
worldly goods. He occupies a fine, well-improved 
farm on section 31, which is well equipped with the 



best of machinerj', stock and buildings. His per- 
sonal character is that of an upright gentleman and 
his reputation is in keeping with his merits. His 
political adherence is given to the Democratic 
party and he uniformly supports the candidates 
who are i)ledged to the principles of that party. 

In 1830 the pioneers of Oakland County re- 
ceived a valuable acquisition in the person of N. 
B. Hathaway, who removed from New York with 
his family to make a permanent home in the then 
undeveloped and unimproved lands of Michigan. 
His health was poor and upon his sons devolved 
the greater part of the work of converting the un- 
broken land into a pleasant and attractive home- 
stead. Nobly did they bear their part, clearing 
the land, and making a home from the unbroken 
forest. The father, who was never rugged and 
stalwart, died in 1837, while comparatively a young 
man, and his wife survived him only two j'ears. 
Thus in a pioneer country with no means-and few 
neighbors, the children were left to fight the bat- 
tle of life. 

The mother of our subject was known in her 
maidenhood as Chloe Ludlum and was of substan- 
tial ancestry' and a native of New York. She bore 
her husband twelve children of whom seven are 
living, all with one exception in Oakland Count}-. 
The parents were devoted Christians and for many 
years members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which the father was a Class-Leader. They were 
people of recognized worth of character and of 
high standing in the community which they made 
their home untd death. Their son, the subject of 
this sketch, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., 
Slay 13, 1820, and grew to manhood under pioneer 
inlluences. His educational advantages were very 
limited and he started out in lile with no adventi- 
tious aids of name and fortune to insure success. 
He had, however, what is better, a clear brain and 
plenty of courage to do and dare, and a high am- 
bition to enable him to carry out whatever he un- 
dertook. 

At the age of twenty years our subject was united 
in marriage in 1840 with Miss Mary C, the daugh- 
ter of Linus and Clarinda Dewey, natives of New 
York. Mr. Dewey came to Michigan in 1831, and 
is one of the pioneers of Oakland County. Of his 



454 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



family of nine children, six still survive and wilh 
one exception all are in Oakland Count}-. After 
his marriage Mr. Hathaway remained for tliree 
years on the old homestead, then selliiiij out, he 
purcliased a farm in Pontiac Township, where he 
lived another three years. Later he bought land 
in White Lake Township, and this he sold to pur- 
chase a farm in the southwestern part of Water- 
ford Township. In 1.S61 he traded for his present 
home on section 31, which at that time bore very 
few improvements. By economical management 
and hard work he has made a very pleasant, attrac- 
tive home. 

The union of our subject and his good wife has 
been blest to them by the birth of three ciiildren, 
namely: Linus, who married Delia Olmstead, and 
is living on a farm odjoining the old iiomcstead; 
Althea and Alice (twins) ; Althea married Charles 
Olmstead and lives in White Lake Township; Alice 
remains «t home. The children received excellent 
educational advantages and are filling responsible 
positions in life, for which their early home train- 
ing fully prepared them. The entire family stand 
high in social circles and heartily indorse every 
measure calculated to advance the interests of the 
community. 



■ > - ^K ' < ■ 



Vl 



] OHN W. ANDERSON, a pioneer farmer at 
Anderson settlement which bears his name, 
resides on section 27, Springfield Towrship. 
He was born in Genesee County, now Wj-- 
om^ing County, N. Y., July 17, 1814. His father 
was Isaac Anderson, and his father, Ezekiel, was a 
pensioner of the Government, having served in the 
Revolutionary ^^'ar. He lived for a time In New 
York City and ran a sloop boat on the Hudson 
River and up and down the coast. Later he livcil 
on a farm in Greene County, N. Y. and afterward 
in rister County, where he died in a green olil age, 
having reared a large famil}-, to be a credit to his 
name. 

The father of our subject was brought up in the 
city of New York and w.as twice drafted into the 
War of 1812 but both limes furnished a substitute. 



He began farming in Greene County and then re- 
moved to Genesee, now W^'oming Count}-, where 
he owned one hundred and twenty acres. He came 
to Oakland Conntv, Mich., in 1836 and took up one 
hundrefl and twent}- acres of Government land 
where our subject now lives and also purchaser! 
another one hunilred and t wen t\' acres wilh some 
improvements on it. He then returned East and 
brought his wife and six children to dwell in the 
log cabin which he had prepared for them. He was 
a famous Nimrod, anil shot many a deer. On one 
occ.asion while butchering he remarked that a little 
venison mixed with the pork would make good 
sausage. He shouldered his rifle and was gone but 
a few minutes when he returned home with a deer. 
He was Deacon in the Presbyterian Church here 
and was one of the first Elders in that church in 
the town of Attica, N. Y. He was a Whig and af- 
terward a Republican. He helped organize Spring- 
field Township, and served as Highwaj- Commis- 
sioner in those early days. He was a prominent 
man and an extensive farmer and died in January, 
1860. 

Catherine Van Horn, the mother of our subject, 
was born in Greene County, N. Y. She was the 
mother of eight children of whom six grew to ma- 
turity. They were: Betsej-, Hannah. Martha, 
Clarissa, Sylvester E. and John W. Their mother 
passed away when seventy-six j-ears old, having 
been an earnest and active member of the Presby- 
terian Church for many years. Our subject came 
to Oakland County from New Y'ork in 1836 when 
he was twenty-two years of age. He lived with 
his father for four years and then bought eight}' 
acres of his present farm and began to improve it. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 1841. 
His bride was Anna Moore, who was born in New 
Jersey, December 20, 1820. Six children have 
crowned this union, namely : Julius, who married 
Anna Dickinson and has a farm in this tovvnsliip; 
Sarah is deceased; Alice J. married Edmund Fos- 
ter, a farmer in this township; George is deceased; 
Elizabeth married George Curtis, a farmer in Sag- 
inaw County; Howard married Minnie Newell and 
manages his father's farm. Mrs. Anderson died 
May 9, 1885. She was an active memlier of the 
Presbyterian Church for many years and her hus- 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



455 




band an Elder in that church »nd has served as 
Superintendent of the Sunday-schooL His political 
conviolions have been with the Whig and the Re- 
publican parly, and he cast his first Ijallol for Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison. He has held the ofHccs of 
Highway Commissioner and Justice of the Peace and 
was one of the organizers of .Springfield Township. 
He has two hundred and fifty-six acres of fine land 
and a capacious and commodious residence. He 
now rents his farm to his son and makes his home 
with him. Although somewhat retired from active 
life he is still a prominent man in the township. 

NATHANIEL J. MILLERD. This gentle- 
man has been a resident of Avon Town- 
^ ship during the greater part of his life, al- 
though be was born in Cayuga Countj', N. Y. Feb- 
ruary 12, 1820. His parents were Nathaniel and 
Sarah B. (Ta3'lor) Millerd, natives of New York and 
Massachusetts respectively, and the father was born 
in 1780. He died October 6, 186.5, having thus 
passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey. 
Mrs. Millerd passed away October 1, 186.3. They 
had come to this State in May 1823, and located in 
Troj-, but the next year removed to Avon Town- 
ship. The husband was a carpenter until late in 
life, when he became a farmer. After his removal 
to this State he built a grist and saw mill on Stony 
Creek, which was one of the pioneer mills of this 
section. The Pontiac Mill was built the same sea- 
son. Mr. Millerd put up many houses in the vicinity 
and in 1846 built a flouring mill which is now the 
woolen mill on Ston}- creek, now operated by Mr. 
P. Ewell. The family included nine children, four 
of whom survive — Orestus, living in Avon Town- 
ship; Charles, a resident of Arkansas; and Nathan- 
iel J. and Mrs. S. J. Walker, twins, the latter of 
whom resides in Brown County, S. D. 

Mr. Millerd, the suliject of this sketch, was rear- 
ed upon a farm and earl3' learned how to cany on 
agricultural work. He pursued his studies in the 
public school and in 18,38 attended wliat was then 
called the University at Pontiac — an institution 
subsequently merged into the State University. 



He has pursued an industrious and strictly honorable 
course in life, and taken an active interest in move- 
ments that were for the elevation of society and 
the promulgation of true principles moral or relig- 
ious. He is a prohibitionist from principle and 
takes an active part in temperance work. He is a 
member of the Baptist Church, with which he united 
January 10, 1841, and for thirty-five years he has 
held the office of Deacon. Faithful to the vows he 
made and earnest in his desire for the good of 
others, he takes a leading part in the work that is 
carried on by the organization. 

For more than fort^^ years Mr. Millerd enjoyed 
the closest sympathy of a noble woman who became 
his wife May 4. 1848. She bore the maiden name 
of Almeda M. Vail, was born in Riga, Monroe 
County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Martin Vail, 
who brought his family to this State in 1838. She 
became a well educated woman and began teaching 
at the early age of fourteen years, continuing in 
that occupation until her marri.age, a few j'ears 
later. Her mental culture did not cease when she 
began her professional work but was continued, and 
her spiritual nature was developed from year to 
year. She passed away Ma}- 16, 1890, leaving to 
her friends the record of a life the influence of which 
cannot be estimated. The union of Mr. and iAIrs. 
Millerd was a childless one but their home was 
never without the presence of the young as thej' 
reared several children from other families. 

The Rev. Frank Barnett, a missionary in Mon- 
tana, upon the occasion of Mrs. Millerd's death 
wrote as follows: •'When the writer left Ogden to 
attend the dedication of the Baptist Church in 
Missoula, he caught up the last Christian Herald to 
read on the train. Among the first things that ar- 
rested my eye was the announcement of the death of 
Mrs. Almeda Millerd, wife of Deacon N. J. Millard 
of Stony Creek, Mich. It was as though I had 
heard of the death of a mother, for mother indeed 
has she been in spiritual matters. There came back 
to me with a flood of feeling, remembrances of the 
past, when with her hand upon my shoulder, while 
the tears rested on her cheek, she asked me with the 
tenderness and pathos of a Savior's love, to give 
my heart to the Lord. How could I resent such 
gentle and mighty earnestness. Under herpursua- 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sion I yielded to her Lord and mine. In after 
years, with other young people, I sans in the choir 
and often looked down upon her intellectual face as 
she listened to the words of life. Some times I 
wondered at the tears that coursed down her cheeks 
at what I felt was only an ordinary service. But 
lier great nature was a fountain of spiritual earnest- 
ness. To speak of Zion was to stir iier heart to its 
deptlis. 

It was my good fortune to live in Mrs. Millerd's 
home for two years during the restless, turbulent 
and doubting period of life which comes to most 
3'oung men. >«ever can I forget the assurance and 
rest that came to my troubled heart as 1 came under 
the influence of her strong nature and the restful- 
ness and devotion of that Christian home. Famih" 
worsliii) was like the opening of tlie gates of heaven. 
Her spiritual fervor made her a tower of strength 
in the Church and her face was seen at nearly every 
service. She loved home mission work and often 
asked me if I did not think the Lord had some little 
church in the far West wliere he wanted me, and 
so to-day, from one of the mission fields of that far 
West, while she stands in the glorious presence of 
the Lord, 1 send this little testimonial of love of 
one of the Lord's chosen — a redeemed and noble 
woman." 



<y^SS~ 



AVID DICKIE. The pleasant home of this 
gentleman is located on section 17, West 
Bloorafield Township and the estate to the 
operation of which he gives his attention, consists 
of two hundred and fort}' acres. For several j-ears 
Mr. Dickie raised trotting horses and he is well 
posted regarding the merits of different breeils and 
every particular of tlieir care. He is an ardent ad- 
mirer of horses and it is strange indeed if he lias 
not good ones to drive. He is now paying little 
attention to horse breeding, but turning bis thought 
largely to the cultivation of fruit. He has twenty- 
five hundred peach, nine hundred apple, two thous- 
and pear, and hundred plura and one hundred 
cherry trees, and has seven acres devoted to grapes. 
Other small fruits are set out on the farm, and Mr. 
Dickie is working into a large trade in the products 



of bis trees and vines. His farm is one of the 
handsomest locations in Eastern Michigan, and 
from his orchard one can stand and count seven 
lakes in plain view of bis farm. 

John and .lanet ( Miller) Dickie, natives of Ayre- 
shire, Scotland, came to America in 1H.33, and set- 
tled in Dumfries, Count}' Waterloo, Canada. The 
husband was a life-long farmer and was successful 
in tilling the soil, but never accumulated a great 
amount of property, as he spent his earnings for 
the good and comfort of his family, and worthy 
causes. He died in Canada but his widow came to 
Michigan and spent her last days in the home of 
her son David. Both belonged to the Presbyterian 
Church in Scotland, but in Canada Mr. Dickie 
united with the Christian Church. They had nine 
children, of whom our subject was the fourth in 
order of birth. He was born in Canada February 
2C, 1839, and reared and educated in bis native 
county. 

David Dickie received a thorough common- 
school education. He remained with his father 
and gave him the bencQt of his labors until he was 
eighteen years old and assisted in the care of his 
mother until he was twenty-eight years of age. In 
18;)7 he removed with his mother, brothers and 
sisters to his present location, and afterward bought 
the place of the heirs. He had much of the care 
and responsibility of the home farm after his 
father's decease, and with the exception of a few 
months during his seventeenth 3'ear, he has been a 
■a farmer from his youth u|). That period was de- 
voted to the printer's trade at A3'r, Canada, but 
young Dickie did not like his employer's method uf 
keejiing him at other work and soon abandoned it. 

September 11, 1867, Mr. Dickie and Miss Sarah 
A. White were united in marriage. The bride was 
born in West Bloom Held Township, May i'J, 1847, 
and is a daughter of James and Eliza (Miller) 
White. She is an intelligent, energetic woman, 
who has been a valuable assistant to her husband 
in accomplishing bis purpose to acquire a good 
home. The children born of this union are named 
respectively, Janet E., John J., Lilly M., Jane, 
Annie, Slargaret, Mabel, Bertha and Maude. Mr. 
Dickie has held some of the minor town offices and 
and was faithful to the trust reposed in him. He 



.i^- 






M- 



"^ 








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



459 



is connected with the Patrons of Industry and po- 
lilicallj is a Reimblican. ■ He is a man well read 
and correspondingly well infornie<i, and is an honest 
and reliable citizen. 



jI-:V. WILLIAM H. OSMUN. There are 
living onl^' a few of the men whom this 
> \V gentleman found in Oakland County upon 
V@coining iiither in April, 1836. During all 
these years he has witnessed many changes and has 
been one of the most useful men in his communit}', 
identifying himself with its most worthy enter- 
|)ri9es and giving his moral and suhstanlial aid to 
whatever was calculated to the |iromolion of its 
best inteiests. He is a man whose opinions are 
thoroughly' respected and whose integrity has been 
maintained unque. tioned during the ciianges of a 
long and useful life. His occupation has been lliat 
of a farmer and minister, in both of wiiich he has 
been successful, securing a pleasant home for his 
declining years, and being instrumental in enlarg- 
ing the ni»mbershi|) and usefulness of the churcli. 
He now resides in I'ontiac, in the eastern part of 
the city. 

In Tompkins County, N. Y., the Rev. Mr. Osmun 
was born .lune 18, 1816. His father, Joim Osmun, 
was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1771, and 
died in 1815, in the Empire State where he spent 
his entire life. He was of English descent and a 
farmer by occupation. The mother of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Mary Linderman, and 
was of Holland extraclion. She also was born in 
Orange County, N. Y., and survived hcrhusb.nnd 
several years, dying in 1851. She and her worthy 
husband were the progenitors of a numerous race, 
as she was the mother of thirteen children, twelve 
of whom lived to maturity, an<l most of them had 
families of their own, two of the daughters having 
families of fourteen children, each of whom lived to 
years of maturity. Of the twelve children only 
two now survive, our subject ar.d one sister. 

Rev. William II. Osmun was reared a farmer in 
Tompkins County, N. Y.,and attended the common 
schools in the winter. He remained vvith his [)ar- 



ehts until he was twenty-one j-ears old. In the 
month of April 1836, he camie to Oakland County 
and began farming, taking up one hundred and 
sixty acres of fine land, and Ituildinga comfortable 
log house 20x21 feet in dimensions. It was not 
elegantly furnished for during the first six years lie 
had but one chair and his first Ijedslead bo.asted 
but one leg. There was no carpet on the lloor and 
when he received a letter from the East, he would 
sometimes have to wait a week or two to raise the 
twonty-tive cents necessary to pay its postage. 
Money was scarce and ever^'thing was high. Corn 
was ^2 [wr bushel, and oats were twelve shillings 
jier bushel which amounted to $1.50. In a few 
years matters were more comfortable. After liv- 
ing here for ten years he sold two of his three 
farms, one of which comprised three hundred 
acres in the town of Orion, this county. The latter 
was a new farm, which he cleared and where he 
carried on general farming. He also had there a 
sawmill run by water power and manufactured pine 
lumber. After disposing of his interests here he 
returned to the I^mpire State, and for twenty-two 
^ears was a resident of Tompkins County. 

Upon Mr. Osmun' s return to New York he set- 
tled up the estate of his father who had recently 
died and located his family there for a permanent 
residence. They continued there for nearly- twent3-- 
two yeais, but in 1867 he was again taken with the 
Western fever and removed with his family to 
Oakland County, Mich., purchasing his present 
farm which is now within the city limits of I'on- 
tiac. It comprises eighty acres of llnely in)|)roved 
and excellent land, embellished with all modern 
improvements, including barns and outbuildings. 
He has done much pioneer work and since liis last 
settlement in this Slate has engaged largely in 
preaching in the Free Methodist Church. 

On .lanuary 11, 1837, the Rev. William H. 
Osmun and Miss Mary Ann Limlerman, were united 
in marriage. The bride was the daughter of John 
and Martha (Wood) Linderman, of Tompkins 
County, N. Y. Mr. Osmun and his estimable wife 
are the parents of six children, namely- : Abram, 
born November 7, 1837, died February 25, 1841 ; 
William II., born October 27, 1841; Martha J., 
born .lanuary 27, 1845, is the vvife of W. H. Young 



460 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Waterford Township; Charles W., born April 
29, 1848, lives in Grand Rapids; May E., born 
June 27, 1850, married Lewis Young of Ponliac; 
and Carrie B., born May 25, 1862, is the wife of 
Charles Bartlett. 

Mr. Osmun served a number of years as Consta- 
ble in this county. He was formerly an old line 
Whig until the organiz.ation of the Republican 
party, when he joined the ranks of those who 
worked for the election of John C. Fremont and 
later for Abraham Lincoln. He is now a stanch 
Prohibitionist. He began preaeliing soon after his 
conversion when he was thirty-five years old, and 
he preaches almost CTery Sunday when he feels 
able. He has never used tobacco in any form and 
now in his seventy-fourth year is enjoying a hale 
and iieartj' old age, a fact which will be apparent 
to the reader by a glance at his portrait on another 
page. He began life on very limited means and 
has acquired a handsome property to enjoy in his 
later years. 



\l_^ ENRY M. JACK.SON, a well-known black- 

y^, smith of Pontiac, Oakland County, has 

luiilt up a good business and established 

{'^ his reputation as a thorough workman and 
reliable man. He em|)loys four or five men and 
gives careful oversight to all that is done at black- 
smithing and horse-shoeing in his shop, being him- 
self a practical workman and well (pialifled to note 
any deficiency on the part of his employes. His 
career has been characterized by energy, industry 
and honest}-, and success has crowned his under- 
takings, and his investments have proved judicious. 
Beginning witli limited means he is now the owner 
of three shops and grounds, and five other lots and 
three dwellings in Pontiac. His own residence is 
a large frame hduse of modern architecture, has 
attractive surroundings, and is furnished taste- 
fully. 

Mr. J.ickson is of English parent.age, his father 
having been born in Uerb3siiire January 10, 1806, 
and his mother in Lincolnshire in 1815. The latter 



in Andersonville Prison and Thomas being ' 

end in a skirmish near Culpeper. William ] 

also a soldier but survived the horrors of I 



liore the maiden name of Marj' Buff, and was a 
daughter of Jonathan Buff. Iler marriage to John 
Jackson took place in Akron, Ohio, whither he had 
gone in earl}- life. Mr. Jackson was a wagon- 
maker, but soon after his marriage came to Macomb 
County, this State, and engaged in general farming 
and stock-raising. After some j'ears he removed 
to Oakland County and located on the farm near 
the city of Pontiac. Here he is still living, now in , 
his eiglity-sixth year. His wife passed away Octo- I 
bor 22, 1883. Their family consisted of nine 
children, seven of whom lived to maturitj". Two 
sons gave their lives for their countrj-, George \ 
dying in Andersonville Prison and Thomas being 
shot de;i 
A. was 
war. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was born in Macomb County, this State, 
Docember 22, 1840. He obtained his education in 
the common schools, devoting his time chiefly to 
stud}- until he was fourteen years old. After that 
he worked on the farm some three years, then came 
to Pontiac and learned the trade of a blacksmith 
with Seth Watson, whom he served as an appren- 
tice for three years. He remained with Mr. Watson 
a year longer, then went to England to visit his 
uncle Thomas Jackson, whose home was in Man- 
chester. He remained abroad, eight months and 
during the time traveled oyer England, Ireland and 
the Isle of Man. He arrived at his home in Pontiac 
in December, 1865, and soon opened a blacksmith 
shop in which he has continued business ever since. 
His means were exceedingly limited when he began 
work, but he secured a good run of custom, was 
frugal in his expenditures and was able to add to 
his business wagon and carriage making whicli he 
carried on successfully seven years. He then 
dropped that branch of business ami gave his alten • 
tion exolusivel}- to blacksmilhing and horse shoe- 
ing. 

April 29, 1875, was the date of an interesting 
ceremony which transformed Miss Helen Skarrett 
into Mrs. H. M. Jackson. The bride was reared in 
White Lake Townshipand isa daughter of Richard 
and Catherine Skarrett who were born in Ireland. 
The union has been blessed by the birth of three 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



461 



sons — Tboraas "W., John H. and Richard. They are 
being given the best educational advantages the 
jihee affoicis, and every effort is being made to en- 
courage tlieir aspirations for profound i<nowledg'e 
and thorougli preparation for the battle of life. 
Mr. Jackson and his estimable wife are earnest 
C'iiristiaiis, belonging to llie Melhodist Episcopaf 
Cliurch, to the work of which they contribute 
lilierally of their means, and in which Mr. Jackson 
is Steward. Politically, he is a stanch Prohibition- 
ist. His reputation is unexcelled and husband and 
wife count their friends by the score. 



i^ 



j^^ ENRY AlOORE. The estate of this gen- 
r jjj tleman consists of a tract of land on section 
34, Milford Township, and a residence 
property in the village valued at -^2,000. 
The outl3'ing land constitutes a splendid farm, as 
the soil is fertile, has been tlioroughl}' cleared, not 
onl^- of trees but of stumps and stones, and supplied 
with various buildings of a substantial nature. The 
owner of this fine property carries on mixed farm- 
ing, believing that it is wise to divide his attention 
between grain and stook. He has two hundred 
and twenty acres under the plow and his farm in- 
cludes forty-one acres additional. By his personal 
efforts one hundred acres were improved and it was 
no uncommon tiling f(U' him to work from 4 A. M. 
until midnight. 

The grandfather of our subject was one of the 
leading farmers of Herkimer County, N. Y. in his 
da}'. His son Henry was born there in 17!)G, 
adopted the father's occupation and remained in 
his native State until the fall of 188.3. He had 
married Sarah Wilsej', wiio was born in the s.srae 
county as himself, but in the year 1800, and whose 
father, James Wilsey, fought seven years during 
the Revolution. Mr. Wilsey came to this State 
with his daughter and his last sickness, which was 
also Ids first one, was suffered in Milford Township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore, upon leaving their native 
State, came hither and located on section 26, where 
neighbors were few and the timber ivas almost 
solid. They worked land in AVcst Bloom (ield and 



Franklin Township on shares, operating twelve 
hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Moore's first real 
estate here was an eighty-acre tract, the patent of 
which was signed by President Andrew Jackson, 
but before his death he had one hundred and twenty 
acres already improved. It had taken hard work 
to accomplish this result as he died in 1844. Mrs. 
Moore survived untd 1878. Mr. Moore was As- 
sessor and Constable in New York and here he was 
a [)rominent member of the School Board and a 
pleader of cases in the early Justices courts. He 
was a generous-liearted man, ready at all times to 
aid his neighbors and friends. The living mem- 
bers of the family are— John, Mrs. Esther Maltby, 
Mrs. Susannah Nicholson, Henry, Richard, Mrs. 
Elizabeth Harlow and Mrs. Sarah Bailey. 

Henry Moore was born in Herkimer County, 
N. Y., April 27, 1834, and was ten years old when 
he came to this State. His first attendance at school 
was in this section and his opiiortunities in ihat 
direction were very limited, as he w.as his father's 
mainstay until the latter's death. He did a great 
deal of work in his youth and when but twenty 
years old began life fur himself. In the fall of 
1852 he went to California by the Panama route 
and for four years worked in the mines in Sierra 
County. He had many rough experiences but was 
successful in mining and brought back to this State 
in 185G quite a sum of money. (Ic sold the old 
homestead and bought his present farm thirty-live 
years .ago, and has put up all the buildings to i)o 
seen upon it. 

In Septcnibei-, IS.'iC, Mr. Moore was married to 
Miss .Alinerva Fowler, whose acquaintance he had 
made by correspundence. The wedding occurred 
while he was on his way home from the coast and 
was solemnized at her home in Oreene County, N. Y''. 
She was born there April 21, 1832, .acquired an 
excellent education, completing her studies in the 
seminary at Prattsville, and then engaged in teach- 
ing. She is one of the six surviving children of 
Silas and Hannah (McClain) Fowler, who were 
born in Connecticut and New York respectively. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were married in Greene 
County, N. Y., and spent tlieir lives there, he dying 
in 1863 at the age of seventy-two and she in 1884 
at the age of ninety-four years. Mr. Fowler owned 



462 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tbe Kingston turnpike and six hundred acres of 
land. He was a Democrat in politics. He and his 
wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church and lie 
was a Deacon for many years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had eight children and 
four are now living: .Julia E. was born July 29, 
1860, and is now the wife of Henry Gales and liv- 
ing in Ionia County; she was graduated from the 
Milford High School and studied music, in which 
she became proficient. She has taught the science 
to some extent. Henrietta was born March 24, 
1S63, married Edward Knight and now lives in 
Detroit; diaries was born October 28, 1865, and 
•James Roy, May 12, 18G8. All were well edu- 
cated, having taken the higher studies in the Mil- 
ford High School. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have two 
grandchildren, each of their daughters being the 
parent of one child. Mrs. Moore is a lineal 
descendant of Charles McClain, a Scotchman of 
liberal education and great wealth, who was a mem- 
ber of the King's Court and was a minister of the 
English Crown in >'ew York City. 

For thirty- five jears Mrs. Moore has been a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church .iiid 
she has always taken as active a part in Church and 
Sunday-school work as her home duties would 
admit of. She has laught in the Sund.iy-school for 
years. She is not only an earnest Christian and a 
lady of cultured mind, but she is friendly in dis- 
position and pleasing in manner. Mr. Moore has 
always taken an interest in political matters and is 
an ardent Republican. He has served his fellow- 
men as Road Overseer and member of the .School 
Board and has advanced their interests very ma- 
terially-. 




WASHINGTON GAY ELLIOTT, M. D., is 
a prominent citizen and well-known physi- 
'\y/ cian of Pontiac. He was born in Sharon, 
Litchfield County, Conn., September 24, 1824. He 
is a son of Charles Elliott, a native of New Lon- 
don, Conn., born in 1782, who was a hat manufac- 
turer and furrier; his hats were largely sold in the 
Southern and Mexican markets. His father was a 



captain on a sailing packet plying between New 
York City and New London. The mother Marcia, 
daughter of Daniel Gay, was born in 1788. Mr. 
Elliott and family removed in 1837 to Seneca Falls. 
N. Y., and in the spring of 1838 came to Ponliac, 
Mich., and finally located in BlooniBeld Township. 
The father of our subject died in Pontiac in 1867, 
in the eighty-third year of his age and his devoted 
wife followed him to the other world twelve days 
later, both dying of pneumonia. 

The parents of the gentleman of whom we write 
had eight children, four sous and four daughters, 
of whom the Doctor is the fifth. He was just thir- 
teen years old when he came to Pontiac. He at- 
tended school there and later was sent back East to 
receive instruction at the academy in Waterloo, 
N. Y. He went there in 1842 and remained three 
years. Returning to Michigan he took up the 
study of medicine with Dr. Paddock and then took 
lectures in the medical department of the Western 
Reserve College, at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he 
was graduated in medicine iu 1849. 

The j'oung doctor returned to Pontiac and 
formed a partnership with Dr. Paddock and re- 
mained there until 1852. He then went to Clyde, 
N. Y., where he engaged in the drug business and 
forwarding and commission business and practicing 
medicine also there until 1862. He now entered the 
United .States service as Assistant Surgeon of vol- 
unteers, stationed at the United States hospital at 
Alexandria. Va., ranking as First Lieutenant and 
having his headquarters there for four years. He 
was connected with the United .States general hos- 
pital until February-, 1866. After this he returned 
to Pontiac and resumed his practice, to which he 
now devotes his whole time. He has had a niedi- 
ical practice of forty-two years. He is a member 
of the Northwestern Medical Association, also of 
the State Medical Association, which he helped to 
reorganize in Detroit in 1866. 

Dr. Elliott was married in 1854 to Miss Melinda 
C, daughter of J. B. Jones, of Clyde, N. Y. She 
died at Alexandria, Va., in 1864, leaving a son — 
William C, who is a medical practitioner at Ri- 
cine, Wis. The present MrS. Elliott was Harriet 
A., daughter of Joseph Shotwell, of Plaiiifiobl, 
N. J. By this marriage one daughter, Fannie M., 




;:^^^?^2;c^^ 





^^m^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



465 



was given to the home of Dr. Elliott. She is now 
a student at Ann Arbor. The Doctor has served 
several years as Health Otiicer in the City of Pon- 
tiac. In 1846 he became a IMason. He is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church and resides oppo- 
site to their place of worship at the corner of Wayne 
and Huron streets. In this pleasant residence he 
he has made his home since 1867. He is a stanch 
and prominent Republican in this part of the State. 



OSEPH D. PARTELLO. One of the im- 
portant industries of Southeastern Michigan 
is that of the manufacture of woolen goods 
of various kinds, and among the manufac- 
turers and dealers in these staples the name that 
introduces this biographical sketch is very familiar.. 
Mr. Partello has been connected with factories in 
which knitting was carried on, and on December 3, 
1889, patented a knitting machine which is proving 
more meritorious than many that have been in use. 
He sold the right to the Western Knitting Com- 
pany of Detroit for $;1 0.000, and it is now used in 
their manu factor}', where knit goods only are 
made. 

The Partellos arc a F'rench family and the first 
to come to America was Milo, grandfather of 
Joseph D. He located in New Kngland and his 
son Milo was born in JIassacluisetts. The younger 
of the name farmed for some jears, hut was chiefly 
engaged in operating a woolen mill at Lowell. He 
died in IS.'jO in New York .State, where he lived 
during his last years. Ho had married Adelaine 
Jones, a native of tiie old Bay State, who survived 
him a few years, pas.sing aw.ay May 24, 1863. Their 
family comprised thirteen children and Joseph was 
the 3'oungest. The six daughters are living, and 
two sons, one being a farmer in De Kalb County, 
111. 

The subject of this notice may be said to have 
been brought up in a woolen mill, and at the l)usi- 
ness he was employed about twenty-eight years, 
with the exception of the months spent iu the 



Union Arnoy. He was born in Madison County, 
N. Y., June 13, 1847, and in his youth enlisted in 
Company A, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry. The 
date of his enrollment was January 20, 1864, and 
his age sixteen years. He went with Sherman to 
the sea, returned through the Carolinas and took 
part in the Grand Review at Washington. He had 
participated in sixteen battles, among the number 
l)eing several that have a world-wide fame. Ho 
h.ad many narrow escapes from captivity and 
death, but was one of the fortunate few who passed 
through danger unscathed. He was discharged 
July 12, 1865, and resumed the arts of peace in 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 

In 1867 Mr. Partello went to Mt. Gilead, 
Morrow County, and after a sojourn of three 
years changed his place of residence to Sullivan, 
111. There he remained until 1874, after which he 
spent two years in Charleston, one in Pike County, 
and one in Kankakee City. Valparaiso, Ind., was 
his next place of abode and in that cit}' he so- 
journed some four years. He next spent a year in 
Chicago, then came to Rochester, where he has 
remained. The establishment with which Mr. Par- 
tello is now connected and in which his knitting 
machine is successfully operated, employs six hun- 
dred hands in the two branches and finishes up all 
the work that passes through the machines. In 
1869 a plant was built by John Roberts for a 
woolen mill and being destroyed by fire in 1881 it 
was rebuilt the next year hy Samuel Richardson 
and operated by him until 1884. It was then 
bought by the Oakland Company, but in a short 
time was sold to the Western Knitting Company of 
Detroit, anil in 1891 became the property of the 
Western Knitting Mills of Detroit. 

Mr. Partello has a pleasant home presided over 
hy the lady who became his wife March 20, 1881. 
Prior to that date she was living in St. Cloud, 
Minn., and bore the name of Maggie C. Aurand. 
She has an excellent education, agreeable manners 
and a sympatliizing nature, and attracts to her 
liome desirable friends. Mr. Partello is a Repub- 
lican in politics and is connected with the social 
order of the Knights of the Maccabees. His por- 
trait is herewith presented to the readers of this 
volume. 



466 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



^i^/RED R. LAMB. Since 1878 this genlloman 
1=^, has been located in Big Beaver, Troy Town- 
jli, shi(), carrying on a sawmill. He was born 

in Detroit, .lanuar}- 20, IS.tI, and is a son of John 
and Mary (Yokes) Lamb, natives of England, who 
were born in 1812 a-nd 1813 respectively. The 
father was a brickmaker, first in his own country 
and then in this State, until 1865. lie then located 
on section 14, Troy Township, and improved a 
farm on which he resided until his decease in 1888. 
His good wife breathed her last in 1883. They 
reared nine sons and five daughters and all but 
one still live. 

The sixth son and tenth child in the family is 
Fred R., who spent his boyhood in Detroit and re- 
ceived his education there. He was fourteen when 
Ke came with his parents to this county and he 
aided his father on the home farm some five years, 
after which he learned the painter's trade and en- 
tered upon his personal career. He worked at his 
trade, first in this locality and then in South Haven, 
where he remained two years, and later in Bir- 
mingham four years. When that period had 
elapsed he bought a sawmill and turned his atten- 
tion to his present occupation. This has proved 
remunerative and the feet of lumber he saws per 
season extends up to the hundreds of thousands. 

Mr. Lamb and Miss Jane Anscomb were mar- 
ried April 14, 1870. She was born in Troy Town- 
ship October 28, 1846, and educated in the district 
school. Her parents, John and Mary (Wright) 
Anscomb, were natives of England and were very 
early settlers in this county. Mr. Anscomb died 
here in 1859 and Mrs. Anscomb in 1890. She was 
then seventy-seven years old. Mr. and Mrs. Lamb 
have two sons, John Edgar and Willie H. Tlie 
one was born in January, 1873, and the other in 
August, 1874. Both are at home, preparing them- 
selves for the duties of manhood. 

Mr. Lamb has been called upon to serve his fel- 
low citizens in several official capacities. He was 
elected Justice of the Peace in 1887, was Supervi- 
sor in 1888-89 and Township Treasurer in 1886- 
87, and is again serving in the last-named position. 
He was School Assessor nine years. Politically he 
is a Republican and he is an active member of the 
party. He belongs to Birmingham Lodge, No. 14, 



F. A' A. M., Birmingham Chapter No. 03, R, A. M., 
and has helil different Chairs, having been Secre- 
tar3' of the Blue Lodge two years. He also be- 
longs to the Knighfs of the Maccabees. He is not 
connected with any church, but attends the Bap- 
tist, as his wife is a member of that denomination. 



^ 



^^ 




>^, ATHEW D. RIBBLE, a prominent and in- 
fluential citizen of Addison Township, 
Oakland County, was born in Knowlton 
Township, Warren Count}', N. J., August 
18, 1826. His father, George B. Ribble, of New 
Jersey, w.as a farmer and died in 1830, when this 
son was onl}' four years old. Tlie grandfather was 
George Ribble, and his father Anthonj', was a na- 
tive of Germany. The mother of our subject bore 
the maiden name of .Susan Bird and died in 1830, 
about the same lime her husband passed away. 
Our subject is the sixth in number of seven chil- 
dren, only two beside himself are still living. 

After the death of his parents Mathew Ribble 
was taken to be reared by a bachelor and two 
maiden ladies. He fell into good hands and re- 
ceived careful and kindly training and remained 
with these good friends until he was twenty-three 
years old. His education was received on the 
farm and in the district school, the first school he 
attended being in a wheelwright shop. In 1849 
he came to Oakland County, Mich., and purchasing 
the land where he still lives, located in Addison 
Township. Ten acres of this land were already 
broken and partly cleared. He built the log house 
which still stands, and devoted himself to the cul- 
tivation of his land. Wild game abounded and 
the Tuckatoe tribe of Indians lived in this town- 
ship. 

Miss Nanc}' A. Lamberson became the wife of 
our subject in 1850. She was born in New Jersey 
in 1831 and accompanied her parents to Michigan 
when only five years old. She became the mother 
of three children, Eliza A., Mar}' J., and Isaac, and 
died July 3, 1877. ^Ir. Ribble lias been a Demo- 
crat and is often made a delegate to county, district 
and State conventions. He has taken quite an ac- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



467 



live part in local politics. For twenty years in 
succession lie has served as SuperTisor of the town- 
ship. He has been identified with the Masonic 
order since 1857. He came to Michigan with no 
means and has achieved a decided success. One 
hundred and seventy acres of his land are well im- 
proved aiid higiily cultivated. He is a man of in- 
fluence and is highly esteemed by his neighbors, 
and during the last four years he served as Super- 
visor he was made Chairman of the Board. 



IfLi UGH IRVING. No business establishment 
in Birmingham is better known to the citi- 
zens and dwellers in the surrounding coun- 
try than the hardware store of Mr. Irving. 
This gentleman has been in business here since 
1849 but has traveled extensively during the per- 
iod intervening from that date to the present. He 
is justly entitled to the good name he bears as 
business man and citizen and is deserving of com- 
mendation for having made a success in life, finan- 
cially speaking. He came here a poor young man 
but armed with a good trade, firm principles and 
determination. By his own exertions he has risen 
to comfort and is now so situated as to feel secure 
against want in his last years. He was born in 
County Down, Ireland, in 1815, and was the son 
of Hugh and Jane (Montgomery) Irving, who were 
natives of Scotland. The}' removed from the Em- 
erald Isle to Manchester, England, in 1821, and 
spent the remnant of their days in that great man- 
ufacturing city. 

The fourth child in the parental family was 
Hugh, who was but a lad when taken to England, 
and grew to manhood in Manchester. During his 
boyhood he learned the tinsmith's trade and ho 
afterward worked at it in Manchester, Birming- 
ham, Liverpool, and other leading English cities. 
In 1849 he crossed the Atlantic and came to this 
county to make his home in Birmingham. He be- 
gan working at his trade and often walked to De- 
troit in order to save a little money, as he had no 
surplus to spend. His travels since he came to 



America have taken him over seventeen or eight- 
een States, but Birmingham has alw.ays been his 
home and the center of his business efforts. 

December 25, 1839, Mr. Irving was married to 
Miss Hannah Saunders, of Worcestershire, England, 
who did her part to advance their mutual interests 
and those of their children until she was called 
hence in June, 1885. The marriage was blessed by 
the birth of seven children, named respectively, 
William, John, Mary A., Elizabeth, Emma, Alfred 
and Martlia. Only two are now living — Elizabeth, 
wife of J. W. Burson, of San P'rancisco, Cal., and 
Martha, wife of Henry Dale, of St. Louis, Mo. In 
May, 1888, Mr. Irving made a second marriage, his 
bride being Miss Fanny Fish, of Birmingham. She 
is a daughter of Elijah E. and Fanny Fish, who 
came to this county in 1819 and settled on a farm 
in Bloomfield Township that is now owned by John 
Benedict. Mrs. Irving is an estimable woman and 
a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, 
to which Mr. Irving also belongs. He is a mason 
and holds the rank of Knight Templar. The 
Republican party has his support but he has never 
been a politician. His energy has been devoted 
to his business affairs and his enjoyment olitained 
in domestic and social life. 



-l-'-i'^^^ 'g I I ' 



<i|/OSEPH WINGLEMIRE, proprietor of the 
Crescent Roller Flour Mill and also of a fine 
furniture store both in Holly, is a man well- 
known and highly respected for his integrity 
and business ability. He is a native of Ilegensburg, 
Bavaria, (xerman}-, where he was born March 19, 
1825, and is the son of Joseph and Maria (Griddel- 
back) Winglemire. The parents lived and died 
in Germany and the father after spending his ear- 
liest years as a laborer, entered the B.ivarian army 
where he served six years. Of his large family our 
subject only survives. He came to America and 
landed in New York in October of 1854. 

In the new country Mr. Winglemire began to 
work at his trade. He soon removed to .Syracuse, 
N. Y., and in 1857 came to Holly, Mich. With 
his tailor's trade he combined the work of a cabinet- 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



maker. Flis wife also assisted by sewing. After 
five years lie gave up the needle and tbe goose and 
engaged in the cabinet business alone. He was the 
first cabinetmaker in Holly and the only one now 
there. His first purchase of real estate was on 
Saginaw Street and he now owns eight lots, a mill, 
cabinet shoji, store and a pleasant residence. The 
whole of his property is worth many thousand 
dollars. He employs four men in the mill and one 
in the cabinet store. In 1855 he was united in 
marriage with Miss Christina Apply, of Syracuse, 
N. Y. Six children have been born to thera of 
whom four are now living: Jacob R, Joseph R., 
John R., and Clara. His oldest son married Miss 
Nina Davis and they are the jiarents of two beau- 
tiful little chililren — Mabel and Agnes. Mr. Wingle- 
mire is a Rei>ublican in politics. His prosperitj' 
emphasises the experience of others that America 
is the land to which a man of energy an<l deter- 
mination may come, with an assurance that his 
efforts will ultimately be crowned with success. 



■ ^y * 



-i^m- 




ON. WILLIAM E. CARPKNTER. Among 
the fanners of Waterford Townshii) none 
bear a better reputati(m for activity and 
progressive ideas than the gentleman above 
nanieil, who owns and occupies a fine farm formerly 
the property of his father. He has fairly earned 
the title of Honorable by acceptably serving the 
interests of the people in the State Legislature, to 
which he was elected by the Democrats of his dis- 
trict in 188;^ and again in 189L His constituents 
find him ever alive to their interests and the good 
of the county, ever ready to expose fraud and cor- 
ruption and to lift his voice and cast his ballot in 
favor of the right. He combines the keen observa- 
tion, (juick perception niul accurate judgment 
which make him a jjowcr in the community, and 
give weight to his opinion an(J advice. 

The late B. K. Carpenter, one of the pioneers of 
this county, was born in the State ot New York in 
1810 and reared on a farm with limited educational 
advantages. At the age of twenty -fl ve, in the vigor 
of a stalwart manhood, he came to Michigan in 



18.35 and located in Orion Township, this county. 
His first purchase comprised eighty acres of land, 
which be improved and made his home for twelve 
years. Two years after his arrival, in 1837, he 
bought one hundred and twenty acres in Water- 
ford Township, which 'he partially improved wliile 
still residing in Orion Township. In 1847 he re- 
moved to the farm on section 20, and there passed 
the remainder of his life, dying in 1880 at the age 
of seventy-nine years. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Sarah A. Rodenbo. .She was born in New 
Jersey, whence she removed with her parents to 
New Yoik and later, in 18;57, came to Michigan. 
Her marriage, which took place in 1847, was blest 
with four children, namely: AVilliam E.; John D., 
a physician at Raleigh, Mo.; Carrie L., who is un- 
married and lives with the mother; and Charles H., 
who resides at Puget Sound. The mother survives 
at an advanced age, and as one who shared in the 
toils and privations of frontier life and who is ever 
ready to lend a helping hand to those around her, 
as well as for that character which is the crowning 
glory oi womanhood, she receives the liearty re- 
spect of all to whom she is known. 

Tiie subject of these paragra|)hs was horn in Wa- 
terford Township, Oakland County, August 18, 
1849, and received a good common-schuol educa- 
tion, besides attending the State Normal. He m.sde 
use of his excellent education as a teacher, and was 
thus engaged for some time, teaching ten terms 
during winter seasons and working his father's 
farm on shares during the summer. He liegan life 
for himself at the age of twenty-one. and by sturdy 
integrity and unremitting labor has accumulated a 
com|)etence for his di'clining yeais. His sound 
judgment has made him useful to his fellow-men, 
whom he h.as often served in political capacities. 
He was Township Supervisor six years. Township 
Clerk two years. School Inspector four j'ears, and 
Superintendent of Schools one year. He also 
served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors 
one year. 

May 31, 1877, Mr. Car|)enter was married to 
Eilen L. Colvin, d:u)ghter of Levi H. and Keziah 
K. Colvin. Mr. Colvin, who is rc|)resented else- 
where in this volume, was a pioneer of 1831, and 




^^4.^^^.^^ ^, ^^^^^^^^t^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



471 



sottled iu Waterford Township, where Mrs. Car- 
penter was born September 4, 1848. 'I'he liappy 
liome of our sul)ject is l)rightene(l by tiie presence 
of tlie two cliildren born to himself and his estima- 
ble wife — Bessie, who was born in 1886 and Mary 
in 1888. Socially Mr. Carpenter belongs to the 
Grange, and the Knights of the Maccabees, and in 
his political opinions, is a standi Democrat. 



•J^^' 



^^vIIARLES B. PI-:TR1K. A goodly number 
[t{ „ of men who have won a sufficient amount 
'^^yJ of tills world's goods to enable tliem to re- 
tire from the active work of life, are making their 
homes in I'ontiac. Among them is Mr. Petrie, a 
capitalist whose hirge accumulations have been se- 
cured liy energy and industr}' during years of busy 
life. He began his career with very modest means 
but found an opportunity to enter upon a line of 
work which gave an opening for his financial abil- 
ity and foresight and led him to wealth. lie has 
been living in I'ontiac since 1879, looking after 
liis business interests without exerting himself 
beyond what is pleasant and healthful. His resi- 
dence is a largo three-story lirick, located upon 
the Orchard Lake Road, in the midst of attractive 
surroundings. 

Mr. Petrie is the representative of old New York 
families and is himself a native of the Empire 
State. His parents, .loseph B. and Thankful (.lack- 
son) Petrie, wore born at Little Falls, N. Y., and 
spent their wedded life in Herkimer County. Of 
their six children Charles was the second son, and 
he and one otiier are the only survivors. He was 
born in Madison County August I'J, 181',), and 
pa.^^sed his school d,nys mostly in Rochester, where 
lie acquired a knowledge of higher mathematics 
and surTeying. He began his career as a civil 
engineer employed on the Creal AVestern l^ailroad, 
a portion of whose line runs through Canada. 

In 1846 Mr. Petrie came to Michigan as an em- 
ploye of a railroad company and acted as operator 
and agent at Detroit. He next went to the mining 
regions of Lake Superior and for a time operated 
in the copper mines, acquiring a knowledge of the 



business. He was linally employed as general 
manager for the lirni known as the Central ftHning 
Compan}', taking charge of all the dejiartments and 
having control of the entiro business. He saw to 
getting the ores ready for sale, disposing of them, 
making nei'essary purchases, and tending the com- 
pany's stores, for a period of over a quarter of a 
century. Tpon retiring from the position, Jlr. 
i'etrie located in Pontiac and gave his attention to 
looking after investments he had made and the 
dis[)osal of his capital. 

August 31, 1848, Mr. Petrie was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Nancy Flower, daughter of Andrew 
Flower, and sister of the Hon. Theron A. Flower, 
now of California. Mrs. I'etrie was born in Ohio 
and came to ftUchigan in her girlhood. She has 
become the mother of one daughter, Henrietta E. 
This young la<ly is now the wife of 1'. R. Robert, 
owner of the noted Hinmaii farm near Pontiac and 
connected with the firm of Thurber, Morton & 
liliss, extensive brokers of New York Cily, as 
general manager of their mining interests in Cali- 
fornia. 

Mr. and Mrs. I'etrie sliind well in the conimunity 
and are always looked to U> aid in the projects 
which will advance the welfare of the people or 
secure a more rapid development of the resources 
of this country. They are social and kindly, en- 
joy the companicmship of intelligent and well-bred 
people, and their doors arc always hospitably ojien 
to their friends and acquaintances. Politically 
Mr. Petrie is a Democrat. His portrait is presented 
to the readers of this volume, in coiiiicetion with 
his biographical review. 

AYNEAXFOlvD. This gentleman has been 
]]] intimately connected with tiie progress of 
Orion Township for a number of years and 
has a life-long interest in the affairs of this 
county, in which he was born October 20, 1836. 
He is the owner of valuable property, both in 
town and country, all of which was secured by his 
own efforts, as he began his career in life without 
means. In 1884 he retired from the farm which 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he had cultivated for a number of years and set- 
tled in the town of Orion, where he has a handsome 
residence property. He owns two hundred and 
fifty acres of land on sections U and 12, Orion 
Township, and about eighty acres on section 2, 
which has been platted and is known as Axford's 
Addition to Orion. He also has one hundred and 
twenty acres on section 17, Oxford Township. 
His farm land is well improved, with substantial 
buildings, good fences, gardens and orchards. 

Mr. Axford traces his paternal ancestry back to 
New England, where his great-grandfather lived in 
his youth. Samuel Axford, Jr., grandfather of 
our subject, was born in New Jersey and went from 
his native Slate to Canada, where he followed 
fanning until 1822. He then came to Macomb 
County, Mich., where he died early in the '40s. His 
son Samuel was born in County Windsor, Canada, 
in 1809, came to this State with his parents and re- 
mained in Macomb County until 1831. He then 
entered land in Oxford Township, tins county, the 
deed for wliich was signed by Gen. Jackson, then 
President of the United States. He followed an 
Indian trail to his new location, which was on the 
highest point in the township and the watershed 
of the streams. He built a log cabin and literally 
hewed out a home from the wilderness. He mar- 
ried Phebe Sommers, whose father, Jacob Sora- 
mers, a native of New Jersey, came to this State in 
1827 and lived in Macomb County until his death, 
in 1857. Mr. Sommers served in the Legislature 
of the State and also in the Senate. 

Samuel Axford held a commission in the State 
militia. He was an active politician and held va- 
rious local offices, including that of Township Su- 
pervisor, and also served as a member of the 
Legislature two terms and represented his district 
in the .Senate. He was an active Mason and a 
member of the Congregational Church. His inllu- 
ence was wide spread and his name is well remem- 
bered by the older citizens of Southeastern Michi- 
gan. Self-made, he began here in the woods and 
acquired a fortune between $35,000 and ^50,000. 
He left his estate in sucii excellent shape that there 
was not the least jar in settling it and making the 
proper divisions. He had not gained riches at the 
expense of others, but had always been charitable, 



kind to the poor, and careful to treat his fellow- 
men with biotherly kindness. He breatiied his last 
in 1883, and his wife followed him to the tomb 
about a twelvemonth later. They bad eight chil- 
dren, six of whom still live. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was the third white child born in Ox- 
ford Township. He opened his eyes to the light 
in the log cabin built by his father and received 
his early education in a log bouse, with an open 
fireplace, puncheon Uoor and slab benches. He 
pursued higher branches in Dickerson Institute at 
Romeo, three terms, and taught two terms in this 
county. During the war he bought horses and 
sold them to the Government and in February, 
1865, he bought a farm in Orion Township, set- 
tled upon it and turned his attention to agricultural 
work. He cleared the land of trees and stumps, 
and made various improvements and added to its 
extent as he was prospered. He finally retired 
from farm life and for a few years did little but 
look after his financial interests and real estate 
matters. During the past year he has been en- 
gaged in the agricultural implement business. 

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Axford in 
1864, was known in her maidenhood as Miss Eliz.i- 
beth Copman. She was born in Canada and is a 
daughter of Baldwin and Elizabeth Copman, who 
settled in this State in 1860. Her father died in 
1880 and her mother in 1879. Mrs. Axford has a 
tliorough knowledge of domestic management, 
keeps herself well informed regarding general news 
and topics of interest and endeavors to discharge 
to the best of her ability every duty which lies 
before lier. She is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and by her associates in that 
religious body and by neighbors and acquaintances 
she is well spoken of. She is the mother of one 
child — .Samuel C. — who is following in his father's 
footsteps as an enterprising and progressive farmer. 
He married Elizabeth Beardsley and they have one 
child named Helen E. 

Mr. Axford has held various local offices and 
h.is been found worthy of the confidence of bis 
constituents. He was a strong advocate of the 
Greenback movement and worked hard for its 
success, and on two occasions was the nominee on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



473 



tlie ticket of that party for County' Treasurer. On 
one octnsion he was defeated by but seven votes 
and on the other by thirly-eight. He is now iden- 
tified witli tlie Democratic party, as he bad form- 
erly been. He h.TS been a Mason twenty years, 
belongs to the Grange and the Knights of the 
Maccal)ees, and has filled many important official 
position in each of these orders. 



^ 



AHVEY J. TAYLOR. Among the bu-si- 
*'^ ness estal)lishments in Rochester is one de- 
voted to the sale of h.ardware, of which tlie 
gentleman above named is the proinietor 
and manager. Mr. Taylor is a native-born citizen 
of Oakland County and the representative of one 
of the families which settled here during the '30s, 
coming from the East, near the Atlantic coast. The 
Taylors are of German ancestry and the thrift and 
persevering industry which characterize the natives 
of Germany has not been lessened by generations 
of residence in America. The establishment over 
which our subject presides is well supplied with 
carefully-selected goods, and the utmost pains is 
taken to satisfy customers both in the st^'le and 
prices of articles purchased. 

The parents of our subject, William G. ,ind Ann 
(Axford) Taylor, were natives of Warren County, 
N. J., whence they came West in 1836. They 
established their home on a farm in Oakland Town- 
ship, this county, and pursued their course in life 
there for a number of years. They reared six 
children, of whom we note the following: Charles 
v., is a manufacturer of buggies, located in Pontiac ; 
Harvey J. will be spoken of in the following para- 
graphs; William is engaged in the sale of agricul- 
tural implements at Armada; Charlotte is the wife 
of Joseph Case, of Brandon; Alice resides with her 
widowed mother; Ellen is the wife of Edward 
William Sutton, editor of the TiAfgraph at Armada. 
The father died in Brandon July 22, 1887, at the 
age of sixty-eight years. 

The gentleman whose life history is to be out- 
lined below was born July 19, 1849. He grew to 
maturity on the farm and received his education 



in the district school. When he was ready to be- 
gin a man's work in the world he first took up the 
occu|)ation to which he had been reared, but in 
1880 he lefl the farm and became agent for the 
implement manufactory of D. S. Morgan, of Brock- 
port, N. Y. He traveled for that establishment 
some two years and acted as commercial agent for 
others, at the same time conducting farming ope- 
rations until March 1, 1888, when he entered into 
the hardware business in Rochester. He formed a 
partnership with Cyrus Reimcr, but after the con- 
nection had lasted two years, it was dissolved and 
Mr. Taylor has since been alone in business. 

Mr. T.aylor was united in marriage with Miss 
May Anderson, December 21, 1882, and has two 
children — Seneca V., and Cyrus J. Mrs. Taylor is 
a daughter of Richard D. Anderson whose home is 
in Orion, and is a well-educated and agreeable 
lady. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in politics, and 
socially is a Mason, a member of the Rochester 
(irange and Knights of the Maccabees. He has an 
excellent reputation for business ability and energy, 
and his fellow-oitizens have seen fit to make use of 
his qualifications for .advancing their interests by 
making him Township Supervisor and continuing 
him in the office year after year. He was first 
elected in 1883 and has held the [losition continu- 
ously save one year, when he positively refused the 
nomination, and is the present incumbent. 

D. ANDERSON. A goodly number of the 
men who have laboreii hard to brincr this 
t county to its present high development and 
prosperity, have retired from active life and 
are enjoying the comforts and luxuries which they 
have earned by years of industry and good man- 
agement. One of this class now living in Orion 
is the subject of this biographical sketch. He left 
his country home in 1888 and now occupies a fine 
residence in the town, well furnished throughout 
and showing the refining hand of woman in its 
appointments. He has three fine farms in Oakland 
Township, making up a total of over seven hundred 
acres of land, his possession of which is due to his 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



own excellent judgment, the good mnnagement of 
his wife, and their combined industry and wise 
economy. 

Mr. Anderson was born in Warren County, N. J., ; 
October 14, 1826, and his father, William, was a 
native of the same State, and it is probable that bis 
grandfather, Richard, was also born there. AVilliam 
Anderson was a farmer, successful in worldly affairs, 
and able to leave to his heirs about four hundred 
acres of land. He died in 1850, at the age of 
sixtj'-three years. His wife bore the maiden name 
of Margaret Demot and she too was a native of 
New .Terse}'; she died in 1875 at the age of sevent}'- 
eight years. Both belonged to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. They had eleven children, five of 
whom are living. 

Our subject was reared as a farmer and quite 
early in life became thorouglil}' conversant with 
agricultural affairs. He received a fundamental 
education in the log schoolhouse which was tlie 
customary institution of learning in tlie rural dis- 
tricts at tliat lime. In 1851 he came AVest and 
located on a farm of one hundred and thirty acres 
in Oakland Township, this count}-. Two j'ears 
later he was married to Miss Rebecca A. Flumer- 
felt, who was born in New Jersey August 11, 1833, 
and who was brought to this county when an in- 
fant. She is one of nine surviving cliildren in the 
parental family. Her parents, William and Esther 
(Pittenger) Flumerfelt, were born in 1800 and 
1808 respectively and tiie latter still survives. Mr. 
Flumerfelt died in 1881. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, with which his aged 
widow lias long been connected. 

Mrs. Anderson had limited school privileges 
compared with those to be found in this county at 
the present day, but she made good use of the 
opportunities afforded her and became well versed 
in womanly accomplishments and domestic arts. 
She has been a wise and devoted mother, and to 
her husband "her price lias been far above rubies." 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had 
excellent educational advant.nges and careful home 
training. They are named respectively: Francis 
L., William M., George F., Florence M., John M., 
Clarence L. and Jessie N. 

After giving due consideration to questions of 




governmental policy Mr. Anderson gave his alle- 
giance to the Democratic party and he has served 
his associates in this locality as a delegate to con- 
ventions. He is identified with the Good Templars 
organization and he and his wife are members in 
good standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 






ELDEN V[NCENT. One of the well-im- 
proved and well-stocked farms of Milford 
Townshi|) is owned and occupied bj" the 
gentleman above named, who is one of the 
old residents and has spent a lifetime in this loc.il- 
it}'. Not that he is a man of extreme age but that 
he was born on land now owned by himself and 
that his interests have centered here from his 
earliest recollection. His estate consists of two 
hundred and forty acres on sections 15, 22, and 23, 
and his liome is but three-quarters of n mile from 
the corporate limits of tlie town of Milford. 

The Vincents are of German lineage and for at 
least two generations prior to the time of our sub- 
ject, New York was the home of this branch. John 
Vincent was born in Otsego County and for eight 
years made his home in Ontario County, after hav- 
ing been married in Cattaraugus. In 1832 he came 
West and secured Government land in Milford 
Township, this county, acquiring two eighty-acre 
tracts. At a meeting of the old settlers shortly 
after his arrival the question of a name for tlie new 
town came up and Mr. Vincent proposed the name 
of Milford and it was adopted. The next year he 
brought his family, driving from Detroit to bis 
new home with an ox-team. Locating in the 
forest he liewed out a farm which was well im- 
proved when he died, in April, 1877. The log 
house which was the first home of the family was a 
few feet south of the present residence of our sub- 
ject. Mr. Vincent was a member of the Presby- 
terian Church at Milford, served as Trustee and 
helped to build the house of worship, and he gave 
the site for the first schoolhouse put up in the 
township. It was built in 1835, and is still stand- 
ing, a landmark of tlie old times. Mr. Vincent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



475 



was the lust Township Clerk and also served as 
Treasurer. His wife, formerly Minerva Comstock, 
was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1806, 
and died in March, 1878. They had five children, 
but Scldeu is the only one now living. The 
second child and eldest son died in Andersonviile 
prison in February, 1865, and the others died in 
this county. 

Selden Vincent was born November 10, 1844. 
and when olil enough attended tiie district school 
and then spent several winters as a student in the 
Milford I'nion School. After passing his majority 
he married and located on a forty-acre tract on 
section 22, where he engaged in farming, also hav- 
ing charge of the homestead which he carried on 
until his fatiier died. He also owned eighty acres 
on section 15. As soon as all the heirs were of age 
he bought out their interests in the homestead and 
added it to his other land. The entire tract is im- 
proved extept tliirtj'-three acres which is in three 
wood lots. The farm is well watered and two 
windmills supply the force by which the liquid can 
be transferred to convenient points. All kinds of 
grain is raised and good grades of stock and some 
attention paid to the dairy business. The cattle are 
full-blooded and graded Short-horns, the hogs Po- 
land-Ciiinas, and the sheep, fine Wool, but by a 
cross have coarse wool lambs. Mr. Vincent used to 
raise extra fine Merino sheep and he now has from 
one hundred and flft}^ to two hundred head. He 
raises good horses, I'ercheron and Hambletonian 
roadsters. His farm is so improved as to make two 
residence jilaccs and his own dwelling is prettily 
located and attractive. 

At the bride's home in Milfortl Township in 
February, 18G7, Mr. Vincent was married to Miss 
Lucelia A. Travis. Her parents, James and Naria 
(McCarty) Travis, were born in Pennsylvania and 
after their marriage came to this State. They were 
among the early residents in Oxford Township, 
this count3', but after some 3-ears removed to Mil- 
ford Township, where Air. Travis became the owner 
of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 
23. He died here in 1873. His widow is now 
living in Milford; she is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, while he was a Methodist. They 
had eight children and Mrs. Vincent was the fifth 



in order of birth. She was born in O.xford Town- 
ship June 12, 1846, and was six j'ears old when 
her parents removed to Milford. Slie has had 
three children — Eva M., Frank E. and one who 
died in infancy. Frank is now attending the Mil- 
ford High School, from which Eva was graduated 
in 1887. That young l.ady died in April, 1888, 
before her life had opened into full bloom, leaving 
her grief-stricken parents to comfort each other as 
best the}' could an<l cling to the promise of a happy 
meeting in the be3'ond. 

Mr. Vincent helped to organize the Milford 
Union Fair Society in 1880, which afterward be- 
came the Milford Fair Association. He was one of 
the Directors until 1886, wlien he became Presi- 
dent, and he has held the chief olflce since the re- 
organization. The society has good grounds, 
twent}' acres in extent, with a half-mile track. Mr. 
Vincent nas School Director eight j-ears. He was 
formerly' a Republican and served as delegate to 
county conventions and member of the county cen- 
tral committee. Since questions relating to the 
liquor traffic have become prominent he has thrown 
in his influence with the Prohibitionists. He and 
his wife belong to the Good Templars Lodge and he 
is now Treasurer. Both are members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. He is now Trustee and 
has been Steward for 3'ears, and at this writing Mr. 
Vincent is Superintendent of the Sunda3'-school. 
Mrs. Vincent is a working member of the Foreign 
Missionar3' Societ3\ 



-^ 



EUGENE BROOKS, a retired farmer, living 
in Birmingham, was born in Troy Town- 
ship, this count3', Jul3' 24, 1843. His par- 
ents were Alanson and Desire (Frink) Brooks, 
natives of New York, and his father was born in 
Saratoga Cotint3', Ma3' 16, 1807. He remained 
there until 1827, then came West and t<iok up a 
piece of Government laud in Macomb Count3', this 
State. After a short sojourn he returned East for 
his bride, whom he brought to his Michigan farm. 
The3' lived upon the land a number of years, then 
sold it and removed to Tro3' Township, this 



476 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



county, buying another farm. After some years 
this also was sold and a small place three and a 
half miles northeast of Birmingham was purchased, 
whereon Mr. Brooks spent the rest of his life. He 
he had but limited means, but had high standing 
as a Christian gentleman. He was a farmer and 
cooper and followed both occupations during his 
mature years. Politically he was first a Whig and 
later a Republican. His religious home was in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He entered into rest 
December 26, 1882. 

The mother of our subject was born in Hon- 
eoye, Ontario County, April 30; 1809, and her 
wedded life began in September, in 1831. She is 
still living and occupies the liomestead in Troy 
Township. Like her husband she is a Methodist 
and their active connection with the chur.ch cov- 
ered a period of more than half a century. It is 
only since years have incapacitated her that Mrs. 
Brooks has given up her share in the work carried 
on b}' the church. The children of Alanson and 
Desire Brooks are: Edward F., now living in Bate- 
man, Washington County, Ore.; Ellen J., wife of 
Edward F. Chatfield, of Troy Townsliip; Ell, who 
is now a resident of Denver, Col.; and Eugene, the 
subject of this notice. 

Eugene Brooks was reared on his father's farm 
in this county and received a common-school edu- 
cation. He remained with his father until he was 
twenty-tliree j-ears old, working on the farm ex- 
cepting two J'ears, which was spent in the oil 
regions of Pennsylvania. After his marriage he 
began farming on his own account aud pursued his 
calling industriousl}' until 1877, when he took up 
his abode in IJirmingham. He is a I\Iason and has 
risen to the degree of Knight Templar. He has 
been Master of Birmingham Lodge No. 44, and 
High Priest of Birmingham Chapter No. 93. He 
has held some of the minor village and school ofB 
CCS, but has not entered largely into public life. 
His political views are in accord with those ox- 
pressed in tlie Rei)ublican platform and his vote is 
in favor of the candidates on tint ticket. He and 
his wife belong to the Methodist tipiscopal Church 
in Birmingham. 

The wife of Mr. Brooks bore the maiden name 
of Martha J. Robinson and was united to him in 



marriage February 17, 1870. She was born in 
Troy Township and is a daughter of Austin N. 
and Polly (Stanley) Robinson, well known and 
highly respected citizens. She represents one of 
pioneer families of the county, her grandparents, 
Abner and Anna Robinson, having come hither in 
1824, when it was necessary to cut their road into 
what is now Troy Townsliip. They took up Gov- 
ernment land wliich is still in the hands of mem- 
bers of the famil}-. The Robinson farm is a vaile 
and a half east of Birmingham and is one of the 
landmarks of this locality. The older members of 
this family died in Troj^ and Bloonifield Town- 
ships. Our subject and his good wife have but 
one child, a son, Francis E., who is now eighteen 
J'ears obi. All move in the best societj- of the 
place and have many friends in this locality. 



gnnni 



jEBIEjE 




\I7 EONARD L. HOFFMAN, a prosperous 
farmer of Orion Township, was born in the 
township where he still resides, November 
14, 1840. His father, Samuel H., came from New 
York to Oakland County, in 1S3G. He died about 
1860. His wife, Lydia Baldwin, preceded him to . 
the grave in 1851. Of their seven children four ' 
are now living. Our subject was reared upon the ' 
farm and had his education in the district schools. I 
After the death of his mother ho went to live with "' 
AVilliam Green, a farmer in Orion Township. He 
lived with him and went to school until he was ' 
twenlj'-one years old. He then began working 
out by the month, receiving the first year ^120 
and the second $140. He was for one year in the 
employ of Benjamin Giddings in I'ontiac. 

In S('pteml)cr, 1864, this young man enlisted in 
the Third Michigan Infantry, Company G, under 
Col. M. B. Ilolton. Ho was sent to Decatur, Ala., 
where they met Hood an<l drove his arn.y out of 
that district. Thej- met him again at Murfreesboro 
and thence followed him to Franklin, where 
they had a field engagement. He was within a daj's 
march of Richmond when Ijoo surrendered. After 
the war closed his regiment was ordered to Texas, 
where a year was spent. He received his discharge 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



477 



al Victoria, Tex., May, 18G6, and was mustered 
out of service at Detroit, liaving had the rank of 
Corporal for some time previous. 

Returning homo in September, 1866, Mr. Hoff- 
man and A. Judson Clark formed a partnership, 
and purchased William Green's farm in Orion 
Township. During the eighteen j-ears of their 
partnership, thej- practically carried but one pocket- 
book. Whichever one happened to have an)' money 
in his "weasel skin" purse, paid for whatever expense 
was incurred by either. When they dissolved p.irt- 
nership in 1881, they simpl)' divided amicably 
whatever stock, land and monej' the\' had. 

The gentleman of whom we write has been twice 
married. The lady to whom he was united in the 
fall of 1866, was Hattie Bugbee, wlio died, leaving 
no children, in February, 1872. The present Mrs. 
Hoffman was Pha^be Gates and was born in Orion 
Township, in 1850. They were married May 16, 
1875. One child, Ellen Dot, was born to them 
August 11, 1879. Our subject is the delegate fre- 
quently^ from his county to Republican conventions 
and also takes active part in local politics. He is 
a member of the Grange, the Grand Army of the 
Republic and tiie Knights of the Maccabees. He 
started without a cent in the world and has been a 
remarkably successful man, having now over one 
hundred acres in a finely cultivated farm. 



^ENJAMIN KENAGA, one of the leading 
^^^ citizens of Rose Township, was born in 
jJ^jjl Amherst Township, Erie County, N. Y., 
^5==^ and is the son of Benjamin and Sabina 
(Hoil) Keuaga. The grandfather was of Scotch 
descent and was born in Lancaster County, Pa., 
and removed from there to Little York, and thence 
to Frederic, Md., where he was an extensive 
planter. He and his good wife, Esther Long', 
reared a famil)' of two sons and four daughters. 
Our subject's brother, John A., was a piano-maker 
and died in Buffalo. The four daughters were as 
follows: Mar}', Mrs. Lenn, who lives in Pennsyl- 
vania; Anna, Mrs. Schanck, who died in Valpa- 
raiso, Ind.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Stark, who died near 



Erie, Pa.; and Hettie, Mrs. Strohn, who died in 
Elkhart County, Ind. The parents of these chil- 
dren were members of the New Mennonite Church 
and were, like many other conscientious Christians 
of that day, slave-holders. The father passed 
away in Maryland in 1819, and his wife survived 
him until 1885, when she died in Lancaster County, 
Pa., at the age of ninety-six years. 

Benjamin Kenaga was born in Little York, Pa., 
in December, 1806. When nineteen years old he 
wont to Erie County, N. Y., and lesided there until 
the fall of 1866, when he removed to Macomb 
County, this State. Here he bought eighty-seven 
acres and has made his home to this day. He is a 
member of the same church to which his parents 
belonged. Of the eleven children born to him 
five grew to maturity, namely: Benjamin; Anna, 
Mrs. .Fogelsonger; Levi, who died in California; 
Sarah, Mrs. Fogelsonger; and Joseph. Their mother 
was born in Lanc-ister County, Pa., in September, 
1809. Her father, John Hoil, was a farmer, who 
removed to Erie County about 1810, where he 
cleared up one hundred and sixty acres and lived 
until his death. His children were: John, Eliza- 
beth, Mary, Peggy, Sally, Nancy and Sabina. The 
mother of this family lived until March 7, 1891. 
The Hoil family is of Swiss origin. 

Training upon the farm and in the district school 
filled out the measure of education given to our 
subject. He lived at home until twenty-one, and 
his first independent work was undertaken in con- 
nection with his father. In the spring of 1866 he 
came to Macomb County, Mich., and bought one 
hundred and eighteen acres, which he improved. 
The next j'ear he removed to where he now resides 
on section 33, Rose Township. Here lie purchased 
one hundred and thirty acres. Although he began 
life without capital he received :J4,000 from his 
father in 1866. In the meanwhile he had entered 
the army, enlisting in August, 1864, in Company 
C, Ninety-eighth New York Infantry. He was 
discharged in December, the same year. 

The marriage of Benjamin Kenaga with Fannie 
Rcist occurred December 20, 1855. She was born 
in Erie County, N. Y., and is a daughter of John 
and Anna (Frick) Reist. Her father is of Swiss 
origin and is a farmer :ind miller. His children 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



were as follows: Christian, Aona, John, Elizabeth, 
Fannie, Jacob, Susan, Daniel and Elias. 

The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in his 
political affiliations, but does not make himself 
prominent in local politics. He is now serving his 
seventh year as Justice t)f the Peace. He has tiie 
respect and esteem of his neighbors and is a worthy 
example of an industrious and honorable life. 
Seven of his ten children were reared to maturity, 
namel}': Joanna, the wife of DeWitt Caster; 
Susan, llie wife of Nelson Lockwood ; Lillie, wife 
of Charles Wickcns; Ira married Miss Katie Muler 
and resides in Wichita, Kan.; Euna, wife of Will- 
iam Chaffee; Otlo and Allen. Our subject he- 
longs to J. P.. McPherson Post, No. 183, G. A. R., 
at Holly, and the Patrons of Husbandry. 



,GDON S. AXFORD. The name of O. S. 
Axford is well known in this county, in 
which he wiio bears it has lived since his 
infancy and with whose history he has been con- 
versant for half a century. A volume could easily 
be filled with his reminiscences of pioneer times, 
when his parents occupied a log cabin and made 
Detroit their base of supplies; when Indians in 
large numbers camped in the adjacent openings 
and wild animals haunted the forests; when the 
clearings of the settlers were few and scattered, 
and ox-teams were used in furni work and for trans- 
portation. It is impossible in the limits of a vol- 
ume like this to recount incidents of those times 
and we can only make the briefest mention and 
leave it to the reader's imagination to fill in tlie 
sketch. 

Little is known regarding the ancestors of our 
subject except that the family is of English origin. 
Grandfather Axford, whose given name was John, 
was born in New Jersey' and in Warren County, 
that Stale, his son Abram was born in IHOiJ. The 
latter married Peninah Swayze who was born in 
New Jersey in 1809. and is now in her eighty-sec- 
ond year. Six of their eight children survive. 
Abram Axford came to this county in 1831 and 
was one of the first to make a permanent settlement 



in Oakland Township. He bought laud on which 
there was a small log house into which his family 
moved. He cleared and improved considerable 
land and managed his financial affairs so well that 
he had about §16,000 when he retired from active 
life. He iiad come to this State a poor man and 
attained a competence by dint of energy and pru- 
dence. He was a man of dee|) religious feeling, 
although not identified with any churcii, and was 
highl3' esteemed by all who knew liim: he died in 
1886 at the age of fourscore. 

Ogdon S. Axford was born in Warren County', 
N. J., August 2, 1829, and was eighteen months 
oil] when his parents made their removal to this 
State. Amid the surroundings of pioneer life he 
passed his boyhood da3"s and in the pioneer log 
schoolhouse he obtained a preliminar}' education. 
He attended a select scliool at Rochester a short 
time, and in the intervals of studj', from his boy- 
hood up, he was engaged in such home duties as 
pertain to the experience of a farmer's son, partic- 
ularly in a new country. When he was of age his 
father assisted him some in obtaining a farm on 
sections 11 and 12, Oakland Township, which he 
still owns. He followed threshing about twelve 
years, and beginning life modestly and proceeding 
slowly and carefully, calculating every move before 
deciding upon it, he progressed in his affairs. He 
was a hard worker as well as a good manager, and 
from time to time, as his means would permit, he 
added to his possessions. He retired from farm 
life in 1884 with a handsome fortune and removed 
to Orion where he has a pleasant home. He still 
owns three hundred and eight acres of land, mostly 
in Oakland Township. He always took an interest 
in fruit-growing and raised gooil sheep and horses. 

In January, 1853, Mr. Axford was married to 
Jliss Diana Sisson, who was born in Erie County. 
N. Y., in 1831, and brought to this couuty when 
about one year old. Her father was Isaac Sisson, a 
native of New York, who died here in 1879. Her 
education was obtained in the common school and 
her knowledge of domestic arts was acquired under 
the guidance of a careful mother. She is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and it has 
always been her endeavor to live in accordance 
with her profession. Mr. and Mrs. Axford hare 




THOMAS COOPER 



4 



PORTRAIT A.Nn BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



481 



five children, of whom we note the following: Julia 
E. is now the wife of Ezra Chamberlain, a [)i-os|)er- 
ous farmer in Oakland Township; Ellen J. married 
Judson King and lives in Orion; Grant M. is clerk 
in a large dry -goods establishment in Chattanooga, 
Tenn.; Bert A. is a carpenter and living with his 
parents; Oda J. is the wife of Fred Miller, of Orion. 
The sons have taken a special course of study in the 
Agricultural College at Lansing and the daughters 
have enjoyed the privileges of the high schools in 
Ponliac and Romeo. 

For some years Mr. Axford has been an active 
member of the Orion Grange. lie was a Republican 
in former years, but is now a member of the Pro- 
hibition part}-. The cause of temperance has always 
had an ardent advocate in him and he became con- 
vinced that the regulation of the liquor traffic was 
of the utmost importance and called for the united 
efforts of the lovers of their country. Although 
not anxious to fill public office Mr. Axford has 
allowed his name to be placed on the local ticket, 
but as he was alw.ays one of the minority in poli- 
tics, he was not elected. He has been a delegate to 
conventions and has helped his fellow-citizens by 
showing his interest in matters which promised to 
advance this section. Few men can show a better 
record as financiers than Mr. Axford and tiis exam- 
ple is worthy of study and emulation. 



!)HOMA.S COOPER, one of the earliest set- 
tlers in Soutlifield Township, makes his 
'' home on section 35. He was born on Long 
Island, N. Y., April 26, 1816, and his earl}' home 
was on the sea-coast. His father, .Tohn Cooper was 
horn at .South Hampton, Long Island, in 1788. He 
was a farmer and fisherman and took part in the 
War of 1812. He came to jNIichigan in 1832 and 
look up four hundred acres of land in Wayne 
County. The next year he brought on his family 
and made his home here until liis death at the ago 
of eighty-three years. His father, .John Coo|>cr, 
made his home also on Long Island, being a farmer 



and a fisherman. He at one time helped kill a 
whale. 

The mother of our subji'ct, Haunah Jager, was 
born in 1791, at South Hampton. She w.as the sec- 
ond daughter of Enoch and Jennie (Fanning) 
Jager. Her grandfather, Mr. Fanning, was a native 
of Ireland and a Colonel in the British army. He 
was sent by the British Government while this 
country was under the English crown, as a Gover- 
nor of one of the islands. He spent his last days 
in the village of Quogue, N. Y., on Long Island, 
where his farm adjofned that of Mr. Cooper. The 
wife of Col. Fanning was named Mehitable nick- 
named >'Hit." 

The parents of our subject were married on Long 
Island in 1813. Eight children were granted unto 
them, namely: Mehitable, born in 1814; Thomas, 
1816; Solon, 1818; Stephen, 1820; Jane, 1822; 
John, 1824; Caroline, 1826; Amanda, 1829. Our 
subject was reared in his native pl.ace and remained 
there until he was about twenty years old and re- 
ceived his schooling on Lf)ng Island. He came 
West with his parents in 1833, and on May 1, 1844, 
was joined in marriage, to Mary Perry, who was 
born December, 1819, in County Donegal, Ireland. 
She was in her teens when she came to America 
and spent six years in Indiana on the Ohio River. 
She went there with her uncle John Shankliu, and 
coming to Michigan on a visit to hor uncle, James 
Shanklin, in 1843, met the gentleman who was to 
be her husband. 

After marriage, our snliject and his wife settled 
on a farm where he now resides. Their first home 
was in a log house 18x22 feet, and here they lived 
for four yeais, when the}- erected their present 
residence. Six children have been born to them, 
only two of whom remain to cheer the hearts of 
their parents, namely: Stephen S., born January 
28, 1845, resides in Troy Township, and Anna 
Amanda, born March 1, 1859, the wife of William 
I'urdy, resides in Southfield Towushii). The chil- 
dren who died were Elizabeth M., Gecjrge T., one 
who died in infancy and John P. 

The farm upon which our subject resides com- 
prises one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Cooper 
had forty acres more but deeded it to his son. The 
first President for whom he voted was Taylor. He 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of which 
Mrs. Cooper is also a member. There are none 
living in the county who were members of tliat 
church previous to Mr. Cooper's joining it in 
1835, and be is also the oldest surviving settlor of 
Southfield Township. He has gained a handsome 
competency by industry, enterprise and straight- 
forward honesty, and uses his money for the good 
of others, being a liberal contributor to all good 
causes. He rents out his farm with its stock and 
tools, and is living a retired life. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Cooper is pre- 
sented in connection with this biographical review. 



S^EORGE H. SIBLEY owns and occupies a 
(l( farm of one hundred and sixty acres in In- 



G 



dependence Township, and is pursuing the 
affairs of life with a satisfactory degree of success. 
He was born in IMonroe County, N. Y., August 
25, 1845, and was reared on a farm to the age of 
seventeen years. He then enlisted in Company 
H, Twenty-first New York Light Cavalry (Gris- 
wold's), and was mastered into the service at Ro- 
chester, December 23, 1863, for three years or 
during the war. He was assigned to the Army 
of the Shenandoah and joined the forces at Har- 
per's Ferry. Under the h^adership of the gallant 
Phil H. Sheridan he went through the Valley cam- 
paign, iiarticipating in the numerous battles that 
have made that section famous. After the sur- 
render of Gen. Lee the regiment was sent to Ft. 
Leavenworti), Kan., and remained there eight 
months, after which it was sent back to 'U'ashing- 
ton, D. C, where the boys were discharged and 
mustered out, December 23, 1866. 

■\Vhen his army life was over Mr. Sibley returned 
to the home of liis parents, Samuel and Elmira 
(Dixon) Sible}', and remained in their neighbor- 
hood about eigliteen months. He then decided to 
go West, and making his way to Leavenworth, 
Kan., he spent a summer there, visiting with an 
old (omrado. In the fall of 1868 he joined an 
overland ex|)edition and freighted across the plains 
to Denver, Col., carrying United States stores. lie 



made two trips, and then, in 1869, entered the 
employ of Sanderson & Barlow, who ran a stage 
line. He drove from Trinidad, Colo., to Twin 
Springs, N. M., and then went on other lines, 
holding the reins about twelve months. He then 
went to the Cimarron River gold diggings, where 
for about five months he liad charge of the sluice 
boxes. 

Mr. Sibley and his partner about this time de- 
cided to return to the States, and our subject 
bought a pony and they crossed the plains unac- 
companied. Making a pause at Ft. Scott, Kan., 
iMr. Sibley again secured employment as a stage- 
driver and remained there about five months. He 
next went on the Texas cattle drive, and after 
making two trips quit the business and secured an 
appointment as Road Agent, having charge of two 
hundred and ten miles of road. In 1870 he returned 
to his native State and was married to Miss Theo- 
docia Townsend. This union has been blessed by 
the birth of three children— Hattie A., October 
11, 1871; Frony, born in August, 1881; and Hiram 
G., September 2, 1882. 

In 1875 Mr. Sibley came to this State, and 
having turned his attention to agricultural affairs, , 
he is reaping a due reward for his efiforts. Po- j 
litically speaking he is a Democrat. He belongs 
to Sherman Post, No. 63, G. A. R., and Tent No. 
35 K. O. T. M. He is a reliable citizen, and with 
his wife is held in due respect IhroughoDt their 
circle of acquaintances. 



-^ 



OLIVER II. P. OSMUN, a retired farmer who 
resides in Pontiac, was born January 29, 
1826, in the township of Lansing, Tompkins 
County, N. Y. His father, Israel, was a native of 
the same county and a farmer by occupation. He 
was born April 11, 1803. He was the son of John 
Osraun, who was born December 13, 1774. His 
wife, Polly Osmun, was born February 21, 1773. 
The mother of our subject, Fannie Staple, was a 
native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of John 
Staple, of Irish and Dutch extraction. She was 
liorn in Pennsylvania July 6, 1803. Israel Osmun 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



483 



was raan-ied to her in Tompkins County, N. Y., 
Jiinuary 17, 1822. Tbcy settled on a farm in that 
cuunty until tlie fall of 1835. wliun tiiey came to 
Oakland County and bought the Clinton Mills, 
known as Munson Mills, in the town of Water- 
ford. The journey was made from their home to 
Bufifalo by team, and after coming by boat to De- 
troit, they crossed the country by team and wagon. 
Tlicy continued to operate the farm and mills for 
a number of years. In 1845 he sold out his mill- 
ing interests, having, however, built a new mill in 
the meantime on the same site. He then removed 
to section IG, and bought a tract of four hundred 
and forty acres which consisted of oak openings. 
Here he engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising. He was bereft of his wife March 18, 
18C9, she (lying in the sixty-fiflh year of her age. 

In 1870 Israel Osmun sold his farm to his son 
Abijali and removed to the city of Pontiac. Here 
he was married the second time and died Febru- 
ary 4, 1878, Ills wife surviving him b}' one ^ear. 
Eight children survive of the ten which crowned 
his first marriage. They are ^y name: .John, Will 
iam, Oliver H. P.; Catherine, Mrs. Church; Ade- 
line. Mrs. DeWill; Abijah; Elizabeth, Mrs. John 
Green; and Israel, Jr. The tvvo who died were 
Mar}' and George. 

Our subject received his early education in 
the common schools and on the farm, and re- 
maine<l with his parents until he reached his ma- 
jority. In April, 1847, he united his fortunes for 
life with Rebecca, daughter of .John and Ellen 
(Addis) Green, natives of Warren County, N.Y., 
of I'-nglish and Dutch descent, who came to Mich- 
igan in 1834, and settled in Independence Town- 
ship. Mrs. Osnuin was born in Warren County, 
N. J., October 27, 1826. Her mother died in 
1881, anil liet father had been called away many 
years before, dying in 1854. They were the par- 
ents of ten children. 

After marriage Air. Osmun and his wife made 
their home on the old homestead in Waterford 
Township. Here they remained for three years 
and then bought one bundled and sixty acres and 
wf-nt to raising sheep and cattle and cultivating 
wheat. This he continued up to the time of his 
remoTal from the farm to the city of Pontiac. 



He has rented out his farm, which is a fine tract 
of two hundreil and seventy acres in a high state 
of cultivation and well suiiplied with excellent 
buildings and fences. 

Mr. and Mrs. Osmun have one daughter, Mary 
Ellen, wife of George M. Richmond, who lives on 
a part of Mr. Osmun's farm. Mr. Osmun has 
acted as guardian for live children. They have tvvo 
daughters, Olive and Gr.ace. He has always been 
a Democrat. He and his wife find their religious 
home with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They 
have a good residence at No. 81, Oakland Avenue. 
Mr. (Jsmun commenced his career on limited means 
but has i)rospered in all his ways and has been 
successful in every enterprise in which he has en- 
gaged. He has thus accumulated a good compe- 
tency for his old age. 



1^ AVID W. MORRISON, although not an 
old settler in Commerce Township, pos- 
sesses a fine property here and is consid- 
ered one of its prominent citizens. His 
father, Joseph, who was born near Belfast, County 
Derry, Ireland, and his mother, Nancy Wark, of 
the same locality came to America about 1821, and 
made tlioir home in New York City in a house 
still standing near the corner of Bleeckerand Mor- 
ton Streets. They afterward removed to Nine- 
teenth Street, then to Pike and Monroe, and later 
to Forty-second Street, between Eighth and Ninth 
Avenues. The father was by tr.ade a stone-cutter 
and tlagger. He lived until 1887, but w. as bereaved 
of his wife in 1852. They were the [)aronts of 
four children, three of whom are now living, one 
daughter and two sons. Both of the latter served 
in the arrnj- during the Civil War. 

The father of our subject came West in 1837 
and took his farm from the United States Govern- 
ment, but did not live on it as he returned to New 
York City. In that metropolis his son David w.as 
born, March 2, 1843, and there he grew to man- 
hood. He was a salesman in the shoe business and 
afterward in the finding business. He was given an 
excellent common-school education and began work 




484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wLcn about fourteen years of age. His marrriage 
took place July 25, 1872. His wife was Elizabeth, 
daiigbtei- of John J. Wiight, a native of Germany, 
who lived in New York City over fifty years. Mrs. 
Morrison was one of a large family of children five 
of whom grew to maturity. She was born thirty- 
nine years ago in New York City and attended the 
Forty-seventii Street school. 

After marriage Mr. Morrison lived on Fifty- 
third .Street, afterward on Fortieth Street and fin- 
ally on Forty-second Street. He came to Michi- 
gan in 1878 and settled on his present farm. No 
children have blessed this home and this worthy 
couple have taken two children to bring up. When 
they took tlieir farm it was in a poor condition. 
Mr. Morrison lias built a fine residence at a cost of 
$1,800. He has sixty-eight acres under cultiva- 
tion, and has cleared off a great quantity of timber, 
stones and stumps. He now his land in a splendid 
state of cultivation. He carries on mixed farming, 
grain and stock, and has some fine specimens of 
horses. He was in the shoe findings business for 
himself in New York City before coming to Mich- 
igan. He now gives his entire attention to his 
farm and if he remains he will here improve it 
greatly. 

Mr. Morrison is a man of patriotic impulses and 
during the Civil War he enlisted in defence of his 
country, joining Company B, Eighty-fourth New 
York Infantry. It was a militia regiment and was 
sworn into the United States service on board a 
transport, on the way to Baltimore. Tlie Colonel 
commanding was Fred A. Conklin, a brother of 
the famous Senator Roscoe Conklin. From Balti- 
more the regiment was sent on to Washington and 
was assigned to the Nintli Army Corps. It saw 
service at Muddy Branch and Harper's Ferry. 
They did much picket duty and were in the service 
one hundred .and ten daj-s, being discharged at 
New York City. 

The gentleman whoso name he.ads this sketch is 
an earnest and consistent Republican, voting that 
ticket regularly. He is a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic Post No. 181, at Milford, 
also a member of the Masonic or<ler at that town. 
Since his benevolent action in taking a boy and a 
girl to rear and educate, he has felt an increased 



interest in schools and is one of the active promot- 
ers of every movement for their improvement. He 
has a fine property acquired by his own efforts and 
has recently received a considerable amount from 
his father's estate. 

,.-=I=-„ : 



-^^1= 



^T^ UBERT HEITSCH, contractor and builder, 
r )|i and manufacturer of doors, sash and house- 
finishing lumber, has been numbered among 
J£^l the industrious and honorable citizens of 
Pontiac for nearl}' forty years. He began his life 
work without means, and 1)}' energy, industry and 
economy has accumulated a competence siilllcicnt 
to insure him against want in his old age and ena- 
ble him to gratify' ever\' reasonable desire. He 
owns and occupies a neat and comfortable residence 
on South Saginaw Street, where good cheer abounds 
and true hospitality is dispensed, INIr. Heitsch has 
been able to give his children such privileges as 
prepared them to act well their part in life and 
take a position of honor in society. 

Our subject was the 3'oungest of eight children 
born to Joseph and Mary (Bougo) Heitsch. His 
natal day was October 18, 182.5, and his birth-place 
the village of Roggenburg, Switzerland. He at- 
tended school in his native place until he was four- 
teen j'ears old, when he learned the trade of a mill- 
wright with his father, who was a practical work- 
man and followed the trade during most of his 
active life. The lad acquainted himself with all 
the departments of the wood work and busied him- 
self at his chosen employment until 1853, when he 
embarked for America, led hither by the hope of 
better opportunities for personal advancement than 
were to be found in his own land. 

Mr. Heitsch landed at New York and came di- 
rect to this State, via Detroit to Pontiac. Fpon 
reaching this place his means were exhausted and 
he sought work, finding employment with a car- 
penter and joiner. He worked industriousl}' for 
seven years, living frugally' and saving what he 
could, and he then started a planing mill on a 
small scale. As business began to increase he en- 
larged the capacity of his establishment and while 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



487 



finishing lumber be took contracts to furnisii build 
lug stone and other kinds of material. He put in 
the latest and best machinery as fast as his means 
would allow, and now runs a thirty-five horse 
power engine and is able to make everything in 
the way of building material tliat is produced from 
lumber. He built the sciiool building on Florence 
ATenue. 

Mr. Heitsch was married in February', 1851, to 
Miss Caroline Martie, who was born and reared in 
Switzerland and accompanied her husband to Amer- 
ica during the first years of their wedded life. She 
has borne her share of the cares and anxieties -which 
their former circumstances entailed upon them, and 
now rejoices with her cotnpanion in their jfreater 
case and the opportunities they^ have been able to 
give their cliildren. The living members of their 
family are Dominick, August, Emma and Eddie. 
The eldest son is a practical workman and a good 
business man, anil as a partner with liis fatlier looks 
after the business of the planing mill and lumber 
yard. 

Mr. Heitsch belon<rs to Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, 
F. & A. M., and Pontiac Chapter, R. A. M. He 
has sat in the City Council several terms, repre- 
senting the first ward. Politically he is a Demo- 
crat. In his otficial capacity he was zealous for the 
interests of his constituents and anxious to see the 
city improved and built i(p, yet opposed to undue 
expenditure and extravagance. He is in fact a pub- 
lic-spirited citizen and is held in good repute by 
the community. 



^^ ARLOS GLAZIER, M. D., a prosperous 
(li n P'iys'<''^" residing in Royal Oak, Oakland 
^^ County, is a native of Chenango, N. Y., 
where he was born August 14, 1820. His father 
Silas was a farmer in Connecticut and was born not 
far from Hartford in 17'Jfi. His marriage in 1818 
united liiui with Electa Whitney, who was one of a 
family of live sons and five daughters. The parents 
of our subject had six children of whom our sub- 
ject was the eldest When he was seven months old 
the family came to Tro}' Township and bought 



eightj' acres here. They remained for twelve years 
and then sold out and moved back to New York, 
where they bought propert}' at Allen's Creek, some 
five miles east of Rochester. Silas Glazier died 
there in 1839 and his wife Electa passed away in 
1842. They lie side bj' side at Brighton's Corners, 
N. Y., in their last sleep. 

The subject of this sketch began work for him- 
self when fifteen years old, earning then $1) a month 
with which he helped to support the family. At 
the death of hfs mother the little property was 
divided and he began work in a powder mill. Here 
he remained for three years, receiving in the sum- 
mers about $60 a month. After leaving school he 
taught some and when he came to Michigan in 
1843 he began to study for the medical profession. 
He spent three years with Drs. Bagg & Johnson of 
Pontiac and one year with Dr. Hudson of Farm- 
ington, after which he attended lectures in Cleve- 
land, Ohio. 

The marriage of the young Doctor took place in 
September, 1849. His bride was Adeline, a daugh- 
ter of .Tohn and Polly (Myers) Smith of Newfane, 
Niagara County, N. Y. The first home was at 
Warren, Macomb County, where the j'oung Doctor 
built up a good practice. Three years later he went 
to Otsego, Allegan County, and spent a year, lie 
next spent four ^-ears in Niagara County, N. Y., 
at Charlotteville. After this he returned to Mich- 
igan and has made his home in the village of Royal 
Oak for some thirty- four years. 

Dr. and Mrs. Glazier became the parents of three 
children: Rosetta, born August 30, 1850, died 
Aprils, 1852; James, born Junti 14, 1853, died 
August 9, 1838; Edna, born March 16, 1860, is the 
only surviving child. On June 8, 1882 she was 
married to Melvin W. Marshall, of Royal Oak, the 
son of C. N. and Mary Marshall. Mr. and Mrs. 
Marshall have had two children, Ethel who was 
born May 22, 1884, died June 17, 1885; and Carlos 
who was born November 30. 1886. 

During the Civil War Dr. Glazier went to 
Columbus, Ohio, as Surgeon and from there to 
Louisville, K3'., where he was placed in charge of 
the health of the confederate prisoners. He then 
went to the front at Chattanooga, and afterwards to 
Marietta, Ga., and Altoona Mountains. During 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Uie liatlleof Peach Run he was ordered four miles 
to the front and on his return was put under Gen. 
Schofield where lie was placed in the Twenty -third 
Corps, Third Brigade and Third Division. After 
the capture of Atlanta he went to Cedar Bluff, 
Ala., Kingston, Chattanooga, Louisville and 
Detroit. During the (ivc months when he was in 
the service he amputated two hundred and seven- 
teen limlis. He now draws a pension. 

Dr. Glazier has heen a Free Mason for thirty- 
five years and belong.s to Lodge No. 44, in Birm- 
ingham. He has l)een Clerk of tlie township 
several times, and has more than once been made a 
delegate to Democratic conventions. His first 
Presidential vole w.-is cast for Buchanan and his 
last for Cleveland. Mrs. Glazier died Se|)teniber 
14, 1888, ant) lies in her last sleep at Royal Oak 
Cemetery. The Doctor, his daughter and her hus- 
band make their home together. He has a large 
and lucrative practice and enjoys excellent health. 
He is fond of a gun, has an eye like a hawk, and 
bears a splendid reputation as a marksman. His 
many friends will be pleased to notice his portrait 
on another page of this volume. 



^ESSE G. LINDSLEY, M. D. This gentle- 
man is one of the well-known citizen.s of 
Highland Township, in which he has made 
^ his home for well-nigh forty years. During 
the greater part of that time he was engaged in the 
practice of his profession, but in 1875 he discon- 
tinued it and devoted himself exclusively to the 
pursuit of agriculture. He still occupies a farm 
and adds to the marketable products of the county, 
grain of high grade and fat stock. He was born 
in Seneca County, N. Y., December 2, 1821, but 
has lived in this State from his eleventh year. His 
home was in Washtenaw County, until 1853, when 
he identified himself M'ith the citizens of the town- 
ship in which he is now living. 

The father of our subject was Eliliu Lindsley 
who was born in New Jersey, but early in life went 
to New York State. After spending some years 
in Seneca County he removed to Livingston 



County and thence came to Michigan in 1832. He 
breathed his last iu Washtenaw County in 1868. 
He was a lifelong farmer and owned one hundred 
and twenty acres of land in Washtenaw County. 
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and 
so too was his wife, who was removed from him by 
death in 1834, during the prevalence of cholera in 
the United States. Their marriage had taken place 
in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1815, and had been 
blest by the birth of eight children, named respec- 
tively, Caroline, Henry, Jesse G., Cornelia, Cather- 
ine, Charles, Louisa and Sophronia. Charles en- 
listed in the Sixth Michigan Infantry and after- 
ward in the Heavy Artillery and served through 
the entire war. He was wounded in the forearm 
at Baton Rouge. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Gardner and her parents were Henry 
and Hannah (Allen) Ganbier, natives of New Jer- 
sey. They removed to Seneca County, N. Y., 
where Mr. Gardner lived until death. He was 
killoil by a runawaj- team. His widow made a sec- 
ond marriage, wedding Jonathan Thayer, hul fin- 
ally came to this Slate and made her home with 
her daughter, Mrs. Lindsley, and later with a 
daughter in Albion, Calhoun Count}', where she 
died. 

Dr. Lindsley received a common school educa- 
tion and pursued the usual course in life of u farm- 
er's son until he was of age. He studied medicine 
with Dr. Isaac S. Smith at Detroit and at the age 
of twenty-seven years entered the University at 
Arbor and took medical lectures during two terms 
of six months each. After he became a resident of 
Highland Township he divided his time between 
ills farm and his practice for some years, Init event- 
ually turned his attention to one occupation alone. 
He was married in November, 1852, to Miss Mary 
S. Coburn. the ceremony taking place at the bride's 
home iu Washtenaw County. Sh(! was the daugh- 
ter of Jephtha and Mercy Coburn, who were natives 
of Massachusetts. Mr. Coburn came to this State 
in 1830 and settled at Ann Arbor, and later went 
to AVisconsin. He returned to this State in 1810 
and sojourned in Washtenaw County until 1854. 
A score of years prior to that time he had bought 
Government land in Highland Township, this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



489 



county, the tract consisting of one liiindieii and 
sixteen and one-lialf acres. To this he came and 
here be lived witii his son-in-law, Dr. Lindsley, 
until death. His demise took place in 1879. Mrs. 
Coburn died in 1847 at the age of Qfty-one 3'ears. 
The}' had but two children — Mary S. and Elmira 
E. 

The marriage of Doctor and Mrs. Lindsley was 
blest by the birth of fiye children named respect- 
ively — Celia Y., Frank L., Jesse C, Charles F. and 
Henr}' B. The devoted wife and mother was re- 
moved from her sorrowing liousehold by death, 
September 18, 1889. Dr. Lindsley has been a Re- 
publican since the organization of the party. He 
was elected Township Supervisor in 1875, and again 
elected in 1877 and continued to act in the ofHcial 
capacitj' nine years. This long continuance in 
office speaks for itself regarding the reputation he 
bears among his fellow-citizens. 



^I^ORTER T. BUTLER. For almost a decade 
JI) this gentleman has been « resident of the 
town of Orion, where he owns and occupies 
l\ a pleasant dwelling. He is engaged in 
business connected with the Citizens Mutual 
Fire Insurance Companj' of Oakland, Genesee & 
Shiawassee Counties, a corporation in which he has 
been a director and for which he is acting as 
agent. Prior to his removal to his present resi- 
dence, he was engaged in farming, and he still 
owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land on 
sections 10 and 15, Oakland Township. Financi- 
ally speaking he is a selfmade man, and it wasonlj' 
by persevering industry, wise economy and good 
management that he acquired a competence. 

The paternal ancestors of our suljject Grst estab- 
lisiied their home in America in the early part of 
the seventeenth century, emigrating from Ireland. 
Grandfather Butler was born in Massachusetts, but 
spent a number of j'ears in Genesee County, N. Y., 
and died there. Justin II. Butler, father of Porter 
T., was born near Boston, Mass., in 1803, and ac- 
companied his parents to New York when but a 
lad. His home was upon a farm and he acquired a 



good knowledge of agriculture, but learned the 
trade of a shoemaker and worked at the bench six- 
teen years. He came to this State in the fall of 
1827, located in Macomb County and carried on 
quite an extensive business, employing several men 
in his shop. In 1843 he went to Lapeer County, 
but the next year bought farm land in Oxford 
Township, this count}', and removing hither oper- 
ated it four years. He then spent a few years in 
Brandon Township, but in 186S retired from active 
life and made his home with his eldest son, in La- 
peer County. He died in 1884 at the ripe age of 
eighty-one years. He had filled various responsi- 
ble local offices and was a member of the Christian 
Church. 

The gentleman whoso name introduces these par- 
agraphs was born in Macomb County, this State, 
October 22, 1831. His early years were passed 
upon a farm and in attendance at the log school- 
house, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the 
more practical brauclies. At the age of twenty 
years he began working by the month as a farm 
hand, and spent several winters in the lumber dis- 
tricts. In the spring of 1854 he bought a farm in 
Brandon Township, this county, which he lived 
upon and cultivated fourteen years. In 1869 he 
took up his residence in Oakland Township and re- 
mained on his farm there until his removal to the 
town of Orion. 

At the bride's home in Brandon Township, in 
1855, Mr. Butler was married to Miss Nancy Lomis, 
daughter of Thomas N. and Julia (Miller) Lomis. 
This estimable lady was born in Genesee County, 
N. Y., in 1834, and her parents also were natives 
of the p]mpire State. They came West in 183fi 
and settled in this county, where they were well and 
favorably known, Mr. Lomis holding various town- 
ship offices and being a prominent man in business 
and social circles. He was a member of the last 
State legislature that met in Detroit. He died in 
1879 at the age of seventy-one years. The motlici 
of Mrs. Butler had breathed her last in 1854. She 
had borne nine children, seven of whom survive. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Butler there have been born three 
daughters, of whom we note the following: Han- 
nah is the wife of Homer Taylor, a farmer in Oak 
land Township; Olive E. married Henry Hopkins, 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who is also a farmer; Julia is the wife of Albert 
Hammond, who fills a responsible position with a 
Detroit firm. 

As the coiintrv in which Mr. Butler passed his 
earl}^ life was sparselj- settled and was still the 
haunt of the red men, he formed many acquaintan- 
ces among the Indians and acquired considerable 
knowledge of their form of speech. He is an earn- 
est member of the Republican part}' and has been 
a delegate to county and vState conventions. Dur- 
ing past years he has held various positions of 
public responsibility and he is now a member of 
the Common Council of Orion. He and his wife 
stand well in society and have man_v true friends 
wherever thev are known. 



^^ 



' ACOB TAYLOR, one of the oldest pioneers 
of Commerce T<)wnsiii|), Oakland County, 
and a man of more than ordinary ability 
and good judgment, is the son of George 
Taylor, who was born in New .Jersey, September 
1, 1782. The grandf.Tther William T.aylor, a native 
of Ireland, came to America before the Revolu- 
tionar}' War and was one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. He made his home 
in Pennsylvania and was a prominent man in liis 
Iccalitj'. The mother of our subject, Sarah (Shoe- 
maker) Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania of Dutch 
descent, was born December 16, 1787. This couple 
were married in Pennsylvania and resided there 
until they came to Micliigan in 1823. upon one of 
the first boats that came to Detroit. Tbey traveled 
from Detroit on foot to Peetz Hill, now known as 
Birmingham. They spent one j'ear in Troy and 
one in East Bloomfield. He constructed the first 
frame barn ever erected in East Bloomfield Town- 
ship, and helped to raise the first sawmill at Mil- 
ford. He followed the business of carpentering for 
man}' J'ears. although on account of cutting his 
knee during the second ycai of his residence in 
Michigan he was afterward crippled throughout 
life. He came to Commerce Township in 1831 
and settled where Walled Lake now stands. He died 
July 30, 1841 and his wife passed away July 30, 



1849. She was a devout member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. George Taylor was a Cap- 
tain in the War of 1812 and kept tavern in 
Pennsylvania in Luzerne County, after the war. 
He was Justice of the Peace for many years and 
was the first one appointed in Commerce Township. 
He was Constable iu Tro}' and Road Commissioner 
in this township, which he helped to organize. He 
always lived on frieudly terms with the Indians 
who were near neighbors in those days. He was a 
hard-working man, and a strong Jacksonian Dem- 
ocrat. 

The subject of this sketch was one of eleven 
children, five of whom are now living. He was 
born November 16, 1820, while his parents were 
traveling from Pennsylvania to Michigan. Ho at- 
tended a rate bill school, and grew up to be a 
farmer. He began for himself when about twenty- 
five years old, and took care of his mother after 
his father died. He used to work out for others at 
fifty cents a day, furnishing his own scythe in hay- 
ing time. He has seen the Indians here in thou- 
sands and wild animals were in abundance. 

The marriage of our subject took place Septem- 
ber 11, 1846. His wife was Melinda a daughter of 
Philemon L. and Matilda (Seelej^) Austin, both 
natives of Yates County, N. Y.. and early pioneers. 
Mr. Austin was a pump maker and served in the 
War of 1812. Four of their nine children are 
now living. Melinda, was born February 4, 1823, 
and died July 5, 18.55. She was tbe mother of three 
children: Matilda born October 10, 1847 and now 
wife of Jerome Barrett, living in Midland Count}'. 
Marinda born July 30, 1850, wife of Maj. Charles 
R. Miller of the War Department at Washington, 
and Philemon J., born September 17. 1851, and 
married to Sarah Trumper, living in Novi Town- 
ship. Both sons in-law served in the Civil War 
and both daughters are the mothers of two chil- 
dren. The second marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred 
July 4, 1858. His wife is Marinda Austin, a sister 
of his former wife. She was born August 7, 1827. 
One child crowned this union, Juslis born June 9, 
1859, married to Jennie Hill, and making his home 
on the homestead. Justis is the father of three 
children. 

Mr. Taylor settled on section 33 on an unim- 




.'/.^ 



../ 



^. 



a^n^,/x^ Qy'. /Qy^C^C'l-YT'^C^^ 



T'' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



493 



proved farm immediately after marriage. A log 
house formed the first home. He now has one hiiii- 
died and sixty acres of land, one hundred and 
fifty of it under cultivation, besides one hundred 
and sixty acres in Novi Townshii) which he gave 
to his eldest son. He did all the clearing himself 
and put in all the improvements. The apple trees 
in ins orcliard were brought by him twenty-five 
miles on horseback and placed in tlie ground by 
his own hand. He used to go to Pontiac to mill 
and when he w.is called, as he often was, to serve 
on the jur^', went on foot, as oxen were the only 
teams used and he could not always spare them 
from tlie farm. When he first settled here he used 
to walk sixteen miles at night to get plow points, 
lie started out empty handed and has never re- 
ceived a dollar's help from any one. He has been a 
Director for twenty-live years and Assessor for a 
number of years. He has always taken an active 
interest in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. 
He has been a Depulj- Sheriff under Hodges and 
Stanton and was Road Commissioner. He has 
been a frequent delegate to both State and county 
conventions and attended the inauguration at Wash- 
ington of Grover Cleveland. His life of strict 
temperance is one of the characteristics which 
commend him as an example to all young men. 
Botii he and his good wife are citizens who com- 
mand the respect of the community. 



,>,.^^^ 



* »<: ■•■«■ 



|7 AMES S. BRADFORD. This county lost a 
representative citizen and Pontiac Town- 
ship one of its most etiicient farmers and 
public officials when the late Mr. Bradford 
laid aside this earthly tabernacle. He came to Pon- 
tiac with his father, .John Bradford, in the spring 
of 1842, and lived continuously in the neighbor- 
hood wliere he died. He was born in West Kill- 
bride, Scotland, November 11, 1831, and died 
March 1, 1890. He leaves two brothers and one 
sister, together with other relatives, to mourn for 
one whose life was the embodiment of noble man- 



hood. To the biographical sketch of his brother 
Robert, the reader is referred for items regarding 
his parents. 

Mr. Bradford received a common-school educa- 
tion, beginning his studies in his native parish and 
continuing them in this county. He remained at 
home until after his father's death and assisted in 
the management of the homestead. About the 
time he became of age he went to Chicago and 
accepted a position of considerable responsibility, 
and so faithfull3' discharged his duties as to win 
the esteem of his emplo3ers. After an absence of 
about a year he returned to Pontiac Township 
and bought land on section 20. which he at once 
began to improve. At the time of his death he 
was in possession of two hundred acres of fine 
land, equipped with all modern conveniences and 
well stocked both with domestic animals and use- 
ful machinery. He had but limited means when 
he began the battle of life, but he made steady 
and sure progress in the accumulation of this 
world's goods. 

June 17, 1855, Mr. Bradford was married to 
Miss Rebecca A. Bulman, a lady of rare qualities 
of mind and heart, who was his able second and 
ardent sympathizer in all that was good. She was 
born In Pontiac Township in 1835, and is a 
daughter of Christopher and Jane E. (Van Dyke) 
Bulman, natives of New York, who came to this 
State early in the '30s. The Bulman family com- 
prised five sons and daughters, all still living. 
Mr. Bulman breathed his last in 1872, and Mrs. 
Bulman in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Bradford there 
came three children, named respecliveli" : John C, 
Jane and Nettie M. The son, who is a prosper- 
ous young farmer, lives on a part of the home- 
stead; Jane is the wife of Samuel Gaston and 
lives on the old place; Nettie is pursuing her 
studies Iti Pontiac. 

As a man and a citizen Mr. Bradford was 
good and true in every relation of life. "His 
deeds of love and words of kindness" will oft 
be recalled by sorrowing friends, and the void 
left by his deatli will long be unfilled. As a hus- 
band and father he was tender and devoted, and 
around his home his thought and interest centered. 
Not only those nearest and dearest to him, but all 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who knew him will regard his portrait a valuable 
addition to this volumo. He was for several years 
Secretary of the Oakland County Horticultural 
Society and for many se.tsons had been eflBcient at 
the county fair. He possessed first-class clerical 
ability and kept well posted in matters applicable 
to township affairs, and as a consequence was a 
very useful officer, a fact the people showed their 
appreciation of by continuing him in the office 
of Township Clerk for many years. He may well 
be spoken of as a representative man and it needs 
but a mention of his name to demonstrate the fact 
that he was highly esteemed. Politically he was a 
Democrat. He was also a member of Pontiac 
Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M. 

^^ - ^^ - ^^ -^- 



"S^LEAZOR S. CHASE, one of the leading 
IIU] farmers of Rose Township, was born in the 
ji — ^ town of Farmington, Oakland County, 
Mich., July 10, 1831, and is the son of Edward 
and Lucyntha (ShurtlifE) Chase. The grandfather, 
Jerry Chase, was born in Western New York and 
followed the calling of a farmer. He came to 
Oakland County about 1825, and made his home 
in Troy Township, where he kept hotel at what 
was called the -Eight Mile House," west of De- 
troit. He continued to reside here until the day 
of his death, and here he reared his children, 
two sons and four daughters. They are named 
Jasper, Edward, Zada, Polly and Harriet. He 
and his wife were active and earnest members of 
the Metiiodist Episcopal Church, and she pre- 
ceded him some years to the better world. 

The father of our subject was born in the town 
of Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., and came 
to Troy, Mich., with team and wagon, being ten 
days on the way. That was in the year 1823. He 
worked by the month for one season and returned 
to New York at Che end of the summer. The 
next spring he returned with his family and began 
to keep open house in a tavern at Troy. 

In 1840 this sturdy pioneer came to Rose Cor- 
ners, where he bought twenty acres of land and 
an hotel, which he managed for six years. After 



this he rented out the hotel and followed farming, 
adding sixty acres to his previous tract. In 
1849 he traded this land for eighty acres on sec- 
tion 20, Rose Township, where he continued to 
reside until called hence by death August 21, 
1887, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a 
man of sterling Christian character and a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served 
bis town as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and 
in other offices. His children are Betsey J., Polly 
A., .Sarah and Eleazor. They are all living and 
have homes and children of their own. At the 
time of his death he had a fine farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres. 

The mother of our subject was born in New 
York December 29, 1806, and lived to a good old 
age, passing away May 27, 1891. She gave to 
her only son the best educational advantages she 
could obtain for him in the district schools. He 
was twenty-two years old when he began life for 
himself by taking an interest with his father. He 
now owns the homestead. Like his father, he is 
an advocate of Democratic principles in politics 
and he takes an active part in every campaign. 
His marriage took place November 18, 1805, 
when he was united to Maria Bowman, a daugh- 
ter of John and Emily (Steward) Bowman. This 
lady was born near Utica, Macomb County. She 
is the mother of seven children, five of whom are 
now living, namely: John, William IL, Edward 
D., Jennie M. and Eva. To all of these their 
parents have given an excellent education. The 
family is an intelligent and progressive one and 
they are highly respected in the community. 



^<\^..«+»- 



^l( LBERT J. WILDERS, a very successful 
WliM young druggist of Ortonville, was born 
tfl ID in Brandon Township, Oakland County, 
December 2, 1851. His father, Thomas, 
was a hative of Northamptonshire, England, 
where he was born April 11, 1812. He was there 
a stocking and glove manufacturer, and came to 
America in 1848, being five weeks and four days 
crossing the ocean. He spent a few months in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



495 



Brooklj'ii and came to Michigan in tbe fall of the 
same year, locating in Brandon Township. He 
]nirchased land on section 8. At his death, April 
19, 1887, he left his estate to his widow dnring 
her lifetime, at her death to be divided among his 
heirs. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Elizabeth Berrington. She was born Feb- 
ruary- 5, 1813, in Leicestershire, England. She 
now resides with her son Albert, and in her sev- 
ent\--ninth year preserves her faculties. She is 
an earnest member of the Baptist Church, to 
which she has belonged for more than fifty-five 
years. Her husband's father, the Rev. William 
Wilders, was a Baptist minister, who came to 
America in 1848, and followed the ministry here 
until his death, in 1854. He organized the First 
Baptist Church of Ortonville. His son, Thomas, 
joined the church when he was sixteen years old 
in England, and was for many j'ears a Deacon in 
Michigan. 

The subject of this sketch is the j-oungest of 
four children, all of whom are now living. After 
taking his schooling in the district schools and his 
practical training on the farm, he remained at home 
until he was twenty-two years of age. In the fall 
of 1872 he took a course in telegraphy at Ober- 
lin College. He returned home and began line 
practice, spending four months at Oxford, but, as 
his health failed him, he returned home for awhile. 
In the fall he purchased the drug-store which he 
now manages from Dr. C. P. Felshaw, who now 
resides at Holly. He has enlarged his store room 
until it now comprises a floor 18x48 feet. He 
is an excellent manager and h.is one of the neatest 
and most attractive storerooms in the State. 

Mr. Wilders is a Republican in politics and 
served as Postmaster from 1875 to 1885. For 
four years he was Justice of the Peace. He owns 
a nice town property- in Ortonville and is Treas- 
urer in the Bajitist Church, where he has been a 
member for nearly twenty-five years. He carries 
an excellent stock of goods in his line. He began 
business with no capital and went in debt ^800, 
but he has made a success and stands away above 
par botli in regard to business and in his char- 
acter as a man. His father was a music teacher 




and taught singing schools all over this section of 
the country. Ho was a chorister in his church in 
England and continued to sing in the choir here 
up to a short time previous to his death. He had 
an excellent voice and was well and favorably 
known all through this countrj-. 



^.ANIEL W.MITCHELL, an old resident 
of section 10, Holly Township, has been 
all hi« life long identified with the farming 
interests of Oakla-nd County, being born 
in Holly Township. February 10, 1843. He is an 
inteligent and progressive man, whose eflforts have 
been wisely employed for the benefit of his neigh- 
bors. His father George, was born in Belfast, Ire- 
land. Here he was married and had one child born 
to him. Tliat same year he crossed the ocean and 
the baby died on the passage, and was buried on 
an island where the ship stopped. He settled in 
New York City and lived there and in the State for 
four or five years. He then traveled about from 
one place to another for some lime, and in 1834 
came to Oakland County, Mich., near Independence. 
He bought fort}' acres of the Government on sec- 
tion 9, Holly Township, built a log house and im- 
proved the place. Indians frequently called upon 
him and stayed with him all night. He bouoht 
other land from the Government and by pri- 
vate purchase and at one time owned two hun- 
dred and eighty acres of land. He helped to put 
in mill dams at Independence, Waterford and other 
places in the county. He came here a poor man but 
acquired a large property before his death. He used 
o.x-teams altogether in the early d.iys and did an 
immense amount of clearing and breaking, bein" a 
hard working man. Pontine and Detroit were 
his trading points. He was unusually tall and 
stood six feet two inches in his stockings. He was 
a Democrat and took a lively interest in politics. 
He died in August, 1852. 

The mother of our subject was Elder S. Carlyle. 
She was born at Belfast, Ireland. Of her nine 
children, seven grew to maturity, namely: Marga- 
ret. William, Hannah, John, David, Sarah and 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Daniel. Their mother died in 1862. She was a 
remarkable woman and a hard worker, spinning 
and weaving cloth from wbich she made clothes 
for the family. 

Young Daniel was reared on the farm and at- 
tended school in the old log schoolbouses of the 
early days. The system of rate bills was then in 
use. He can remember seeing from ten to fifteen 
deer in a drove and Indians were frequent callers 
at his father's home. lie began working for himself 
when he reached his majority but has always liTed 
on the homestead. He spent four winters in the 
pineries in the northern part of the State north of 
Bay City. He has on6 hundred and thirty-nine 
and a half acres in his farm. He built his neat 
frame house in 1886 and refitted his present large 
frame barn in 1890. He is an extensive stock- 
breeder and has raised some very fine horses, one 
of which brought him $1,500. He raises grain of 
all kinds. 

Mr. Mitchell w.as married April 12, 1882, to 
Anna Reasner, who was born in Atlas, Genesee 
County, Mich., July 24, 1856. Her father, now a 
retired farmer in Feuton, is Peter Reasner and her 
mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Bluckmore. 
Two children have brightened the home of Mr. 
and Mrs. Mitchell: J. Frank and Jennie S. Mr. 
Mitchell's political aflilialions are with the Demo- 
cratic party. He has never aspired to office but 
filled the position of Constable one year. 



(■7 EWIS D. OWEN, proprietor of the Owen 
I (@ House at Farmington, was born in Macomb 
jIL^ County, Mich., January 19, 1841. His 
father, who also bore the name of Lewis D. Owen, 
was born August 16, 1815, in Covington, N. Y. 
He came with his father, Abijah Owen, to Shelb}', 
Ibis county, in 1825. When sixteen years of age 
he engaged as a clerk with P. & G. Leach, of 
Utica, and in Maj', 1834, he opened a store in 
Romeo, hut after one year removed his business to 
Troy. After that he went into business at Utica 
with Messrs. Leach & Sheldon, under the firm name 



of Sheldon & Owen. In 1837 he was married to 
Jane E., daughter of Lucy Ann and Gideon Gales, 
and in 1838 removed to Romeo. He was Deputj' 
Sherifif of the county some years and was Collector 
and Constable up to 1842. In 1852 he removed to 
the vicinity of Romeo, where he remained up to 
the time of his death wbich occurred April 15, 
1891. 

After t.<iking advantage of the district school the 
subject of this sketch finished his education at the 
Dickinson Institute at Romeo, in 1861. In the 
fall of that same year he enlisted at Mt. Clemens 
in Company B, Fifth Michigan Infantry, and 
was sent to Ft. Wayne at Detroit, whence they 
went on to Washington. He entered the service 
as a private and came out as a Corporal, and took 
part in the following battles: Poliick Church, Va., 
the siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, 
Peach Orchard, Glendale, Malvern Hill, the Second 
Bull Run, Georgetown, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, 
the Cedars, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wapping 
Heights, Auburn Heights, Kelly's Ford, Locust 
Grove, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Todd's Tavern, 
Po River. Spottsylvania, North Anna, Tolopotomy, 
Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. He was in the ser- 
vice for three years and received his honorable 
discharge at Petersburg. 

Returning to Romeo our subject made his home 
with his father for a year and a half. In 1867 he 
located land at Hill, AVayne County. His raarri.age 
took place September 9,1868, his bride being Augus- 
ta A. Smith, who was born in West Bloorafield, this 
county, June 2, 1849. After raarri.age this young 
couple made their home in the township of Bloom- 
field, on a farm for one year, and in the spring 
of 1870 they removed to North Farmington, 
where he remained until the spring of 1875 when 
he went to Milford and remained for about seven 
months. December 14, 1875, he bought the hotel 
whi'rc he now resides. It is one of the finest hotels 
in the county and has many of the modern conven- 
iences being heated by steam throughout. He has 
put |;5,000 in improvements upon the liouse since 
he took it and spares no pains or efforts to make 
his guests comfortable and contented. He was 
elected Supervisor of the township in 1883 and 
held the position for four yeare, being a prominent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



497 



man in the Republican part}-. He has been Trus- 
tee and President of the village for several years. 
He is identified with the Masonic order. Blue 
Lodge at Farmington. He belongs to the Union 
A'eterans of Detroit, U. S. Grant Comuiandery, and 
was at one time its Treasurer. He was also con- 
nected with the Grand Army of the Republic at 
Farmington. 

Mr. and JMrs. ()wen have had two sons, Bruce S., 
who was born August 21, 1870, and Mark Perrj% 
who died at the age of six years. Mrs. Owen's 
parents are Edad and Lura (Bigelow) Smith, who 
were natives of Nen York, and became early set- 
tlers of Michigan where they made their home in 
West liioomfield Township. 



'ONATHAN C. LEONARD, a prosperous 
farmer living on section 15, Highland Town- 
ship, is the owner of a landed estate of 
nearly five hundred acres. Of this prop- 
erty three hundred and nineteen acres is located in 
this countj', and one hundred and seventy in Ben- 
zie County. More than three-fourths of this estate 
is the result of his own good management and per 
serving industry, and even the tract that was left 
him by his father has been developed by liimself, 
as it was covered with timber when it came into his 
posse sion. On the home place m.-iy be found var- 
ious arrangements for thecorafort and convenience 
of the family and those who carry on the work of 
the fjirm, and a glance over the broad estate 
affords pleasure to all who enjoy the beauties of 
nature when the fields are j'ellow with grain and the 
orchards bending with ripe fruit. 

Jonathan Leonard, paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was born in Rhode Island during the 
eighteenth century and made an early settlement in 
New York. There he was married in 1807 to 
Persis Heiicher and reared a family of eight chil- 
dren. He took part in the War of 1812, with the 
rank of Captain. He and his wife belonged to the 
FreeAA'ill Baptist Church. He died in Parma, 
January 4, 1868, at the venerable age of ninety- 
one years. His wife breathed her last July 24, 1863. 



Harvey Leonard, son of the above-mentioned, 
was born in Parma, N. Y., and at the age of 
twenty-one years began working in a sawmill and 
carried on the business for quite a long period. 
He was married in his native county to Hannah, 
daughter of Ethan A. and Lavina (Lockwood) 
Clark, who were natives of the Empire State. In 
1835 they came West and settled in Highland 
Township, this county, buying a large tract of 
land. In 1840 Mr. Leonard, leaving his family 
behind, went to Allegan County to work in a saw- 
mill and there he was accidentally killed about two 
years later. His wife died February 20, 1848. 
They left four children, named respex'tively, Will- 
iam E., Persis L., Jonathan C, and Harvey. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in the townsiiip of which he is now an honored 
resident, July 17, 1837, and was ten years of age 
when left an orphan. For two years his home was 
with his uncle William H. Leonard, and following 
this was an equal- period with his uncle Jason 
Leonard. He then worked on a farm for Samuel 
Arthur at $6 per month, and followed this by 
operating land on shares for his uncle one year, the 
tract being in Clinton County. Young Leonard 
next entered the service of his older brother, Will- 
iam E., who was engaged in the fishing trade on 
Lake Huron, and after two years thus employed he 
returned to the township in which he was born and 
began to develop the one hundred acres of land 
bequeathed to him. For four years he worked for 
his board and devoted his days to hard labor in 
clearing and improving the property. 

On New Year's da3', 1860, Mr. Leonard was 
united in marriage with Amelia E., daughter of 
Edwin and Asenath (Newton) Ilafif. The bride's 
father came to this State manj' years ago, spent two 
years in this county and then went to Macomb, 
which has since been his home. He and his wife 
belong to the Baptist Church. Their family, in 
which Mrs. Leonard is the second child, includes 
also Susan A., Emily E., Phebe A., Lorenzo D., 
Albert A., Edwin R. and Victoria L. Mrs. Leonard 
is a most estimable woman, devoted to the interests 
of her family, kind and agreeable as a neighbor, 
and understanding well how to make her home at- 
tractive. The children born to her are six in num- 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ber, named respectively Edwin A., Flora L., Mark 
J., Nelson L.. Cora J. and Myra A. Two of Itie 
band bare been carrieil lo the tomb. Flora having 
died October 30, 1862, and Myra, January 4, 1879, 
at the age of eight years. Cora is now Mrs. C. W. 
Gordon and is the mother of one child Carlton L.. 
and living at Highlaad Station; Edwin is likewise 
married: be took to wife Miss Maggie Arthur and 
has two daughters Iva D. and 5>aiie P., and oc- 
cupies a home of his own, while the other two 
SODS remain with their parents. 

The first Presidential ballot cast by Mr. Leonard 
was in favor of Abraham Lincoln and he has never 
swerved in his allegiance to the Republican party. 
He belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees, being 
enrolled in Highland Station Lodge, No. 283. He 
has been Township Treasurer for two terms. He is 
a reliable, intelligent citizen, possesses good social 
qualities, and is well respected by his acquaintances. 
Mrs. Leonard and her son Nelson belong to the 
Congregational Church at Highland Station, while 
Edwin and his wife are connected with the High- 
land Baptist Church. 



■m- 



f 



OHN C. DAVIS, a retired farmer residing 
at Pontiac, was born in I'lster County, N. 
Y., in the town of Olive, May 1, 1820. 
Cornelius Davis, his father, was born in the 
same county, March 6, 1701. He was the son of 
Andres Davis, who was a Revolutionary soldier, 
and Cornelius fought in the War of 1812. The 
mother of our subject was Agnes WinGeld. who 
was bom in Orange County. N. Y.. March 1.3, 
1703. She was a daughter of Abram Winficld. of 
English and German descent. Cornelius Davis ami 
wife were married January 24. 1816. In 1836 
they removed to Oaklaml County. Mich., bringing 
their horse and wagon with them and settled in 
Springfield Township. They bought a tract of 
seven hundred and twenty acres, new land, tim- 
ber and oak openings, on which they erected a 
house and built a sawmill. Mr. Davis operated his 
sawmill in connection with farming until his death, 
which occurretl August 14. 1867. His wife had 



been called from his side by death. May 14, 1844. 
They were the parents of nine children, namely: 
Andrew, (deceased); Mary E., (deceased); Andres, 
(deceased); John C; Thaddeus, (deceased); Jerome 
Z.; James H.: Sarah J., (deceased); and Isaac L. 
(deceased). 

The subject of this sketch obtained his education 
in the schools of Ulster County, N. Y., and re- 
moved with his parents to Michigan in his sixteenth 
year. He worked on a farm until he reached the 
age of twenty-one. He united his fortune for life 
October 14. 184;5. with .Sarah Griswold. of Coving- 
ton, N. Y., in which town she was bom May 8. 
1821. and where she grew to womanhood. She is 
is the daughter of Daniel and Marj' (Hill) Gris- 
wold. Three brothers of the Griswold family 
came to this country from Holland in 1600. After 
marriage the young couple settled upon a farm of 
two hundred and seventy acres. Here they cairied 
on general farming and also undertook merchan- 
dising in Davisburg which was named in the honor 
of the family and where they took charge of the 
Postoflice and the railroad station for the Detroit 
4 Milwaukee Railroad. Mrs. Davis is a woman of 
an unusual kindly disposition and was frequently 
called to assist undertakers in performing their 
solemn duties. She was calleti for far and wide to go 
into the country to care for the dead, and families 
every where appreciate"! keenly the comfort which 
they derived in having a woman's gentle hand per- 
form the last offices for their departed. 

Mr. Davis was a Democrat, and he was of a 
Democratic family, his father and grandfather 
being of the kind which are said to be -dyed in the 
wool." After the election of Mr. Lincoln lie was 
relieve*! from the charge of the Postoffice but con- 
tinued to tun his other braucbes of bnsiness at 
Davisburg until 1882, when he removed to the 
city of Pontiac. Here he leads a somewhat re- 
tired life looking after hi.« varied business interests. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis hare been blessed with nine 
children, eight of whom are living. Their names 
are as follows: Coraclins, (deceased) ; Daniel L.. a 
prominent merchant and attorney at Pontiac; Mary 
A., wife of Harvey Monroe; George M.. a physi- 
cian in Duluth, Minn.; Harvey J., a resident of 
Pontiac; John J. C, a contractor and railroad 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



499 



liuildpr at Diilutli; Hiram G.,a prominent attorney 
at Portland, Ore.; Joel H., a book-keeper; and 
Martha J. who is an invalid and resides at home. 
Our subject was a member of a militia company 
and held a Lieutenant's commission which was is- 
sued by Stephen T. Mason, tlie first Governor of 
Jlichigan. It bore the dale of September l."), 1838, 
and was for the first Company, Tenth Regiment, 
Fifth Brigade and Third District of the State Mili- 
tia. The pleasant residence of the family is at No. 
180 Baldwin Street. 



-^^^ 



E^s 



AVID S. HOWARD. This name will be 
recognized by many of our readers as that 
of the present incumbent of the Major's 
chair in Pontiac. He wns elected to his responsi- 
ble position in the spring of 1890 and is discharg- 
ing tlio duties pertaining thereto in a manner that 
wins the encomiums of many citizens. It would 
scarcely be eiuTcct to say that no fault is found 
with his jurisdiction, as the city is yet to be known 
in which a public officer is entirely free from ati- 
verse criticism. In addition to the duties (ievolv- 
ing upon him as Mayor, Mr. Howard is acting as 
Deputy Clerk. 

Before giviu:^ a brief outline of the life of Mayor 
Howard it will not be amiss to make some mention 
of the work done by bis father and of the charac- 
ters of his progenitors. He is the son of George 
NV. and Harriet (Frew) Howard, the former of 
whom was born in New York in 1810 and was an 
cxlensiTe railroad contractor. He helped to con- 
struct many of the important roads in Pennsylva- 
nia and finally came West and was interested in 
the building (if the Milwaukee Pailroad. Retiring 
from his work he located in Pontiac. Here his 
wife died in 1879. She was born in Meadville, Pa., 
and was the dauglitor of Thomas F. ami Rachel 
Frew. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Howard com- 
prised five children, and David S. w,is the tiiird in 
order of birth. Mr. Howard is still liring and a 
resident of Pontiac. 

The natal day of David S. Howard was Jlarcb 
26, 1843, and his birth-place Meadville, Crawford 



County, Pa. Going from Pennsylvania to Ohio 
with his parents, he attended school in Cleveland 
for a while and thence came to Pontiac in the 
spring of IS.SS. After spending some time hero 
he entered the State Normal School in Ypsilanti, 
where he pursued his studies vigorously until the 
spring of 1861. He was roused from his peaceful 
pursuits by the mutterings of the storm-cloud and 
the Civil War had scarcely begun ere be had de- 
cided to give his strength to his country. He 
enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Michigan 
Infantry, commanded by Col. W. W. Worthington 
of Jackson. The regiment was assigned to the 
Ninth Army Corps, then under the command of 
Gen. Burnside and later of Gen. George McClellan. 

Mr. Howard had such experiences in the duties 
of camp life and marching, as are generally in- 
cluded in the lot of a soldier, and took part in two 
famous liattles — the second Bull Run and South 
Mountain. During the latter engagement he was 
shot in the hip joint, while acting as Captain of 
the company. He laid on the field two days and 
nights, and was then taken to the prison hospital 
where he was confined eight months. His health 
being seriously impaired he was sent home as unfit 
for duty, and early in 1863 was honorably dis- 
charged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. 
The first business in which he engaged after he was 
disclinrgeil was in Oil City, Pa., where he became 
Superintendent of the Oil Transportation Companj'. 
From the Keystone State he returned to Pontiac 
and in 1868 married Julia, daughter of Solon 
Comstock. Thej' have three daughters living, viz.: 
Blanche, Emma, and Florence; their son Albert is 
deceased. 

After his marriage Mr. Howard estnblislied a 
permanent home and for twelve years was traveling 
salesman for a New York mercantile house. He 
then farmed two years and in 1889 having turned 
his attention to politics, was soon after elected to 
the mayoralty on the Democratic ticket. He is a 
man of a social nature, is a good conversationalist, 
well posted regarding the news of the day and 
topics of general interest, and is quite a popular 
member of society. Mrs. Howard is an educated, 
well-bred lady, who stands high in the circles 
which she frequents, and in her own pleasant home 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



is a charming Liostess. Mr. Howard is Vice-CUan- 
cellor of the Knights of Pj-thias and Captain of 
the Uniformed Division. He is now President of 
the Water Board of Pontiac. 



/p^ AVIN LONGMUIR, a farmer of Bloomfield 
III ^—, Township, was born in Rochester, N. Y., 
^^^2( July 1-2, 1830. He is a son of Gabriel and 
Julia S. (Fitch) Longmuir, natives respectively of 
Scotland and Yeimont. The former was born 
near Glasgow, and coming to America when about 
nineteen years old located in Geneseo, N. Y., and 
later took up his residence in Caledonia, N. Y., 
where he and his brother John engaged in the 
brewing business. Later he went to Rochester and 
started the Longmuir Brewery and Malt House, 
which he mauaged for seveVal years, retiring from 
it with about $60,000. He than turned his atten- 
tion to .-igriculture and milling at Chili, near 
Rochester, but he met with financial reverses and 
lost almost all he had made. Somewhat later he 
came West and spent his last j-ears with his son 
Gavin. His wife still survives him. 

The subject of this sketch is one of five chil- 
dren. Their first child bore the same name as our 
subject and died in infancy. Their second son, 
Alexander, is a miller at Duluth, Minn. ; Amelia 
H. is the wife of Wilson Brodie, of Nebraska, and 
Mary married Andrew II. Porter, who is a farmer 
in this township. Our subject was leared in Roch- 
ester, N. Y., and there received a good common- 
school education. 

At the breaking out of the Civil War Gavin 
Longmuir enlisted in Company G, One Hundred 
and Fifth New York Infantrj'. In September, 
1862, at the battle of Antietam, he was commis- 
sioned Second Lieutenant of his company, in which 
capacity he served until 18G3, when his regiificnt 
was consolidated with the Ninety-Fourth New York, 
and he, Ijeing a junior ollicer, was mustered out and 
discharged. After spending a short time at home 
he re -enlisted for one hundred days as Sergeant of 
Company G, Fifty-fourth New York Infantry, and 



■was discharged at the expiration of his terra of 
service. He participated in the battles of Front 
Royal, Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, 
Thoroughfare Gap, the seccond Bull Run, Chan- 
tilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericks- 
burg. He escaped both wounds and imprisonment. 

In the spring of 1864 the youug veteran came 
to Michigan and purchased his present farm of 
sixty acres in Bloomfield Township, known as 
"Bannockburn Stock Farm." He came to Michigan 
poor and worked bj- the month for money to make 
the first payments on bis farm. He has experi- 
enced a great deal of misfortune but has triumphed 
over all adversities and is now one of the thrifty 
and prominent farmers of the town. Few farms 
excel his in productiveness and attractiveness, lie 
has good barns and a splendid, large frame resi- 
dence, a view of which appears on another page. 
All his stock is thoroughbred except his horses 
and they are of a high giade. He has made llior- 
oughbred stock a specialty and receives premiums 
everywhere in his exhibits. He breeds Shropshire 
slieep and Devonshire cattle, while Berkshire hogs 
and Plymouth Rock chickens are also to be found 
on his farm. 

Mr. Longmuir was united in marriage October 
28, 1863, with Mary P. Roswell, of Chili, Monroe 
Count}', N. Y., where she was born April 22, 1841. 
She is a daughter of William and Francis (Gam- 
briel) Boswell, natives of England. Our subject 
and his wife have had three children: Selwyn B., 
John W. and Frank S. The latter is now the only 
surviving child and is sixteen j'ears of age. Mr. 
Longmuir is a Republican in his political views, 
but has never taken an active part in political mat- 
ters. He is identified with the Free and Accepted 
Masons. 



OHN D. EVANS. Tlie home of this enter- 
prising farmer is on section 12, Soutlilield 
Township, and his home farm consists of 
^^)) eighty acres. He has also a tract of ninety 
acres in West Bloomfield Township, his former 
home. Both tracts are well improved and bear 
such buildings as are expected among the fittings o( 




~i^ jr&^ss: ,Ji«L 



%~ ".-^TiiJL- ^ ^ '5~*-*'v^,,.<?s'''«-*-3^sa^ 



_SlDE[v-CE or GAViN LOfJGMU I h", BREEDER OF DtVOM CATTLE AH D 51-iR0P5HIRE 5HEEP, 

SEC.8., BLOOMFI ELD IP., OAKLAND CO. MICH. 




RESIDENCE OF J . D. EVANS , SEC. 12 , SOUTHFIELD TR, OAKLAND CO. MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



the estates of prosperous men. The dwelling now 
occupied by Mr. Evans is a bcMutiful modern farm- 
house, two stories in height, and was built in 1 889 
at a cost of 13,000. The interior finishings are 
of ash and oak and various arrangements have been 
made for the comfort and convenience of the oc- 
cupants. A view of this commodious residence 
appears on another page. Mr. Evans gives his 
attention to general agricultural work and is reap- 
ing the reward due to his perseverance, thrift and 
energy. 

Mr. Elvans is one of the native born farmers of the 
county, his birthi)lace having been Southfield Town- 
ship and his natal day August 16, 1839. His father, 
Tliomas Evans, was born in Montgomeryshire, 
Wales, and emigrated to this country in 1832. The 
next year he came to Detroit and in 1 836 he removed 
to Soulhfield Township and purchased a small tract 
on what was known as the primar3' school lands. 
By his industry and untiring perseverance he carved 
out of the dense wilderness a home. Some years 
since he removed to Red ford, Wayne County, ar.d 
Ihenee to West Bloomfield, this county, where he 
si)ent his last days. He died September 22, 1881, 
age<l seventy-seven years. He was genial, frank 
and hospitable, and generous to a fault, and in 
every relation of life was held in high esteem. 
Ever3one in the vicinity knew "Uncle Tommy," 
as he was familiarly called, and knew him only to 
love. He was married in 1834 to Margaret E. 
Evans, a native of the same Welsh shire as himself, 
but of n different family. She lived to the vener- 
able age of ninety-six jears, eleven months, and 
breathed her last December 4. 1800. The parental 
family included but one child besides our subject 
— Marj' J., now the wife of E. W. Reynold, of 
Armada, Macomb Count}', and proprietor of an 
hotel there. 

John I). Evans obtained liis first and only school- 
ing in District 10, Southfield Township; however 
his education did not cease when he left the school- 
room, but continued through self effort as that of 
every intelligent man must. lie remained with his 
father until he was twenty years old, then began 
working out by th» month. A couple of years 
later he located in Troj' Township, but after living 
there three years went to West Bloomfield Town- 



ship, where he made his home a decaile. Thence 
he came to his present home, retaining possession, 
however, of the old place. He has not been a 
seeker after public honors, but is careful to dis- 
charge the duties which belong to every loyal citi- 
zen, among which is that of exercising the right of 
suffrage, and his ticket is a Democratic one. He is 
alSIason, belonging to Birmingham Lodge No. 44. 
His social qualities are excellent and he is a very 
agreeable and entertaining comiianion. His stand- 
ing is excellent, and his character and dealings are 
honorable and straightforward. 

In 1861 Mr. Evans was married to Mary A. 
Keeney,a native of New York, who was four years 
old when her parents removed to this count}'. 
After almost twenty years of wedded life she closed 
her e}-es in death, November 4, 1880. She had 
three children, but George W., the first-born, died 
joung. Frank T., the second sou and child, mar- 
ried Hattie Simpson and is living in Bloomfield 
Township; the youngest, Elmer W., still lives in 
the home of his father. A second marriage was 
made b}' Mr. Evans in 1883, his bride being Miss 
Bell Mitchell. This lady was bf)rn in Philadelphia. 
Pa., in 1845, and is the sixth chihl of William and 
Mary A. (Kj'le) Mitchell, who are now living in 
West Bloomfield Township, this county. Mr. 
Evans has held several minor ofHces such as School 
Director and held the office of .lustice of the Peace 
for four years. 



\f7 EVI NEWMAN was born on the old New- 
I (f^ man homestead, in Orion Township, De- 
^II LAy^ cember 13, 1857. His present home is a 
part of the property secured by his father and his 
farm consists of one bundled and sixty acres, 
where the soil is as fertile as one need wish. He is 
carrying on the work of a general farmer and has a 
well regulated estate, from which good croi)s and 
fat stock are sold. lie built a fine frame house in 
1887 and has all needful arrangements for the 
prosecution of his work. His education was ob- 
tained in the district school and he has always 
worked on the homestead. lie was married in 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1884 to Miss Maggie Siple, who vras born in Oiion 
TowTisbip in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have 
no children. 

Tlie father of our subject is John W. Newman, 
a venerable man wlio is still living on tlie land he 
settled upon when he came hither in pioneer, times. 
He is now in his eiorhty-firsl year, having been 
born in Now York January 12, 1811. His first 
residence here was a primitive log house, such as 
early settlers occupied, and liis life for some 
time was one of unflagging industr3f and almost 
ceaseless toil. He hewed down trees, removed 
stumps, and broke tlie virgin soil, and little by 
little brought around him the appearance of civil- 
ization and the means of comfort. Wild ani- 
mals and game infested the forests and Indians 
roamed through it when Mr. Newman located 
here and for sometime afterward. He killed bear, 
deer and other animals and supplied his table with 
meats. He started in life with little means and 
accumulated a good property-, which he has given 
to his children. 

The mother of Levi and the wife of John New- 
man, was born in New York in 1816, and is still 
living. She was known in her maidenhood as 
Miss Fanny Conrad. She is one of those courage- 
ous, hopeful women who were fit wives of pioneers 
and whose influence upon the prosperity of this 
section cannot be estimated. She has seven chil- 
dren, all living, Levi being the youngest. That 
gentleman gives all his allegiance to the principles 
of Democracy. The young man and his wife hold 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and are classed among th.e upright and worthy 
members of the community. 



=^ 




ETKR W. SUTTON, one of the old settlers 
111 of Rose Township was born, Sei>tember 
28, 1817, in Mansfield Township, AVarren 
Count}-, N. J. His father, John Sutton, 
was born in the Mohawk Vallev, and was brought 
up to the trade of a saddler. He married in New 
Jerse}', Joanna (Bird) Williamson. In 1833 he re- 
moved to Orleans County, N. Y., where he cleared 



and cultivated one hundred and sixty acres of 
land. In 1845 he came to Lapeer County, Mich., 
and with his son John B., hought a half section of 
land, which he cleared and improved. Here he 
passed away in 18.56, at the age of sixty years, and 
was laid to rest in the cemetery at Thornville. 

John Sutton was twice married. The six chil- 
dren who were born to him by his first wife are: 
Peter W., John B., Rachel, Jane, Hannah and 
Nathan. He married for his second wife Susan 
Williamson, a daughter of Peter Williamson. She 
was the mother of three sons, William, Levi and 
Oakle}-, and six daughters, one only of whom grew 
to maturity. Belle, now Mrs. Durston, who resides 
in Washington, Adams County, N. Y. 

Joanna Bird, the mother of our subject, was 
born in Warren County, N. J., and was the daugh- 
ter of John Bird, a tavern keeper of the olden 
days, who lived to complete a centurj- of existence. 
His daughter, .Joanna, was first married to Peter 
Williamson, a saddler of Beate3'stown. N. J., b}' 
whom she had two sons and one daughter, Susan, 
who was afterward united in marriage with Mr. 
Sutton. The mother of our subject died in 1831, 
and was laid to rest in Hackettstown, N. J. She 
was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on the 
farm and in the district school. He is a good 
singer and when young taught singing school for 
many terms. At the age of twenty he began work 
for himself by renting land. In the fall of 1843 
he came to Michigan and settled in Oakland 
County. Here he rented a farm for three years, 
as he had not means to purchase, for $25 was all 
that he had in his pocket when he first reached 
Detroit. In 1846 he had accumulated enough 
means to buj' eighty acres in Rose Township. Upon i 
this he removed in Jlarch, 1847, and proceeded to 
clear it of timber and put it in a state of cultiva- . 
tion. Later be added forty acres and at another » 
time one hundred and sixty acres, all of which he 
has put under cultivation. 

The marri.age of our subject with Frances Fiird 
took place .September 7, 1837. This lad}' was the 
daughter of Thomas S. and Sarah (Swaze) Bird, of 
New Jersey, who came to Oakland County, Mich., 
in 1843, and died in Lapeer in 1889. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are tlie parents of fourteen 
cbildren, namely; Sarali, now Mrs. Gordon; 
Raphael now Mrs. Kenyon ; Jane, Sirs. Howe; 
Esther (deceased), Mrs. Jolin Frick; Hannah (de- 
ceased), Mrs. Orion; Eimna, (deceased), Mrs. Tol- 
frc; Joiin W., Peter W., Oscar B., Nathan, Milan, 
.loseph, William, and Anna ISL, now Mrs. Van 
Dusen. Mrs. Francis Sutton died April 21), 
1884. Peter married for his second wife, Sarah, 
daughter of Patrick and Julia (Gasniey) Galligan, 
who were born in Ireland, and came to the United 
Slates wlien young, makino- their home in Clarks- 
ton, Oakland County. 



EDWIN T. HAZEN, a representative farmer 
of Novi Township, is the son of Jesse Hazen, 
1-..^^ a native of Connecticut, who was born in 
1802. His mother was Elsie (Ta^'lor) Hazen, wiio 
was born in 1802 in Ontario County, N. Y. Tliej- 
were married and resided in the latter State until 
thej' came to Michigan in 1834, traveling to De- 
troit by boat and to Novi Township by ox-team. 
Here they took up one hundred and twenty acres 
of timber land, paying for it all their money with 
the exception of a few shillings and building a log 
house he began clearing off his place. Indians and 
wild beasts were plentiful, and as he was consider- 
ablo of a huntsman, he often had successful en- 
counters with deer and bears. He was a strong, 
robust man and a great worker. He cleared all 
hut about thirty acres of his large tract and built 
a smiill barn and later a large one and a frame 
house. His wife departed this life in 1844, leaving 
him to mourn her loss failhfullj- until his own 
demise in 1873. Five of their nine children are 
now living, namely: Mrs. J. N. Norton, Edwin, 
our subject, Mrs. L. Putnam, John and Mrs. Daniel 
M. Bless. 

The early political connection of Mr. Hazen was 
with the Democratic pari}-, but after the Civil 
War broke out he became a Republican. There 
were but few schools and those subscription ones, 
and he used to find it hard to meet his rate bill but 



struggled nobly against circumstances, and gave 
his children the best education he could com- 
mand He was a School Director and in early 
days a Pathmaster. He had two brothers. Paul W. 
and Henry, who served in the War of 1812. The 
latter contracted a severe cold during that war 
from the effects of which he died. 

The subject of this sketch was born, February 4, 
1832, in Bristol Township, Ontario County, N. Y., 
and was two years of age when brought to Michi- 
gan by his parents. His opportunities for school- 
ing were small and when still very young he had 
to do a man's work. He was so unfortunate as to 
lose his mother bj' death when only twelve years 
old. In 1855 he took the Western fever and in 
November he started to California by water, 
crossing the Isthmus and making San Francisco his 
destination. He worked all winter in the gold 
mines nt Nevada City, then went to the Sacramento 
Valley, in Sutter County, and worked in the harvest 
field and with a hay press for a 3'ear and a half. 
He then returned to the mines. In the spring he 
came back to Michigan having been fairly success- 
ful. He worked very hard, in fact he was too am- 
bitious, putting in sixteen hours a day at labor and 
the natural resull was a severe attack of sickness. 

Mr. Hazen now bought forty acres of his father, 
and rented a farm belonging to his uncle, but after 
three years settled upon his present farm which was 
roughly cleared. He has cleared off twenty acres, 
removing stumps and stones, and has <lone a large 
amount of ditching and under-draining. He re- 
built his house and erected a barn 32x44 feet with 
a good stone wall under it. Another barn is 22x44 
feet and a sheep barn 22x36. His corn liouse is 
16x2G feet and his hog house has the same dimen- 
sions. One hundred and twenty of his one hundred 
and fifty-eight acres are under cultivation, and he 
carries on mixed farming having some excellent 
grades of fine wool sheep, also Jersey cattle and 
draft horses. 

In February, 1859, the gentleman of whom we 
write took to wife Mary Bloss, a daughter of John 
BIoss, an old settler in Wayne County, who came 
there over fifty years ago. Both parents are now 
deceased. Mrs. Hazen was born August 12, 183fi, 
iu Wayne County, Mich., and was there a teacher. 



506 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



One of her two chiklien died in infancy. Tlie 
other, J. D., born in September, 1861, has married 
Alice Dennis, and lives near his father. Mr. Hazen 
has always taken an active interest in politics being 
a stanch Republican. He has been Treasurer of 
Nov! Township and a member of the School Board. 
He has been temperate in his habits through life 
and was a member of the Red Ribbon order. 



^^ P:0RGE H. SEELEY is the well-known pro- 
II prietor of the Orchard Lake Hotel at the 

^^ij! summer resort of that name. This place is 
one of the most widely known resorts in Michigan, 
and its fame is not confined to the State, but ex- 
tends over the Northwest. Although the resort 
has its greatest patronage in the summer, the hotel 
is kept open the j'ear round. Since Mr. Seeley 
bought the properly, various improTements have 
been made, including additions to the building so 
that it will now accommodate one hundre<l guests. 
II is a two-story frame structure, pleasantly located 
on the bank of the lake, and commanding a pros- 
pect that is restful to tlie weary brains of those 
who seek the comfort of a rural spot during the 
heated term. It is but five miles from the hotel to 
I'ontiac, and the location is a popular re.sort of pic- 
nic parlies. Mr. Seelej- gives his personal atten- 
tion to the hotel, and is careful to see that his 
guests receive every courtesy'. 

Mr. Seeley is the son of Ira C. and Matilda 
(Dewey) Seeley-, who were born in New York and 
Vermont, respectively, and wiio came to this count}' 
about 1833. The father was a farmer, and in the 
pursuit of his calling acquired considerable means. 
He was a stanch Republican, but took little part in 
liolitical aflfairs. He and liis wife belonged to the 
Congregational Church, and were conscientious and. 
Iiunible Christians. Mr. Seeley spent Ids days af- 
ter coming to this Slate in AVaterford Township, 
and Mrs. Seeley died in Pontiac. Tliey had five 
children who lived to mature 3'ear9, namely : Will- 
iam, George H., Maiia, Charles L. ami Elinor. 

Our subject was born in Waterford Township, 
Ma}' 12, 1841, and the surroundings of his early 



years were such as are common on farms in a coun- 
try that is still undergoing some of the processes of 
development and yet is quite populous. He pur- 
sued his sludies in the district school and in Pon- 
tiac, and continued to make his home with his par- 
ents until he was twenty-four years old. After 
establishing a home of his own he still carried on 
farm work until 1889, when he came to Orchard 
Lake and bought the old hotel property, determined 
to build up the reputation of this beautiful spot by 
carrj'ing on a first-class hotel here. He owns a 
farm in Troy Township, from which a very good 
income is derived. 

March IG, 18C4, Mr. .Seeley was married to Miss 
Sarah Prall, of Pontiac, daughter of Johnson S. and 
Sarah (Melcher) Prall, and a ualive of New York. 
She is an able assistant of her husband in his re- 
cent entciiirise, as she is an excellent, housekeeper, 
and a cordial, friendly and intelligent woman. 
They have two children, Thaddeus D. and Bessie 
E. The former married Miss Eva Palmer, of Pon- 
tiac, has one child named Florence E., and lives in 
Bay City. The latter is unmarried, and is still 
with her parents. Mr. Seele;^ is not a politician, 
but votes with the Republicans. 



■■^•"y*^' ■;•'■' 



ANIEL T. KELLOGG. It would be hard 
to find among the farming community of 
Waterford Township, a man who wields 
greater influence, or has greater personal popularit}' 
than the gentleman whose name inlruduees this 
sketch. His life has been spent in the peaceful pur- 
suance of his calling of a farmer, and in a share 
in the local public affairs. His homestead upon 
section 13, comprises one hundred and thirty acres, 
upon which has been erected a substantial and at- 
tractive residence. The fine tract of land isemliel- 
lished with first cl.a.'^s buildings and the various im- 
provements tha m;.rk his estate as the i)roperty of 
a prosi)erous nnm. 

In Wayne Ccainty, N. Y., Mr. Kellogg was boin 
on the 8th of February, 1826, to Abram and Phosbe 
(Rice) Kellogg. The father emigrated from his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



509 



native State to New York, whence, after his mar- 
riage, lie removed to Michigan in 1834, locating on 
a farm on section 13, Waterford Township. The 
surrounding country was then in aver}' uncivilized 
condition, and wild animals were numerous. The 
father, assisted by his children, cleared and im- 
proved the land, and from the primeval wilderness 
evolved a pleasant home. He was a quiet, unas- 
suming man, and to him Waterford Township is 
indebted for much of the great work that has been 
accomplished in making it one of the best agricul- 
tural centers of the county. His activity, and in- 
telligent enterprise were potent factors in the 
advancement of the farming interests of the com- 
munity. Politically he uniformly voted the Re- 
publican ticket and supported with his influence as 
well as ballot, those candidates who were pledged 
to the principles of that party. A sincere Chris- 
tian, he was a devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which faith he died. 

The family of which our subject is a member, 
comprised twelve children, seven of whom are still 
living. Owing to the poor health of his father, our 
subject received very few opportunities for educa- 
tion, but being a bright, intelligent lad, he learned 
rapidly, and by making good use of his observing 
powers, he has kept abreast of the limes. He was 
bred to the life of a farmer, and having a natural 
taste for the calling, has always i)ursued it, and has 
been more than ordinarily prospered. He now 
owns and operates the homestead upon which his 
father first located, and the abundant iiarvests 
gleaned from his broad acres bring him in a good 
income. 

In all his labors, Mr. Kellogg has had the intelli- 
gent co-operation of his wife, with whom he was 
united in marriage on the 29th of April, 1874. 
Mrs. Kellogg bore the maiden name of Frances Ar- 
nott, and is the daughter of David and Eliza 
Arnott. Of the union of Mr. Kellogg and his es- 
timable wife two children were born, both now de- 
ceased, and this bereavement has been the great 
sorrow in an otherwise happy union. Mrs. Kellogg 
is an amiable, intelligent lady, a consistent member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and universally es- 
teemed for her noble qualities of heart and mind. 
Mr. Kellogg is identified in politics with the Re- 



publican part}', and uses his influence to forward 
its interests. His present high standing is due to 
his unremitting industry, for when he starteU out 
for himself at the age of twenty-two years, he had 
no moneyed capital and received only $11 per 
month. 




()ILLIAM A. DENISON. The residence of 
this gentleman is on section 7, Troy Town- 
^ ship, where for a number of years he was 
engaged in agricultural work. Some five years 
since he rented his land, which consists of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, twenty-five of which is in the 
shape of a wood lot and the rest under cultivation. 
The property is well improved, having good fences, 
ample farm ^buildings and the garden plots and 
orchards, without which an estate can scarcely bo 
called well regulated. Mr. Denison is now engaged 
in the insurance business and in the work con- 
nected with settling estates, in wIulIi his services 
are frequently called for. He is well and favorably 
known, having lived in this section most of the 
time since be was fourteen years old, which covers 
a period of more than a half centur}'. and we in- 
vite the attention of the reader to his portrait and 
the following account of his life career. 

The Rev. A. Denison? who was born in New 
York June 28, 1790, and was a Baptist minister 
many years, was the father of our subject. In 
1814 that gentleman married Mercy L. Benedict, a 
native of New York, and located in Cayuga 
County on an eighty-acre farm. In 1831 he bought 
Government land in Avon Township, this county, 
and settled thereon, building a log house and mak- 
ing such improvements as he could prior to 1834. 
He then went to Warren, Macomb County, where 
he remained nineteen years, carrying on farming 
and preaching with great success. He died in Bay 
City, October 16, 1866, and his wife survived him 
but eighteen days. They were the parents of one 
daughter and ten sons, all of whom lived to years 
of maturity and eight still survive. 

The subject of this sketch, was born in Cayuga 
County, N. Y., January 29, 1817, and his first 



510 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



schooling w:is in a log building near his birthplace. 
He was the seconrl son and cliild of his parents 
whom he accompanied to Miciiigan soon after en- 
tering his teens. He worked on a faim by the 
luontli and wlien sixteen years old helped to build 
tlie first bridge where tiie city of Flint now stands. 
He learned the trade of a bridge builder and also 
worked on the turnpike at Grand Blanc. He left 
home to do for himself at the age of nineteen, his 
father giving him his time. During the summers 
he worked on a farm by the month and in the win- 
ters attended school until the fall before he was of 
age when he went back to New York and spent 
the winter in school there. 

The spring after he was twenty-one Mr. Denison 
hired out to sell surgeon's instruments and traveled 
through Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylva- 
nia until summer, when he resumed farming, again 
working by the month. He bad returned to this 
State and it was not long ere he was married and 
located on land in Kent County, seven miles north 
of Grand Rapids. There he built a log house and 
worked two years during wliich time he cleared 
fifteen acres. He then came back to this county 
and for two years worked the farm of his father- 
in-law, the Hon. James Bayley, after which he 
traded his Kent County farm for the one on which 
he now lives, paying ^1,000 bonus. He operated 
this farm until recenti}', when he felt justified in 
abandoning the heavy work necessary for a farmer 
an(1 taking up lighter labor. 

December 22, 1842, was the wedding day of Mr. 
Denison and Miss Clarissa I. Bayley. The bride 
was born in Troy Township, Christmas Day, 1825, 
and is the eldest of six children, comprising the 
family of James and Dorcas N. (Pearsall) Bayley. 
Her father was born in Cayuga County, N. Y.. in 
1802 and her mother in 1804. The former came 
to this State in 1824 but returned East the same 
year, and January 20. 1825, was married and 
brought his wife to this county. He located on 
section 21, Troy Township, putting uj) a log house 
in which he lived sixteen years, in Ihe meantime 
reclaiming and cultivating the Ipnd and building a 
good set of frame buihlings. From 18G0 to 1863 
he was Superintendent of the Agricultural College 
in Lansing. He returned to Tro}' Township in 



1866 after the close of his Legislative term, but 
in 1868 vvent to Birmingham where he died May 
1, 1887. His widow survived until Julj' 14, 
1889, when she too was laid to rest. 

Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Denison the fol- 
lowing facts may be noted: Jennie B., who was 
born October 18, 1843, became the wife of Frank 
AVheeler and died February 5, 1888; Henry C, who 
is unmarried and living with his parents, was born 
August 20, 1845; J. Herbert was born August 23, 
1847, and died March 24, 1848; Clara L., wlio is 
now the wife of George A. .Shannon, was born May 
31, 1857; Eval^'n- F., who was born October 26, 
1855, is the wife of Kdmuud Niles; Will F., who 
was born October 28, 1863, is teller in a bank in 
Alpena. 

Altiiough Mr. Denison could scarcely be called 
a politician he has always been interested in party 
measures and has never missed an election since he 
cast his first Presidential ballot for William Henry 
Harrison in 1840. He has also been identified willi 
the Republican party and he is proud of having 
voted for the present President, Benjamin F. Har- 
rison. He was Justice of the Peace in Troy Town- 
ship seven years. He is much interested in mat- 
ters relating to the welfare of the farmers and be- 
longs to the Patrons of Husbandry, of which he 
was Treasurer at one time. His religious home is 
in the Baptist Church. 



"M- 



HINEAS C. SIMONSON, a farmer on sec- 
tion 6, Royal Oak Township, is a son of 
Garret I. Simonson, who was born in Dela- 
ware County. N. Y., January 29, 1794, and 
who came to Michigan in 1832 and made his home 
in Royal Oak Township. In 1820 Garret Simonson 
took to wife Sarah P. Stephens. They became the 
parents of eight children, three daughters and five 
sons of whom our subject is the third son and 
fourth child. The grandfather, John B. Simon- 
son. w,as like his son and grandson, a farmer, and 
was a native of New York. His wife, Polly Brad- 
ford, was a native of Massachusetts. They were 
the parents of ten children, of whom Garret I. was 



PORTRAIT A-ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



511 



tlie eldest son and second child. They have now 
been dead for some years. 

The father of our subject came to Michigan in 
1832. In his political views he was a Whig and 
later espoused tlie principles of the Repul)lican 
party. He was a member of the Baptist Cluuch 
and later in life became a Presbj'terian. Young 
Simonson made his home with his parents until 
1852 when he went to California. He went by way 
of New York, thence by steamer to the Isthmus of 
Panama which he crossed ii.art way b^' row boat 
and then upon pack mules. He went from there 
on the barque "Aaron Smith," shipping as stew- 
ard and paying in addition to his services $100 
for a passage to iSan Francisco. The vessel was 
becalmed for several weeks and finally reached 
Acapulco, Mexico, where she was seized by the 
Spanish authorities, condemned and sold. Mr. 
Simonson now took passage on another steamer to 
San Francisco, and upon reaching that point went 
directly to the mines in Cold Springs, Placer 
County. He was in California for two years work- 
ing in the mines and he located one mine of his 
own. He gained greatly in health and some -^2,000 
in purse while in the West. After two years, in 
that country he returned to Michigan and spent 
three years, and then made an excursion to Pike's 
Peak. He remained there one summer only and 
came back to Michigan. 

In 1861 this gentleman was married to Zilpha 
Bailey. Her parents, William and Betsey A. (Earle) 
Bailej', were natives of New York. They came to 
Michigan in 1830 and this daughter was born April 
6, 1839. Her father was a contractor and builder 
as well as a farmer. He passed away from earth 
Christmas Day, 1871, and her mother still lives at 
Saginaw City, Mich., at the age of eighty j-ears. 
The grandfather of Mrs. Simonson was Clark 
Bailey, who was l>orn in New York and his father's 
name was also Clark Bailey. The elder Bailey was 
from Rhode Island. 

JNIr. and Mrs. Simonson are the happy parents of 
five children. They arc named, Ja}- F., who was 
born August 15, 1862; Luc^- A., Fcbruarj- 19, 
1861; Bertha B., May 20, 1865; Earle W., February 
1, 1868; and William B., .Tune 25, 1870. Borlha 
is now the wife of Ernest Wild and resides in Pon- 



tiac. She has one son — Jay, who was married 
April 13, 1889, to Mary Lambkin. They have 
one child, William B., who died January 10, 1891. 
After Mr. Simonson's return from Pike's Peak he 
purchased the farm where he now resides. He has 
eighty acres, all improved, and upon it is doing a 
general farming business, breeding Clydesdale 
horses and carrying on the sorghum manufactory. 
He was a Whig first and a Republican later in his 
life. His first Presidential ballot was cast for Fre- 
mont and his last for Harrison. Both Mr. Simon- 
son and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church of Birmingham. 



^EROME B. TRIM, of Springfield Township, 
was born March 18, 1828, in Oswego Count}', 
N. Y. His father, Hiram, and his grand- 
father, John, were both natives of New 
York. His great-grandfather with his famil}' and 
the nurse of his children were taken captives by 
the Indians. The wife and family were roasted to 
death and he wis obliged to run the gauntlet, 
which he accomplished. They pulled out half his 
hair and painted his head red and named him Trim 
thus originating the family name. 

The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in 
the Revolutionary War. In 1830 he came t.o 
Hillsdale County, Mich., and spent the remainder 
of his years there. He was the father of six sons. 
Ttio father of our subject was a farmer and black- 
smith. He came here in 1835 and bought eighty 
acres in Springfield Township. In May, 1836, he 
sent for his family. He paid $36 for the trans|)or- 
tation of one load of goods hauled out from De- 
troit. He built a small frame house and opened 
the first blacksmith shop in this township. To this 
shop came the settlers for many miles around. He 
carried it on for thirty years and then retired to 
his farm. He died in September, 1882, at .Sunlleld, 
Eaton County, Mich., where he had removed some 
years before his death. He was a Whig and later 
a Democrat and was Road Commissioner and Jus- 
tice of the Peace for many years. 

Patience Ures, the mother of our subject, was 



512 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM- 



born near Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1803. She came 
to America with her parents when young and 
settled in Utica, N. Y. Her father was a great 
brewer in Utica where he died in middle life. Mrs. 
Trim reared ten children, namely: Perry, Jerome, 
Pem brook, Homer, Mortimer, Ira, Delia A., Au- 
rellia, Nora and Surah J. Their mother died in 
1874. Both she and their father were earnest and 
efficient members of the Methodist Church. 

Jerome B. Trim came to Michigan in his ninth 
3'ear. When old enougli he worked out by the 
month, receiving for iiis first wages 84 per month. 
When twentj'-one years old he bought fort3' acres 
and farmed for a few years. He afterward lived 
in Ionia County and in Shiawassee County. In May, 
1847, he enlisted in the First Michigan Infantry 
and served in the Mexican War. His company 
went to Lake Superior to guard money with wliich 
to pay the Indians oflf. He was in the service one 
and one half years but never saw Mexico. He 
lived in Shiawassee County twenty years and re- 
moved from there after the close of the War of 
the Rebellion. 

Mr. Trim enlisted in Company H, Fifth Michi- 
gan Infantry in August, 1861, .ind took part in the 
Peninsular Campaign. He was present at the fol- 
lowing battles and engagements: Bull Run, Fred- 
ericksburg, Siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair 
Oaks and seven daj's retreat with continued fight- 
ing to Harrison's Landing. He then went to Ar- 
lington Heights where he was taken sick. Dropsy 
dereloping, his discharge was obtained and he 
came home for a year after having spent some 
time in hospital. 

Our brave soldier re-enlisted in NoTember, 1863, 
in the Sixth Michigan Cavahy. Company E, join- 
ing the regiment at Stepheusburg. Va. H» did 
winter picketing on the Rapidan, and then went 
on a twenly-one-days raid to Richmond. Vs.. then 
through Norlli Carolina and again through Vir- 
ginia. Tl)ey embarked for Alexandria and were 
in all the battles of the Wilderness. They rode 
down to Bearer Dam Station and captured a lot of 
prisoners. They were in the battles of Cold 
Harbor, Yellow Tavern, Old Church and Trovil- 
ian Station. The cavalrj- then did picket duty 
along the line of the Potomac River and took part 



in the battle of Winchester, September, 1864. 
They were in the engigement at Ft. Republic, W. 
Va., and skirniislied all the way back, returning in 
lime to take part in the battle of the Shenandoah 
Valley. They raided and picketed all the follow- 
ing winter and the spring of 1865. The}- .took 
capture Gen. Early's entire army and destroyed the 
canal to Lynchburg. They camped at City Point 
one week and then marched to Harshes. They had 
an engagement at Dinwiddle Court-house and many 
skirmishes with Lee's soldiers. 

At the battle of Five Forks Mr. Trim's horse 
was shot and fell upon him, giving him severe in- 
juries. He was taken to the hospital at West 
Philadelphia where he remained until discharged 
Jul}- 24. 1865. He is an invalid and has never 
been able to do any work since that time. Besides 
the injuries to his knee and hips he is so deaf as to 
be obliged to use a trumpet. The Government 
grants him a pension of ^"24 per month. 

The marriage of our subject took place Novem- 
ber II. 1849. His wife, Elizabeth Husted, was 
born in New York April 6, 1826. Their two chil- 
dren are living, Charles F. in California and Erwin 
J. in .St. Clair County, this State. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Trim are members of the Presbyterian Church 
in wliich he is a Trustee. He is a strong Republi- 
can and a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 1 15, 
at Corunna. He belongs to the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, Charter Oak Lodge, No. 56. He 
has eighty eight acres of land which he rents out, 
and a fine large residence, and excellent barns and 
outbuildings. He is universally esteemed both for 
his excellent character and his war record. 



AMES LAIDLAW. A traveler through the 
farming lands of Oakland County will be 
I)leased to observe the large number of well- 
improved farms and the numerous evidences 
of prosperil}-. In Oxford Township an estate of 
one hundred acres, which is admirably adapted for 
both farming and stock-raising, is owned and oc- 
cupied by the gentleman above mentioned. A 
visitor here will see everything that is necessary in 




^Jz^^^^. -^W^^-^. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



515 



tlie way of farm buildings, macbinery, and all tbe 
nioflern appliances of agriculture. Tbe life of Mr. 
Laidlaw affords an example wortb}- of emulation, 
for he began for himself a poor hoy and has risen 
unaided to prosperity. 

Mr. Laidlaw was born in Northumberland 
County, England, March 15, 1824. His father, Adam 
Laidlaw, was a native of Scotland and a shepherd, 
but during the early part of his life he removed to 
England, whence, in 1 842, he came to America with 
his family. After a tedious voyage they landed at 
• iuebec, and proceeding directly to Hamilton, loca- 
ted on a farm near that city. There the father 
passed away in 1864, at the age of sixt3--four 
years. Prior to his emigration he served in tbe 
Second British Cavalry and participated in the 
French Wars, serving under Gen. Wellington, 
famous as the hero of Waterloo. 

The year following tbe death of the father, tbe 
mother, Margaret (Allen) Laidlaw, also a native of 
England, de|)arte<i this life at the age of forty- 
eight years. The parents were consistent members 
of the Presbyterian Church, and were highly 
respected among their circle of acquaintances. Our 
subject is one of six children born to his parents, 
only two of whom are now living — Adam and 
.lames, of this sketch. Tbe latter grew to man- 
hood in England, and bad attained the age of 
eighteen years when be .accompanied bis parents to 
Canada. He remained under the parental roof 
about eight years in Hamilton, whence be came to 
Wisconsin in 1847 and for three years .was vari- 
ously employed in Beloit. We next find him back 
in Canada and until 1853 he worked bis father's 
farm on shares, carefully saving bis earnings until 
be wjis able to buy a farm of his own. 

Mr. Laidlaw located permanently in this State in 
the spring of 1854, when be came to Lapeer County 
and purchased a farm in Metamora Township. Dur- 
ing bis residence there of nine years he effected 
tnany improvements upon the estate, clearing tbe 
land of tbe forest growth upon it, erecting sub- 
stantial farm buildings and fertilizing the soil by a 
proper rotation of crops. His energy bought him 
financial success, while his social qualities made 
him popular. In 180:5 he sold this farm, and 
bought another just across the county line on sec- 



tion 2, Oxford Township. When he came here 
wild game was still plentiful and other evidences of 
pioneer life were aliundant. He cleared the land 
aiid gradually brought it to its present state of de- 
velopment, lie still owns one hundred and eighty 
acres and has given to each of bis sons one hun- 
dred acres. 

In 1852 occurred an important event in the life 
of Mr. Laidlaw, when be was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary A. Piton, who was born in Canada 
in 1829. Ten children were liorn to them of whom 
two died in infancy. The others are named as fol- 
lows: Adam, William, Elizabeth, Mary, James, 
Ella, French and Alice. Mrs. Laidlaw has a cul- 
tured mind, a sympathizing heart and she adds 
thereto the housewifely knowledge which is neces- 
sary for all who make their homes attractive and 
comfortable. In politics Mr. Laidlaw is a firm 
Republican. A man of steady habits and high 
principles, he does as he would be done by in tbe 
various relations that he sustains towards others 
and his life record in all things is unblemished and 
worthy of emulation. 






as~ 






<JI I^ILLIAM M. IIADLEY, a representative 
\'/\J// farmer of tbe township of Rose, was born 
W^ upon the farm where he now resides, 
September 27, 1837, and is a son of John and 
Sophia (Finck) Hadley. His father was born near 
New Castle, England, in 1810, and ten years later 
emigrated to this country with his parents, John 
and I\Iargery (Fen wick) Hadley. Tiiey made their 
first home in Wayne County, N. Y., and tbe grand- 
father came to Michigan in 1834 and entered lands 
in Grovoluud. Later in life he spent some years 
in Holly and there bis life closed. He was an 
earnest and efticient member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He and bis excellent wife 
reared to man's and woman's estate six sons and 
two daugiiters. all of whom married and established 
families of their own. He wag twice married but 
bad no children by bis second wife. 

Tbe father of our subject came to Michigan in 
1836 and entered one hundred and sixty acres in 



516 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the locality where his son now resides. The fol- 
lowing year he removed his family to the new 
home and proceeded to clear away the forest and 
cultivate the land. The last eight years of his life 
were spent in Holly, where he aided in establishing 
a Presbyterian Cluirch. He was bereaved of his 
wife in 1874 and he passed away June 13, 1876. 
Their children were named: Margery, William M., 
Eunice, Thomas, Elizabeth, Charles, Joseph, Mary 
and Martha. Besides these they had one son, 
Jeremish, who died when young. Charles, who 
was a soldier in the Sixth Michigan Cavalry, was 
for a long time a prisoner at Andersonville and 
died at Annapolis on his way home. The father 
was a Justice of the Peace and represented the 
Democrats of his county in the Legislature of 
1860. He was active and wide-awake on all politi- 
cal questions, and was a liberal and warm-hearted 
Christian and an Elder in the church. His wife 
was the daughter of Jeremish Finch, of Wayne 
County, N. Y. Her mother's maiden name was 
King. 

Besides receiving practical training upon the 
farm and a district school education, the son Will- 
iam attended an academy, and taught school for 
five terms, beginning when twenty-one years old. 
With his teaching he mingled farming, renting 
land for a few years and then purchasing one-half 
interest in the home farm. Somewhat later his 
brother Thomas bought the other halt and they 
still own it in partnership. Our subject continued 
cultivating this land until the spring of 1881 when 
he removed to a farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres in Livingston County. In 1883 he removed 
to Fenton, where he owns a nice home. He has 
practiced living in town in the winter and on the 
farm in the summer. He has served the cause of 
education by filling admirably the position of 
Superintendent of Schools. 

One of the great events in the life of Mr. Hadley 
was his marriage on June 7, 1876, to Elizabeth 
Denton, who was born in Fenton, August 12, 1841. 
Her parents, DeWitt and Kliza (Hurd) Denton 
w«re natives of Orange County, N. Y., and lived 
near Greycourl. The father came West in 1836 
and took up land in Livingston County. In 1841 
he moved his family to the new homo and made 



his first clearing. He was a Republican in politics 
and served as Supervisor, dying in December 1874 
at the age of sixty-six years. His wife tarried 
ten years longer and died when seventj'-five years 
old. They reared to maturity five of thair eight 
children, namely: Elizabeth, Augustus, Seeley R., 
Anna, and Benjamin. 

Mr. and Mrs. William M. H»dley have had four 
children. Two of them have passed away, Anna 
living to be seven years old; the two daughters 
who survive are Alice and Edith. These children 
are being carefully educated by their parents and 
are taking their schooling for the present at Holly. 
They are reared in the faith of the Presbyterian 
Church of which their father has been a member 
since he was sixteen years old. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Hadlej is shown 
in connection with this brief review of his per- 
sonal career. 



-^^ 



E^^ 




ETH A. PADDOCK, one of the old settlers 
in Commerce Township, has a fine farm 
on section 2, which is in a good conditioa 
and well stocked. His father was George 
Paddock, a native of Connecticut and a shoemaker 
and farmer. The wife of George Paddock bore 
the maiden name of Mary Wetraore. After their 
marriage in Connecticut they removed to Herki- 
mer County, N. Y., where they lived on a farm 
until his death in 1834. She then removed to the 
home of a daughter in Erie County, where she 
passed away in 1838. They were the parents of 
fourteen children, but only two of this large fam- 
ily survive. 

The subject of this sketch was born July 25, 
1813, in Herkimer County, N. Y. After attending 
the district school he went for awhile to an academy 
in Genesee County. He remained at home for two 
years after the death of his father, working on the 
home farm. When his mother broke up house- 
keeping in 1837 he came to Michigan and settled 
on his present farm in a little board shanty back of 
his present barn. His brother Henr^' was here in 
1836 and bought this farm of Mr. Walton, who was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



517 



the first settler in this township. It was then com- 
pletely unbroken. Our subject bought the land 
of bis brother a short time after his coming here. 

Before coming West Mr. Paddock was married 
to Maria Callioun, a daughter of Sheldon Calhoun, 
a Connecticut farmer. He was married in Herki- 
mer County, N. Y., December 17, 1835. Mrs. Pad- 
dock was born Octo'ber 1, 1813, in that county. 
Her grandfather Bacon was a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary War. This good lady died November 
10, 1881, having been the mother of three children. 
The eldest child born before their coming West 
was Sarali M., who died before she completed her 
second year. Their second child Frederick.!., was 
born May 22, 1842, and died October 15, 1867. 
'J'heir only surviving child is Alfred H., born 
April 11, 1845. He married Elizabeth Wood and 
lives in this township on a farm. Two children 
have blessed this union. 

AVhen the father of these chiblreu came to Mich- 
igan lie was barely able to pa}' for his land. He 
began clearing otT the place and continued at this 
work until he brought it from its wild rough state 
to its present higlily-cultivated condition. The 
\illage of Commerce was hardly in existence at 
that day. He moved from his board shanty into 
a belter iiouse, which he afterwanl sold and moved 
off the farm, going into the bouse which he now 
oe(-upics, which was built by his brother. The 
barns and other outbuildings lie has put up him- 
self, lie has lived on this farm for fiftj'-four years, 
with the exception of a year and a half when he 
made a trip East. He drove from here to his old 
home in New York in a buggy and then went on 
and made a visit to Connecticut. By this journey 
he etTcctUiiUy broke up the fever and ague wliicli 
was alllicting him and after this he returned home. 
He now has one hundred and ninety acres of land 
most of it under the plow. He has a man and wife 
to keep house for him but still carries on actively 
the work of the farm. He has a flock of about two 
hundred and fifty fine wool sheep. He was one of 
the first members of the Grange at Commerce 
Village. He lias always been dcepl}- interested in 
politics and votes the Democratic ticket. He was 
long a member of the School Board, was Super- 
visor of this township for two terms and Highway 



Commissioner for ten years. Under his supervision 
a large number of the ro uls of the township have 
been opened uj). He has always been a strong and 
healthy man and a hard worker, and now in his 
seventy-ninlh 3ear is hale and heart}- and enjoj'ing 
a green old age. His reputation among his neigh- 
bors is one which is eminent for its liberality and 
kindness. 



ellRISTIAN SHICK, a farmer living on sec- 
, tion ], Orion Townshi|). has demonstrated 
his ability as an agriculturist and business 

manager. He came to this State in 1845 without 
means, but he now has a solid fooling as a land- 
owner, owning one hundred and seventy acres, 
which is well improved and valuable. He looks 
back to the time when wild game was plentiful and 
recalls with pleasure the deerstalking of those early 
days. He comes of the old Dutch stock, but his 
grandfather, whose name he bears, was probably 
l)orn in Pennsylvania. That State was the home 
of the family for many years and Joseph Shick, the 
father of our subject, was born there. He removed 
to Richland County, Ohio, about 1850 and died in 
1870. He served for a short time in the War of 
1812. The wife of Joseph Shick was Susan Lau- 
back, a native of Pennsylvania who died about 
1882. She and her husband belonged to the Luth- 
eran Church. They had nine children, six of whom 
are now living. 

The subject of this notice was born in Norlhanip- 
ton County. Pa., May 30, 1820, and reared on a 
farm. When he began attending school he went 
to the old log schoolhousc of historic fame and 
conned his lessons in the few text books that were 
then used. He obtained a good amount of practi- 
cal knowledge in school and at home. He re- 
mained with his parents until he was twenty-five 
years old, then hired out on a farm for one year 
at $140. He worked thus four years, then farmed 
on shares three years. In 1845 he established him- 
self in Macomb County, this State, but after a so- 
journ of four years came to this county. He 
bought eighty acres of land which he cleared and 



51S 



PORTRAIT A>D BH^^RAPHICAL ALBUM. 



improred. baildinv upon it a good boose, bams, 
etc. In 1660 he sold is an ' _ ' that he now 

occupies. This he has grea - red. building 
a substantial residence and bam. and adding to the 
numi>er and ralae of the other farm ' " _». 

In 1657 Mr. >hick was married : _ -- - cggy 
A. MiUer. a native of PennSTlrania, and one of 
those exceLIen; housekeepers and deToted mother! 
whom thsi >:ate turnishes. Th* marriage has beet 
blest br the birth of eight children, of whom we 
note the : ^ wife of Bert 

Steviv of ; . . is deceased: 

Alice is the wife of Rafus Tripp of Bay C?ity, a 

- on the Detroit i Saginaw di- - 
:_- „.___gan Central RailrC"a<i;Sabiaa is 
Massie and Jacob ar« with their parents; Lake is 
operating the home place: and John is at home. 

ilr. Shick is a believer in Democratic princi(^es 
and casts his rote with that party. Sturdy and 
industrious, he has won success as a general farmer, 
and b.as a ^•»-l name aa:o"i: the roriple. 



Y OHX FfLTON. Although this gentleman 
is not a resident of Oakland Coanty he is 
weU known to many of her citizens ar •- 
such property interests within her bo-:. .; 
as to make him a fit subject for representation in 
an AuBCH which contains information regarding her 
people and resources. The bom« of Mr. Fulton is 
in Greenfield Township. Wayne Coanty. acroas the 
line from section 35, Royal Oak Township, this 
county. His estate consists of ninety-fire acres in 
Wayne aad ten acres in Oakland County. He has 
a fine house, which was put up in IS79 in ac 
ance with modern ideas of comfort and furn-r_-. . 
in a manner suitable to the means and tastes of the 
occupants. Conveniently disposed on the estate are 
good bams and other outhouses and especial care 
hK b«en taken to afford adequate shelter for the 
stock rais«<l and kept here. Mr. Fulton is engaged 
in the milk business and has nineteen cows. 

William Fulton, father of our subject, was bom 
near EUlinburgh. !>cotIand. September 7, 1810, and 



was the elder of two sons. His father die^l abcut 

IS12 and his mother subsequently married Jaxes 

Tait. In 1634 he turned his back upon his native 

land and crossed to Canada where he made his home 

three years. He then came to this State, spent a 

few years in Wayne County, and then established 

himself in thb county. In after years he bought 

' ' - 5 of land until he owned two hun- 

.y acres. He lived until May 9. 16>j. 

and died full of years and honor. He was married 

in 1640 to Jane Brown, who survived him a few 

months, breathing her last February 1. 1690. She 

was a daughter of Thomas and Ann «Spence) 

3. who were natives of England and whose 

V included one daughter and two sons yooi^er 

than she. Mr. and Mrs. William Fulton were the 

parei: - -^ children, three •• - and two 

sons, . i is Ibe third on t _ roll and 

the eider sod. The natal day of John Faltoa was 
November 5. 1845, and his birthplace the home 
f.arm in Royal Oak Township, this coanty. He 
attended the common school and made aocb use of 
"he privileges afforded that he became abandaiitlr 
capable of transacting bosiaess a^airs and laii a 
solid foundation for the store of knowledge which 
can only be gained in later years. He remaioed 
with his parents until he was twenty -six years old, 
then married and set up hb own hooie. 

The wife of Mr. Fultvn bore the maiden of 
Xerfa J. Merritt. She was bom November 21, 
1)551, in Dearborn, Wayne County, and was the 
only child of A'ina and Lucretia J. (Downer i Mer- 
ritt. Her father died when she was only about two 
years old and some four years later her mother 
married Sanford H. Wllber. of this coanty. to 
whom she has borne two children. The family of 
Mr. and Mrs. Fulton has the following record: 
Merritt W.. bora September 4. 1672: Sanford H.. 
September 7.1674; Maggie. November 26, 1876; 
Aina J.. November 24. 1862: Roiss E.. December 
1, 18?6; Ethel J.. October 25. 1689. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fulton are coonected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenfield. Wayne 
Coanty. and have good standing among the mem- 
bership. The husband is a Trustee in the church 
and Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He is a 
Bepablican whose first vote was cast for Gen. l*. S. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



519 



Grant and who lias supported every Presidential 
candidate placed before the people by the parly of 
his choice from that day. He and his wife are well 
informed, painstaking and energetic in the affairs 
of life, and hospitable and kindly- in their associa- 
tions with others. 



-^ 




LANSON PARTRIDGE. The only busi- 
ness affairs in which Mr. Partridge is now 
(»j engaged are the looking after collections, 
*'^ and the settlement of estates. He is ad- 

ministrator for several and lias already made satis- 
factory settlement of others which were given into 
his liands in former years. Mr. Partridge ii.is lived 
in Birmingham for a long time, and is well known 
in and about that place. With an established repu- 
tation as a business man and a sound public officer, 
he has also good standing in social circles. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject were 
Alanson and Eunice (Mj'nard) Partridge, natives 
of Old Canaan and New Loudon, Conn., respec- 
tively, who came to this State in 1844. and died in 
Royal Oak at the advanced ages of eighty-four and 
ninel}' years. The grandfather traced his ancestry 
to Scotland, and tlie grandmother to England, and 
the early members of both families settled in New 
England in Colonial days. The maternal grand- 
• parents of Alanson Partridge were Joshua and 
Michel (.lohnson) Chase, natives of Rhode Island, 
who died in Albany County, N. Y. Both were of 
English extraction, and the husband belonged to 
the well-known Chase family of Rhode Island; he 
was a Revolutionary soldier. 

The i)arents of our subject were Lemuel M. and 
Nancy (Chase) Partridge, each of whom was born 
and reared in Albany County N. Y. They were 
married in the town of Knox and later took up their 
residence in Cato, Cayuga County, where they lived 
until 1833. They then removed to this county 
and located in Bloomlield, but soon afterward re- 
moved to Commerce Township near Walled Lake. 
The mother died there in 1839. The father re- 
mained there several years longer, then went to 
what is DOW Corunna, where he died in 1845. He 



was a farmer and also an ordained minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and his early life was 
mostly devoted to ministeriiil work. After became 
West he was only a local minister, and his attention 
was largely given to farming. He was in easy 
financial circumstances, was quite active in the 
public affairs of his township and county, and for 
many years was Justice of the Peace and Super- 
visor of Commerce Township. He was a Demo- 
crat and a member of the Masonic order. 

The parental family consisted of eight sons and 
daughters, and the present survivors are Adelia, 
wife of John M. Frazier, of Saginaw County ; Sally 
L., widow of Prentis Morell, of Texas; Alanson, 
our subject; and Nancj' J., widow of Thomas Bed- 
dow, of Southtield. Alanson Partridge was born in 
Cato, Cayuga County, N. Y., January 8, 1827, but 
reared in this State, having come to this county 
with his parents wlicn six years old. His educa- 
tion was limited and obtained in the common 
schools, which was hold in the old fashioned log 
house of historic fame. At the age of seventeen 
years he left home and began working for himself. 
He went to live with his brother-in-law and worked 
on his farm in the summer months and attended 
school winters. He next found employment with 
Mason I. James, a farmer in Troy Township, but 
after a season on his farm, entered upon an appren- 
ticeship at the trade of a w.agon and carriage maker. 
He served in Birmingham two years, then spent 
about a twelvemonth working at his trade in Pon- 
tiac and Detroit. He next opened a shop of his 
own in Birmingham and carried it on until about 
1874, when he sold out and g.ave liis attention to 
the various official positions which he held. 

In 1876 Mr. Partridge was elected County Treas- 
urer on the Democratic ticket, and was re-elected 
in 1878. Prior to this he had been Justice of the 
Peace, and is now holding the same office, having 
filled it off and on for twenty years. For several 
years the duties of that office received all his at- 
tention. He is a Mason of the Knights Templar 
degree, and has been Master of Birmingham Lodge, 
No. 44, for a quarter of a century, and in 1882 was 
Grand Master of the State. He is also an Odd 
Fellow. He casts a Democratic ballot. 

September 26, 184'J, Mr. Partridge was married 



520 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to Miss Julia M. Slierraan, a resilient of Birming- 
ham, and a native of New Lebanon Springs, Col- 
umbia County, N. Y. Slie was born October 11, 
1826, and had just entered Ler teens when her par- 
ents, Samuel and Esther (Gray) Sherman, came to 
this State. They settled in Birmingliam, where 
they spent liie remainder of their lives. Both were 
born in the same town as their daughter. Mr. and 
Mrs. Partridge have had but one child, a daughter, 
Emma D , who is now deceased. She was the wife 
of Charles F. Sibley, of BlooncBeld, and had one 
child, Anna D., who is now living with her grand- 
parents, our subject and his wife. She is a well 
etlucHted young lady, and is a teacher in the Birm- 
ingham schools. Mrs. Partridge shares with her 
husband in the esteem of their acquaintances, and 
has many friends in the community of which she 
has long been a useful member. 




K WITT CLINTON WADE, M. D.. a resi- 
dent of Holly, Mich., was born in Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., November 3, 1839. 
His parents were the Rev. Isaac M. and 
Catherine (Sackett) Wade, both natives of New 
York State. The father followed the ministry 
through life, and coming to Michigan in 1854, lo- 
cated at Clinton and later at Ann Arbor. His 
health was poor and he took a trip to Minnesota, 
where he died in 1870. His wife died in 1858 in 
Brooklyn, Mich. The family is of Einglish descent 
and the Rev. Isaac w^as a cousin to the late Bon 
Wade. The tliree children of this clergyman were 
our subject, Mrs. Warner of Albion, Mich., and 
Mrs. Elwood of the same place, v/ho died in Sep- 
tember. 1888. 

Dr. Wade, when a youth attended the high 
school at Phelps, N. Y., and later tlie select school 
at Clinton, Midi. He commenced reading medi- 
cine at seventeen j-ears of age and t^iught some in 
connection with his medical studies. He was a fel- 
low-student with Galbraith and LeBaron when they 
were students at the University of Micliigan. These 
gentlemen are now practitioners at Pontiac, this 
State. He gr.aduated a month after his twenty- 



first birthday-, the 3-oungest in his class. He took 
his medical course partly at the Universitj' of 
Michigan and partly at llie Albany Medical Col- 
lege. 

On ISLiy 12. 18G2, our young Doctor was united 
in tnarriagc with Mary A. Gibson, and thus began 
a domestic life of more than usual happiness. He 
commenced practice in H0II3', in February, 1861, 
and has made that his residence continually. He 
is connected with the following medical societies. 
The Oakland County Academy of Medicine, the 
Siginaw Valley Medical Club. Honorarj' luember 
of the Washtenaw County- Medical Societj', Chair- 
man of the section of Practice of Medicine of the 
Micliigan State Medical Society, Permanent mem- 
ber of the American Medical Association and mem- 
ber of the Ninth International Medical Congress. 
His practice has been an "all around" one and is 
not limited to anj' specialty, although for many 
3-ears he has not ridden in the county, and his lime 
is largely absorbed by gynecological and surgical 
work. He contributes valuable articles to medical 
literature. 

Dr. Wade is surgeon for the Detroit, (irand 
I Haven & Milwaukee Railroad. He is greatly in- 
i terested in building up Holly and promoting its 
best interests. He has himself put uj) some fine 
buildings in town and organized the movement fur 
establishing the vinegar works there. When ilie 
High School building was put up in Holly in 1866, 
he was Chairman of the building committee and 
laid out the grounds. He was also Chairman of 
I the construction committee for the water works of 
the pl.ace. He was United States Examining Sur- 
geon from 1868 to 1882. He is in addition to his 
membership in man\' medical societies also con- 
nected with the order of M.asonry and the Knights 
of Honor, and is an active and earnest Republican. 
f His only son. Linley G. Wade is an accountant in 
I the First National Bank at Holly. Our subject is 
, one of the most notable surgeons in this pari of 
ISIichigan and is often called away to take charge 
of difficult cases or as counsel with other physi- 
cians. His surgical cases come from all over the 
I State. 

i We append the following concise description of 
I the Doctor; ''150 pounds was his weight when he 



POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



521 



grasped his "sheepskin," it is 200 now; height, five 
feet nine inches; health, good; eyes are dark; hair 
was black, but what there is left of it is getting 
mixed ; formerly he smoked cigars, but three and 
a half 3'ear8 ago he reformed; spectacles were taken 
up six or seven years ago; his contributions to 
medical literature are parti}' as follows: "Hydro- 
bromic Acid," "Displacements of the Uterus," 
"Diseases of Women," "Chloric Acid," "New For- 
mula for the Production of Hydrobromic Acid," 
"A New Antiseptic," "Puerperal Fever," "Ether" 
"The Ptomaines and Iodine," "Perinoplasty," 
"Iodoform." 



TKINSON WHITE. This prominent 
(^Ol farmer of West BIoomQeld Township owns 
a fine farm of one hundred and forty-five 
acres on sections 18 and 19, and his pres- 
ent dwelling is williin ha'f a mile of the place where 
he was born, .Tune 3, 1838. He is a son of James 
and Eliza (Miller) White, natives of Ireland, who 
emigrated in their j'outh and were married in New 
York, where they lived a few years after their wed- 
ding. Mr. White was there engaged in buying und 
selling rags, old iron, etc. Earl}' in the '30s he 
came to this State, and took up a tract of Govern- 
ment land, consisting of three hundred acres in 
West Bloomfield Township, a portion of which is 
now owned by the sosi Atkinson. He cleared the 
land and followed farming until his deatii, which 
occurred while he was still a comparatively young 
man. Ills wife survived him several j-ears. They 
had seven children, all still living. Their names 
are Atkinson, Mar}' J., David, John, Sarah A., 
James and Elizabeth. Mr. White was a Democrat 
and he and his wife were active members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

On the old homestead Atkinson White spent his 
boyhood days, performing such light tasks as were 
suited to his strength and pursuing his studies in 
the district school. Ag he grew older he took a 
greater part in the work of tiie farm, and he has 
continued to follow the vocation to which he was 
reared. About 1863 he settled wliere he is now 
living. He has a fine two-story frame house, such 



barns and other outbuildings as are generallj' to be 
seen in the rural districts, and his front yard is full 
of evergreens that are kept trimmed in different 
designs, and form a striking feature in the land- 
scape. Mr. White gives his attention to his private 
affairs and social pleasures, and pays little attention 
to politics, although he is always ready to vote a 
Democratic ticket. He and his wife are members 
in good standing of the United Presbyterian 
Church at Commerce. 

Mrs. White bore the maiden name of Martha 
Murray, and became the wife of our subject April 
17, 1862. Prior to that interesting event her home 
was in Commerce Township, where she was born 
February 12, 1844, her parents being David and 
Martha (Carr) Murray. Mr. and Mrs. White have 
had seven children, named respectively, AUiert J., 
Marshal B., Orson C, Guy M., Ada B., Ruth E. 
and R&y. Ruth died in infancy'; Marshal mar- 
ried Miss Nellie Morris, of Utica, this State, and 
Ada is the wife of William Walls. Jr., a farmer in 
Commerce Township. 



^4l IfelLLIAM H. BRUMMITT. This name will 
\^JK be recognized by many readers as that of 
'\f'}f/ a photographer in Poiitiac, whose gallery 
is supplied with the latest and best appliances 
known to photographic art and is patronized by 
large numbers of people. Mr. Brummitt established 
himself in Pontiac in 1870 and witli the exception 
of a short time has continued to make his home 
iiere; the exception was a period spent at Wichita, 
Kan., where he had made investments in real estate 
upon which he realized handsomely. He sold out 
his business in Pontiac to remove West, but on his 
return bought back the gallery. 

The birthplace of Mr. Brummitt was Notting- 
ham. England, and his natal day February 13, 1837. 
His father, William Brummitt, was a gunmaker 
and his mother, formerly Sarah Paulson, was the 
daughter of George Paulson and a native of Eng- 
land. Both parents remained in their native land 
and their surviving children, with the exception of 
our subject, still live there. They had five sons 



522 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and three d»ughlers, but only three now living. 
William H. was tlie youngest but one in the paren- 
tal family. His school days were passed in his na- 
tive county until he was eleven years old when he 
became page to Lady Harriett Benediek, daughter 
of the Duiie of Portland. He spent three years in 
the service of tliat lady and eighteen months in 
that of the Duke of Newcastle, and he then traveled 
with the Rothchihis in different parts of Europe, 
consuming about three years in visits to the large 
and notable cities. 

In the fall of 1855 Mr. Brummitt sailed for tlie 
United States, landing in New lork, where he spent 
three j'ears. He then visited Toronto, Canada, con- 
suming about six months in the trij) and next go- 
ing to Pliiiadelphia, Pa. He had conducted an art 
gallery in New York and in the metropolis of 
Pennsylvania lie carried on the same business until 
1867, when selling out he removed to Detroit and 
after following his work there two 3'ears came to 
Pontiac. In Philadelphia lie formed the acquaint- 
ance of Miss I'aulina Delleiter, whom he won (or 
his wife. She was of French descent and Prussian 
birth, being the daughter of Gen. DeHeiter of the 
Prussian army. She died in Pliiiadelphia in 1865, 
and in 1872 Mr. Brumoiitt was married to Miss Ella 
R. Woodard, daugiiter of Hosea "\Voodard,of Pon- 
tiac. 

Mr. BriiMimitt was a member of tha Common 
Council in 1890. Politically, he is a Democrat and 
sociall}' a Knight of Pythias. He is Vice President 
of the Cass Lake Aquatic Association and takes 
great pleasure in drawing members of the finny 
tribe from cool waters. His dwelling is comfort- 
able, attractive, and is situated in a pleasant part of 
tlie city. 



^AVID B. SWAYZE, of Orion, was born in 
Oakland Township, Oakland County, .June 
12, 1837. His father, Sanford, of New 
Jersey was born in 1795, wlience he came to Oak- 
land County in 1832. He entered land in Oakland 
Township, and received a deed signed by President 
Jackson. He built a nice farmhouse and began 



to cultivate the land. The Indians planted corn 
for him and one of the squaws worked for his 
mother. Detroit was his nearest market to wliicli 
he went b^' ox-team. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and died in 1855, at 
tiie age of sixty years. He commenced with lim- 
ited means and was more than ordinarily successful. 
The grandfather of our subject, Christopiier Sivayze, 
was a resident of New Jersey and was of English 
descent. The mother of our subject. Experience 
Brands, of New Jersey, died in 1879 at the .age of 
seventy-six years. She was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and was the mother 
of seven children, six of whom are still living. 

^Ir. Swayze was reared on a farm and educated 
in the log schoolhouse, where he attended during 
the winter, but had to work in the summer time. 
When he was twenty-one be began farming on 
shares. He followed threshing for some time and 
then rented a farm for six years. He purchased 
his first farm in Oakland Township in 186G, but 
sold it soon and purchased one in Independence 
Township. The fullowing spring he purchased 
■ one in Orion Tuwnship, and some land in Oakland. 

He has in.ade substantial improvements on his 
property and now has one of the finest and most 
productive farms in the count}-. This place is 
represeiitetl by a view on another page. His pres- 
ent home is presided over by Mrs. Swayze, a lady 
of culture and intelligence, to whom he was mar- 
ried in 1860. She was Phtube A., daughter of 
James and Margaret (Moore) Cheney, New Eng- 
land peo|)le, who came to Macomb County-, Mich., 
in 1832. Mrs. Swayze w.is born in Siielby, Ma- 
comb County, in March, 1839. Her parents were 
married in 1835, and had seven children, all of 
whom are living. Mr. Cheney passed aw.ay from 
earth in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Swayze have had two 
children — Clara, deceased, and George. Both 
parents are earnest and useful members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Mr. Swayze is a member of the Grange and is a 
Republican in his political preferences. He has 
five hundred acres of excellent arable land, upon 
which he raises all kinds of crops and also 
has various kinds of stock, all of good grades. 
He began twenty-eight years ago to raise rutabagas 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



525 



and one year he maiketed as liigh as sixteen thou- 
sand bushels. He has also raise(l as much as six 
thousand, five iiundred bushels vt potatoes. He 
formerly- devoted much time to wheat and has 
raised as uiucii as three thousand, two Iiundred 
bushels at a season. Ho turns off a good flock of 
sheeii every season and fattens lambs for the Buf- 
falo market. He started at twenty-one years of 
an;e with $180 and now is the possessor of throe 
farms. 



^ 



ON. CHARLE.S V. BABCOCK. This gen- 
ii A) ticman resides on section 28, Southfield 
k>y^' Townsiiip, where he settled more than 
sixty years ago. He has been closely con- 
nected with the polilieal affairs of this pait of the 
State, has held vaiious offices of more or less im- 
portance and lias earned a reputation that is widely 
known. He was born in Rutland, Vt., June 4, 
1823, but reared in this county-, to which his par- 
ents came in 1829. His paternal grandfather was 
born in Massachusetts, but his father, Henrj- S. 
liabcock, was a native of Vermont and was reared 
in that State. He married Jane White, who was 
born in the same .State, but whose father, Bulo|)h 
White, was a native of New York and came of tlio 
olil Knickerbocker stock. 

When the l>abcocks came West they located in 
Southfield Township, of which the husband was 
the lirst Supervisor under the Territorial law of 
1831. He was appointed Justice of tlie Peace by 
(Jov. George B. Porter in 1831, and after the ad- 
mission of the State to the I'nion was electeil to 
tlie same office by the people. He also served 
thein as Kepresentalive in 1811. He was killed 
by the kick of a horse October 2(!, 18-12, when of 
middle age, having been born August 23, 1798. 
Mrs. Babcock, who was born Sc[)teniber 11, 179G, 
died January 18. 1872. 

The parental I'amilv included five daughters 
and enie son, and the son is the second iiK'niber. 
He was six years old when he came hither and ids 
first schooling w.ns olitained in a little log school- 
house on section 21. At the age of eighteen years 



he atiended a* private school in Troy three months, 
and the following winter taught in the home 
township. He continued pedagogical work for 
fifteen years and during that time was a student 
in the Ypsilanti Seminary three terms. Irnmedi 
ately after his marriage he settled on the jJace he 
still makes his home. 

Mr. Babcock was married October 24, 1848, to 
Rosanna T., daughter of George and Therina 
(llj'de) Tibbits, who was born in this county 
April 9, 1826. She is an intelligent, courteous 
lady who understands the art of making her home 
attractive, and who sympathizes in her husband's 
aspirations and theories so as to be a pleasant com- 
panion and helpful friend. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock 
have no children but have reared an adopted 
child whom tliej- took in its infancy. The child 
was named Minna E. and is now the wife of Robert 
S. Gamble and the mother of a daughter, Florence. 

The first office filled by Mr. Babcock after he 
became a man was that of School Inspector. In 
1851 he was elected Township Supervisor and 
for more than twenty years officiated in that 
capacity. He was Chairman of the Board from 1861 
to 1866 inclusive, and during that time was greatly 
interested in raising funds for the benefit of sol- 
dier's families. lie was instrumental in securing 
$127,900 for that purpose and in raising $235,300 
for bounty money. In 1859-60 Mr. Babcock was 
County Clerk; in 1884 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace to (ilia v.'icancy, and in 1891 for a full term. 
The office iu which he became most widel}' known, 
and in which be worked for the largest constituency 
was that of State Senator, which he held in 1863- 
64 and 1875-76. His record is one of whiDli no 
man need feel ashamed, but to which he and his 
friends can point with justifiable gratification as 
that of an honest legislator. 

Mr. Babcock has been called upon to give ad- 
dresses on various occasions and those who are 
interested in the history of the State and especi- 
ally of this county, would do well to hear or to 
read remarks made by him at meetings of pioneer 
societies. On the occasion of the meeting of the 
Oakland Society, February 21, 1885, he gave 
quite an exhaustive review of matters of special 
interest to the citizens of this county, and we re- 



526 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gret that space forbids reprinting liie address in 
connection witii these brief paragraphs. It is need- 
less to saj- that ihe Hon. Mr. Babcock is well read, 
as it would scaicel_v be expected that an old teacher 
would give up the pursuit of knowledge, llis 
general intelligence and cordial manner prepossess 
strangers in his favor and a better acquaintance 
adds to the regard in which he is held. 

The Hon. Mr. Babcock has a pleasant home, a 
view of which is presented on another page of this 
volume. 



IriAMES HOUSTON, General Superintendent 
of the Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Rail- 
road, is a native of Maryland, born in the 
citj' of Baltimore December 21, 1842. He 
is the second sou of William and Mary Ann (Era- 
ser) Houston. His parents were natives of Ireland 
who emigrated to the United States when quite 
young, and were married and settled in the city of 
Baltimore, where they became the parents of three 
ellldren. 

The father of our subject died when James was 
onl3' two j'ears old and five j'ears later his mother 
married again. Of the three children h^- the first 
marriage James was the second son. His school 
days were passed in Baltimore and lie remained 
under his mother's roof until he was nineteen years 
old. He commenced his career b^- railroading in 
the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Road in the 
city of Baltimore and subsequently went to Oak- 
land in the same State. He there became connected 
with the mercantile business, serving three years 
as cletk and tliree years as partner. In 1870 he 
resumed railroading in Kansas, entering the emplo}' 
of tlie Kansas Pacific Railroad, and aiding in its con- 
struotion through the Slates of Kansas and Colo- 
rado to Denver. For ten years he was connected 
with the railroads in Kansas, occupying rarious 
positions from station .ngent to superintendent and 
receiver of the Kansas Citj', Burlington it Santa 
Fe Railroad. From Kansas he went to Louisiana 
and there superintended the construction of the 
Natchez, Red River <t Texas Railroad. 

In 1883 Mr, Houston eaiue to Pontiac, this State, 



and took charge of the Pontiac, Oxford & North- 
ern Railroad, taking the position of General Super- 
intendent. This road was formerly- called the 
Pontiac, Oxford & Pt. Austin Railroad, of whicii 
Mr. Houston was appointed receiver at the time 
that its affairs became complicated. After settling 
up the business of this corporation in 1868 he took 
charge of the road for the new comp.an}' and still 
holds the responsible position then assumed. 

While residing in Kansas City our subject was 
married to Miss Mary F. Stouch, residing at Gar- 
net, Kan. She is a native of Ohio and a daughter 
of AVilliam R. Stouch, her parents being natives of 
Pennsylvania and early settlers of Kansas. The 
wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Houston took place No- 
vember 25, 1875. Four children have blessed the 
home of this couple, namelj': Mary F., William 
O., Charles K. and Ruth E. Our subject aud 
his wife are earnest and devoted members of the 
Presbyterian Church in which Mr. Houston for 
the past five years has served as Elder. His polit- 
ical affiliations are with the Prohibitionists and he 
is ever awake to the necessity of regulations for 
the moral and ph3'sical well being of Pontiac. Ills 
residence is the pleasant home at No. 146, North 
Saginaw Street. 



JP^OSEKRANS DIVINE, one of the most in- 
fluential and prominent farmers of Holly 
'^ Township, was born in Fishkill, Dutchcse: 
Count}', N. Y., on the banks of the beauti- 
ful Hudson River. His father, Abram A., w.hs 
born in New York State. October 5, 1784. llis 
grandfather came from Holland and settled in the 
Empire State. The father was a carpenter and 
farmer, and removed from Ulster County, N. Y., 
to Macedon, and thence to Michigan in 1848. He 
settled in Eureka Township, Montcalm County, 
and died there February 25, 1864. He was a Re- 
publican in politics. 

Our subject's mother, Sarah Divine, was also a 
native of New York, where she was born January 
17, 1789. Six of her eight children grew to ma- 
turity, but Rosekrans is the only one. now living. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



527 



She was a devout and earnest Presbyterian in Iier 
religious faith. She lived to the advanced age of 
eighty-four years. Her father, John Rosekrans, 
was a native of New York, where lie owned a large 
farm on the Hudson River, which was valued at 
ii300 per acre, lie was of German descent and a 
connection of Gen. Rosecrans, notable in tlie Civil 
War. He lived to be between eighty and ninety 
years of age. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm 
and eilucated in the district schools under the rate 
hill syjtom. "When ten years of age he went to 
live with his grandfather Rosekrans, and thereafter 
worked for himself. He came to Montcalm County, 
Mich., in September, 1843, and bought State land 
four miles south of Greenville. Ho built the first 
house in that county, and his son, J. A., was 
tlie first white child born in the county. Mr. Di- 
vine was elected, in 1855, to serve as Representa- 
tive of Montcalm County, and served in this 
capacity for one j'car. He afterward served as en- 
rolling clerk in the House at Lansing. He held 
nearly all the offices in the gift of the citizens of 
FAireka Township, and was Superintendent of the 
county poor fC)r a number of years. He was also 
Hoveiiue Oflficer and Draft Commissioner under 
(tOv. Blair. 

Mr. Divine offered his services to his country in 
the War of the Rebellion in 18fil, but was rejected 
on account of ill health. In April, 18C5, he traded 
his farm for the one where he now resides. He 
built his handsome frame house in 1881, and his 
large red barn the same ^ear. lie has raised ciin- 
siderable stock and grain and made a specialty of 
sheep. His married life began May 16, 1843. His 
wife, I'lid'be Boice, was born in Dutchess County, 
N. Y.,,]uly 7, 1819. She died December 21. 1873, 
having been the mother of three children. Two 
grew to maturity, John A.; and Jennie, who be- 
came Mrs. Morris. Their mother was a devout 
mendier of the I'resbj'terian Church. 

The second marriage of our subject took place 
June 28. 187G. The present Mrs. Divine bore the 
maiden name of Elizabeth Hadley, and was bora in 
Michigan, December 31, 1810. They are both 
lifetime members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
our subject has been an KIder in that church for 




about twenty years. He remembers a pleasant and 
notable incident of his boyhood, when in 183G he 
was one of three boys to carry a banner and (scort 
Martin Van Buren to Poughkeepsie during that 
Presidential campaign. He joined the Re|)ublican 
(larty in 1856, and has ever since been a faithful 
adherent to its principles. 

Mr. Divine is a member of the Chosen Friends, 
in which he is joined by his wife. He is also a 
member of the Grange and of the Patrons of In- 
dustry. He is identified with a farmer's club 
named Olive Branch, at Holly, of which he is Vice 
President. 

?1LLIAM A. ALLEN, the largest dealer in 
wood and coal in Poutiac, carries also a 
large stock of liuggics. carriages, light and 
heavy wagons, lime, cement, pelts and hides. He 
was born in Genesee County, Mich., August 29, 
1850, and is the son of James and H»nnah (Gran- 
ger) Allen, both of whom were natives of New 
York State, and were early emigrants to Jlichigan. 
They came to Oakland County about fifty years 
ago, living for several years in this county, and 
then removing to St. Johns, Clinton County, where 
Mr. Allen still resides in his seventy-fifth year. 
The grandfather of our subject, James Allen, came 
to this county at the same time his son James did, 
but located in Waterford, where he resided on his 
farm until death. Hann.ih (i ranger, the mother of 
William Allen, died October 12, 1871, in Pontiac 
Township, Oakland County. She was the mother 
of six children, four sons ami two daughters, all of 
whom are still living. 

The subject of this sketch passed his early school 
days in his native county. When sixteen years of 
age he went to Jlacomb County, where he spent 
six years, and then came to Oaklanti County. He 
attended school in Independence and Waterford 
Townships and was trained in farm work. He con- 
tinued on a farm until he reached his twenty-fifth 
year, when he removed to Pontiac, and after team- 
ing for a while, decided to start in business for him^ 
self. In 1883 he started a wood yard, and soon 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



afterward added coal to his 'business. He managed 
this yard until 1889, when he purchased the busi- 
ness of L. R. Lumby, and continued business also 
at the old stand No. 13 Laurence Street. 

The marriage of Mr. Allen occurred December 
'■26, 1875, at the home of the bride, Miss Fannie A. 
Rowley, of Macomb County. She is the daughter 
of Philander and Betsey Rowley, both natives of 
New York State, from which they removed to 
Michigan before the birth of their daughter, who 
was born and reared in Macomb County. One 
daughter has brightened tlie liome of Mr and Mrs. 
Allen, Maud A., who is still a school girl. Jlr. 
Allen is conservative in liis politics, and while in- 
terested in the government of city and State, ile- 
voted his attention principally to business. He is 
a member of Pontiac Lodge, F. & A. M. 

■ : ag*-^^^C : -' 

"i? ACOB J. MOORE, a prosperous farmer of 
Commerce Township and the head of a no- 
table family, is the son of Joseph B., a na- 
tive of New Jersey, born March 20, 1790. 
His brother was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
AVar and died in Sandy Hook, N. Y., a victim of the 
measles. The mother of our subject bore the 
maiden name of Phoebe Brands. She was born 
January 8, 1793, in New Jersey. Her father, Ja- 
cob Brands, a soldier in the War of 1812 was sta- 
tioned at Detroit. ' 

The parents of our subject married in New Jersey, 
July 28, 1814 and resided there until 1833, when 
they came to Macomb County, Mich., and settled 
in Sheldon Township, on an unimproved farm. 
Mr. Moore took his land from the Government 
with a deed signed by Gen. Jackson. They were 
pioneers there and made it tlieir permanent home. 
He was drowned in Clinton River, April 11, 1835. 
His wife made a second marriage with Elial Cramp- 
ton, a native of Indiana. He died in 1860, and 
she survived until 1864, when she departed at the 
age of seventy-one years, ten months and fourteen 
days. The parents of our subject were members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which the 
father was an exhorler. He helped to build the 



schoolhouse in his neighborhood and held the first 
religious serrices in it. He was both Steward and 
Class-Leader. His political connections were with 
the Whig party. He and his good wife were the 
parents of ten children, five of whom are living. 

Jacob J. Moore was born Jlay IG, 1815, in New 
Jerse3'. He was eighteen years <if age when he 
came to Michigan. He attended the district school 
in New Jersey, and learned the blacksmith's trade. 
He began for himself at twenty-one years of age. 
After he came to Macomb County, Mich., he worked 
at the carpenter's business. He moved to Lapeer 
County in 1838. His marriage took place on New 
Year's Day 1837, his bride being Hepsabeth, a 
daughter of Benjamin and Asenath (Grimes) Gil- 
lett, both natives of (Jreene County, N. Y., who 
came to Michigan in 1831 and made a home for 
themselves in Macomb County. He improved his 
farm well before his death anil passed away Septem- 
ber 28, 1838, at the age of serenty-three years. 
His wife, who was born October 22, 1787, died 
November 3, 1864. They were the parents of four 
children, two of wifom are now living. 

Mrs. Moore was born August 9, 1821, in Monroe 
County, N. Y. She received a good district school 
education and began teaching when onl}' fourteen 
years old. After marriage they made their home 
first in Macomb County and then lived in Lapeer 
County for six years. In 1844 they moved to 
Oakland County, and settled in the village of Com- 
merce until 1858, when tliej- moved to tiie present 
farm. While in Commerce Mr. Mooie was in the 
furniture business. When he moved here he began 
operating a steam sawmill and carried it on for 
twenty-five years in connection with his farm. He 
has seventy-nine acres nearly all improved. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the jjarents of ten chil- 
dren, eight of whom are now living. Their eldest 
son, the Rev. Levi G. Moore was born August 18, 
1838; he married Alice Banks and with her and 
his four children resides in Grand Rapids. Oel B., 
born May 3, 1840. married Agnes Nesbilt, and 
with her and his five children lives near Birming- , 
ham; he was a soldier in tiie Civil War. Phojbe i 
A., born January 16, 1842, is the wife of James > 
A. Haskins, and lives in Newaygo County*. Her 
husband was a soldier in a Pennsylvania regiment. 




T^'?^ 




^■' 









,;^i^vil 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



531 



TLey hare two children. Benjamin C, born Septem- 
ber 28, 1843, and married to Angy Goff, lives in 
Newago County; they have seven children. He 
was a soldier in the Twenty-second Michigan In- 
fantry. Jndge James B., born November 3, 184.5, 
married Ella Beiitle}', and lives in Lapeer City. 
Gazena A., born May 18, 18i8, wife of Edmund 
Clark, also lives in Newaygo County; she is the 
mother of two children. Theodore, born May IG, 
1850, married Elizabeth Clark; they have one 
child and live in IMidland. Ella B., born March 
2, 1859, and wife of Horace E. Johns, lives in 
Commerce Township; she is the mother of two 
children. Levi, the ehlest son was a student at 
Albi(,>n College. Oel B. was also a student there. 
Joseph B. attende:! Hillsdale College and is a grad- 
uate of the law department of Ann Arbor Univer- 
sitv. At present he is the Judge of the Sixth Ju- 
dicial District. He now has an appointment from 
President Harrison as one of the Committee to 
settle Indian difficulties in California. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Moore are members of the Methodist 
E|)iicopal Church. He is the Senior Trustee of this 
churcl) having been in this position for forty vears. 
He has been both local and district Steward and 
also Class-Leader. He has been Superintendent 
for a number of years in tlie Sund.ay-school and 
also teacher in the same as has also been his good 
wife. His first vote was cast for Williara Henry 
Harrison, and he is a Republican to tliis day. Mrs. 
Moore is a member of the Women's Christian Tem- 
perance Union at Walled Lake. Mr. Moore is to 
a great extent an invalid and not able to be active 
in his duties. 



-^->^:i^^^^:5<^- 




I>^1LLTAM LELAND. It would be hard to 
/* find, at least within the limits of Water- 



WW ft)rd Township, a gentleman more iiiglily 
respected than the one above named, wiiose por- 
trait is shown on the opposite page, and wlio has 
been prominently identified with the agricultural 
and public labors of this couimunitj' for many 
years. He possesses sound judgment, ripe intelli- 
gence and an accommodating spirit, which quali- 



ties Have made him useful to his fcllow-men and 
secured for him a competeucj'. Among the pleas- 
ant homeste.ids of the township the traveler in- 
variably notices that of Mr. Leland, which com- 
prises one hundred and sixty acres of fine land on 
section 30, and a view of which appears on another 
page. He also owns forty acres in White Lake 
Township. 

Many native-born citizens of England have 
sought homes in America, and among the emi- 
grants of 1840 was David Leland, who iramedi- 
atel}' after landing proceeded to Michigan. He 
had few educational advantaajes in the old conn-' 
try and but little means when he sought a home in 
the United States. But he possessed courage and 
energy, and was not slow in acquiring that inde- 
pendence so dear to every human heart. In 1845 
he returned East to New York, where he married 
in Monroe County Miss Getty Stottle. the cere- 
mony being performed August 20. The bride 
was born in Seneca County, N. Y., November 2, 
1805, and was of German and Irish descent. 

After their marriage the young couiile returned 
to Milford, whence the ensuing winter the}- re- 
moved to Waterford Township. By industry and 
economy thej' accumidated considerable property, 
and their latter years were passed amid the com- 
forts for which the}' toiled so assiduously in youth. 
The father died .\pril 5, 1886, his wife having 
preceded him in death several years, passing from 
earth May 15, 1881. There were two children in 
the family — Sar.ah and our subject. The sister 
married George Corwin. a farmer living on the 
old homestead. The memor}' of David Leland is 
held sacred not only in the hearts of his children, 
but by those who remember that to the sturdy 
pioneers of the earlier portion of this century is 
due our present proud position as a farming and 
business community. 

William Leland was born in Milford Town- 
ship, this count}-, June 26, 1845, and remembers 
well when settlers were few, wild game plentiful 
and the frontiersman had need of much persist- 
ence to encourage him in his efforts. He grew to 
a stalwart manhood an<l assisted his father on the 
home farm, continuing thus employed for a num- 
ber of years after he had attained his majority. 



532 



PORTRAfT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Later he worked the farm ou shares and accumu- 
latcti consifleral)le money, which he loaned on 
real-estate security, taking a mortgage on the farm 
which he now owns. In order to get his money 
out of it he was compelled to buy the estate, which 
since his purchase has been improved into one of 
the finest farms in the vicinitj'. 

In 1883 Mr. Loland was united in marriage with 
Miss Helen, daughter of John and Mary (Buff) 
Jackson, natives of England. The father crossed 
the broad Atlantic in 1830, and settled in New 
York; a little later the mother came with her par- 
ents and located at Akron, Ohio. Mr. Jackson, 
after sojourning for a brief period in the Empire 
Slate, went to Akron, Ohio, where he worked in a 
powder mill until his marriage, in 1835. Twelve 
chililren were born of their union, of whom four 
are now living. Two brothers gave their lives in 
defence of the Union, one being killed in the battle 
of Brandy Station and the other dying in Ander- 
sonville prison. The congenial union of our sub- 
ject and his estimable wife has been blest to them 
by the birth of two children — Grace Ethel, who 
was born April 13, 1885; and Elmer C, who was 
born Ma3' 7, 1887, and died August 2, 1! 



— V- 



-#-4«- 



'\»/OnN K. TAYLOR, a farmer and dairyman, 
whose property' is within the corporate lim- 
its of Pontiac, was born in Northampton 

^Jj County, Pa., December 1, 1847. His father, 
Conrad Taylor, was a native of Warren County, 
N. J., born January 5, 1823, and was the fifth son 
of Benjamin and Marj' (Van Kirk) T.aylor, who 
had sixteen children. The mother of our subject 
was Susan Rosenberg, a Pen nsy Iranian, born in 
1825. Her father, John Rosenberg, was of German 
ancestry, and the maternal family was noted for 
longevity. The grandmother died in her ninety- 
eighth year. Mrs. Susan Taylor died when her 
son John R. was but two years old and some time 
afterward a second marriage was made b^' the wid- 
ower. His wife was Miss Rebecca Jones, of Oak- 
land Township, but a native of New Jersey, and 



their union was blest by the birth of a daughter, 
Alice M., who married Albert Brewster, and now 
lives in Denver, Col. The children of the first 
mariiage were John R., Mary E. and Irving. The 
last named is a farmer in Avon Township, and 
Mary is deceased. 

In 1849 the father of our subject came to this 
county and located on farm lands in Addison 
Township. He was a general farmer, and put 
good improvements on his laiiil. In 18G5 he re- 
moved to Pontiac and ran a meat market four 
years, after which he bought one hundred and 
eighty acres in Avon Township, and removed there- 
to. Several years later he took up his residence in 
the village of Rochester, where he is still living re- 
tired. Politically he is a Democrat. Years ago 
he and his wife became members of the Presbyter- 
ian Church. His son, our subject, was educated in 
the schools of Pontiac. In the fall of 18(j4 he en- 
tered the Union army as a member of Com|)any B, 
Thirtieth Michigan Infantry, Col. Warner com- 
manding. His arm}- experience was principally 
gained at posts that were being guarded by the 
command to which he belonged. He was honor- 
abl}' discharged June 24, 1865. 

Mr. Taylor returned to Pontiac, and was soon 
enja;aged in farming in Troy Township, where he 
made his home five years. He then sold out and 
bought si.xty-five acres within the city limits, and 
since that time has given his chief attention to the 
dairy business, milking twenty-five cows and sell- 
ing the milk in the city. He has two first-class 
cattle barns and other substantial farm buihlings, 
and also a good residence, comfortably furnished 
and neatly ordered. The affairs of the household 
are in charge of an amiable and energetic woman, 
who became his wife In 1868. Her maiden name 
was Mary Stowell, and she was born in this count}' 
in 181!». being a daughter of Simon and Harriet 
Stowell. They have one son, Irving S., who is 
still at home. 

Mr. Taylor is an energetic man. an intelligent 
and law-abiding citizen, and one who in social and 
domestic life is considerate and agreeable. He is 
a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of Dick 
Richard Post, No. 147, G. A. R. He has repre- 
sented the Third Ward as Alderman dtiriuii; the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



n33 



past nine years, and in the meetings of tlie Council 
siiows an interest in the lasting good of the city. 
Politically he is a Democrat, and he and his wife 
have their religious home in the Prcsliyterian 
Chnrch. 




lUY M. TROWBRIDGE makes his home in 
Pontiac, Mich., and was born in the town- 
3hii> of Troy, Oakland Countj', January 31, 
1834. He is the son of .Stephen V. R. and Eliza- 
beth (Conklin) Trowbridge. Tlie father was a 
native of Albany N. Y.. where be was born Jul3- 
4, 1794. The mother was born at Horselieads, near 
Elmira, N. Y., May 22, 1797. The Trowbridge 
family were early settlers of Central New York. 
The parents of our subject were married January 
25, 1815, and made their home at Horseheads for 
about six years. 

It was in 1821, that Stephen Trowbridge and his 
wife established their new home in Troy Township, 
Oakland County, Mich. Stephen had come in the 
previous fall and walked all the way from Horse- 
heads through Canada to Detroit, Mich. Here he 
had hoped to find a brother, C. C. Trowbridge, who 
had made his home here in 1818, but on reaching 
Detroit, he found that his brother lia<l gone East 
on horseback through Canada and they had missed 
one another on tlie waj'. He came out to Oakland 
County and looked about and bought eighty acres 
of laud from the Government. He then returned 
East and transported his family to Buffalo where 
they took passage on a vessel, which was called 
"Walking in the Water." On tliis they made their 
voyage to Detroit and thence to Oakland by ox- 
team. The first twelve miles out of Detroit passed 
through a black swamp. The load was heavy and 
the teams stuck in the mud. Mrs. Trowbridge 
descended from the wagon and with her baby boy 
in her arms walked for eight miles. At one time 
while the teams stuck fast in the mire a stranger 
came along and found Mrs. Trowbridge sitting by 
the roadside with a baliy in her arms and a little 
one at her knee. The stranger asked, "are you not 
discouraged? She said, "Oh. no, not much, I think 
we will get through all right." The family found 



on their farm a log house 14x14 feet. Here they 
were sheltered until a more comfortable home could 
be erected. 

Surrounded by Indians and witii but few white 
neighbors Mr. Trowbridge went to work to clear 
the little farm. He improved it and added to it until 
he had two hundred and ninety acres in a fine con- 
dition. Besides general farming he carried on 
stock-raising, as the range for cattle was at that 
time extensive and the Indians kept tiie under- 
brush well burned off. Game was plentiful and 
the family was well supplied with wild meat. Wild 
turkey abounded and fishing was good. Mr. Trow- 
bridge died in March, 1859, and his wife survived 
until 1873. They were the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, all of whom lived to establish families of 
their own. 

Stephen V. R. Trowbridge was an adherent to the 
Whig party and yet a particular friend of Gov. 
Cass. He was Supervisor for a number of years 
and was a member of the Territorial Legislature. 
He was appointed by Gov. Cass to handle the 
annual payments which were made to the Indians. 
I'resident Taylor appointed him Mineral Agent of 
the Lake Superior Mines, which position he occu- 
pied for three years. He and his wife were mem- 
bers of the first Presb3'terian Church organized in 
this county, in which he was for many years an 
Elder. The names of his eleven children are: 
Julia C, Mrs. Charles Hastings; Charles A., de- 
ceased, was a merchant in New York City; Eliza- 
beth, Mrs. C'aleb Hammil; Roland E., deceased; 
Kate, widow of Rev. Edwin Goodell — they were 
missionaries to Turkey ; Edmund, deceased; Will- 
iam P., Professor of Mathematics in Columbia Col- 
lege; Tillman C, deceased, was a missionary to 
Turkey ; Guy M. ; Luther S., an attorney at Detroit; 
and Augusta S., wife of William S. Albertson, a 
merchant at Duluth, Minn. 

Guj' M. 'I'rowbridge remained under the parental 
roof until he reached his majority. He then settled 
upon a farm in Troy, which he managed for about 
four years, and then removed to the old homestead 
of his father after the latter's death and continued 
farming there for twenty-one years. His marriage 
took place October 16, 1855. He was then united 
with Miss Emily Ostrander, daughter of Simeon 



534 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and IJanDab (Fellows) Oslrander, whose home was 
in New York Stale on the banks of the Hudson. 
Mrs. Trowbridge was born in Columbia Count}', 
N. Y. In 1885 Mr. Trowbridge sold the farm in 
Troy and removed to Pontiac, and puichased his 
present farm of one hundred and seventeen acres, 
situated within the corporate limits of the fity. 
Here he has a good brick residence and excellent 
outbuildings, all desirably situated. 

Three children have ble.ssed the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Trowbridge, narael}-: Carrie C, who is 
the wife of Gordon Benedict; Louis O., a salesman 
for a marble works: and Emily P., still a school 
girl. Mr. Trowbridge served as Supervisor of Troy 
Township for several years. He was appointed 
Deputy United States Collector of Internal Reve- 
nue for the First District of Michigan with head- 
quarters at Pontiac. During the time his brotlier 
was Collector. Politically, he is a stanch Republi- 
can, easting his first Presidential vote for John C. 
Fremont and his last for Benjamin Harrison. He 
has been a member of the Presbyterian Church 
since 18C0, and Elder in the same and serves as 
Superintendent in the Sundaj--school. 



'J^^' 




OLOMON EAGLE is numbered among the 
pioneers of this county, and has lived on 
section 20, West Bloomfield Township 
since he came hither in 1835. He took 
Government land and set about reclaiming it and 
making it a fit place of ."^bode for Intelligent human 
beings. The work he has accomplished was of the 
nature with which the younger generation is famil- 
iar by hearsay, and the oliler by experience, inter- 
esting to relate, but oft times bitter to realize. The 
farm now owned by Mr. Eagle consists of two hun- 
dred and forty acres, which he cleared, as when he 
came hither it was covered with a dense forest 
growth. It has very good Improvements upon it, 
and is the source of a good income, being now 
rented out. Mr. Eagle is quite advanced in years, 
and does not enjoy very good health. The family 
of which he is an honored descendant, owned land 
near Dublin, Ireland, which for three hundred and 



seventeen years passed by inheritance from one gen- 
eration to another. 

The parents of our 8ul>ject were Ed ward and Le- 
titia A. (Bolton) Eagle, natives of the Emerald 
Isle, in which the husband died, while the wife 
breathed her last in North Wales. The parental 
family included Solomon, Arabella, Letitia, Anna, 
Edward, Mary, Jane and T. Chester. The eldest 
was born in Dublin. February 20, 1808, and reared 
near that city on a farm. He remained in his na- 
tive land until after he had passed his majority 
when he sailed for America, leaving port March 7, 
1830, and landing in New York City, May 1. He 
spent about four years in tiie American metropolis, 
and then came West and took u[) the laiid on which 
he has since lived. 

On March 7, 1830, Mr. Eagle was married to 
Miss Sarah Lee of Coot Hill, Ireland, with whom 
he at once embarked for America. She was a little 
older than he. She died in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 
1832. and in 1834 Mr. Eagle was married to Miss 
Isabella Gregory', of New York City. She died in 
this county, and our subject was again married, his 
bride being Mrs. Eliza Brown, of West Bloomfield, 
who was born in Ireland. This union was blest by 
the birth of four children, viz: Edward J., Sarah 
L., Eliza J. and George R. The mother of these 
children died some years ago, and Mr. Eagle w.as 
afterward married to Miss Cornelia Cychester. His 
present wife w.as formerly Mar}- J. Eagle, and is a 
daughter of Solomon G. and Ellen (Chew) Eagle. 
Her parents were born in Ireland, and came to 
America wiien she was a child, settling at Turtle 
Lake, this county, but the last twenty-five years of 
their lives were spent in Waterford Township, 
where her marriage ceremony took place. Her 
mother died April '20, 1877, at the age of sixty-two 
years, and her father April 29, 1890, aged seventy- 
five. Their other children are Ann C, Charlotte 
A., Kllen M., Solomon G., Lotitia A., George R., 
John S. and Edward E. 

Mr. Eagle has never taken any great interest in 
politics, hut is well-informed regarding the issues 
of the day, and votes the Democratic ticket. His 
father was an attorncy-at-law in Ireland, and his 
parents adhered to the faith of the Church of Eng- 
land, under whose tenets he was reared. He has, 




Wi^.H. PH EL PS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



537 



however, become a memher of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Chinch, and not only endeavors to live in 
accordance with religious principles, but takes au 
active part in churcli work. 






"^^^^ 




?ILLTAM H. PHELPS. For several dec- 
ades the late Mr. Phelps was identifled 
with the agricultural interests of this 
county and for many years he was located on section 
34, Troy Township. He took possession of property 
there irumediately after his marriage, and his widow 
is now occupying the tine farm of one hundred 
fifteen acres, where the various appointments indi- 
cate the prosperity attained and the good judgment 
displayed by her deceased husband. The residence 
is a substantial brick house and the farm buildings 
are well built. Mr. Phelps was not only well known 
as a first-class farmer, but he had a high reputation 
as a man of irreproachable character, earnest and 
public spirited, and cordial in his associations with 
his fellow-men. His portrait is presented in con- 
nection with the following brief account of big life: 

Mr. Phelps was a son of Eli and Lucy (Downer) 
Phelps, who were born in New York and Vermont 
respcctirely. The natal day of the father was June 
27, 1783, and that of the mother June 16, 1788. 
Tliey were married in the Empire State March 29, 
18L^, and came to this State in 1832. They lo- 
cated on raw land in Troy Township, near the site 
of Troy Corners, but after a residence of three 
years removed to section 34, which was their per- 
manent abiding place. There Air. Phelps died 
January 31, 18()0, and his widow, April 25, 1877. 
They had tiiree sons and two daughters and William 
H. was third on the family roll. He was born in 
Whitestown, Onedia County, N. Y., June It!, 1820, 
and began his course in schooling at his native 
place. He was twelve years old when the family 
came West and he completed his studies in this 
county. He learned the trade of a cooper and fol- 
lowed it for a few years, making his home with his 
parents until he was of age. 

December 30, 1847, our subject was married to 
Minerva M., daughter of William H. and Eliza 



(Starks) Smith. The bride's parents were born in 
New York and her own birthplace was in Wayne 
Count3', this State, and her natal daj' August 25, 
1827. She was the second of twelve children — four 
daughters and eight sons. She grew to womanhood 
in the county in which she was born, pursuing the 
course of study in its schools, and under the par- 
ental roof learning many lessons which were found 
useful when she had grown to maturity. Her 
union with Mr. Phelps wag blest by the birth of 
four chililren, namely: Warren H., who died in 
his fifth 3'ear; Frank AV., who was born April 21, 
1854, and is living in Troy Township; Fred S. 
born December 20, 1855. residing with his mother 
on the homestead; and Anna E., born January 7, 
1863, and now the wife of Charles Flinn, who was 
born in this county December 6, 1852. 

For tliirty-fivo years Mr. Phelps held the office 
of Justice of the Peace and his wise decisions and 
earnest efforts to promote peace and harmony were 
recognized on all sides. He was Highway Com- 
missioner, Drain Commissioner and School Director, 
and at various times filled each of the other school 
offices. At the time of his decease he was the in- 
cumbent of the Moderatorship. Politically he was 
a Republican. His religious home was in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and he was a faithful 
worker, acting in an official capacity for many 
years. He held the various offices, including those 
of Trustee and Class-Leader, and was an efficient 
teacher in the Sunday-school. He passed the al- 
lotted age of man and entered into rest December 
12, 1890. 



\l7 D. HADDON. Among the prominent busi- 
ness men of Holly, we find the gentleman 
whose name appears at the head of this 
sketch. He has a fine store on Saginaw 
.Street, where he carries au excellent line of cloth- 
ing, hats and caps, boots and shoes. He is a native 
of Michigan, having been born in P^ast Saginaw, 
April 7, 1862. He is the son of Robert R. and 
Mary A. (Minock) Haddon. His mother was born 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Holly, and his fattier in Ireland, from wbicli he 
came witli his parents when eleven years old. They 
settled in New York Stale and brought up their 
large family of children. 

Robert R., one of the children of this family, and 
the father of our subject, came West and settled in 
East Saginaw, about the year 1845. He built the 
first wagon ever made in that cil}' and helped to 
build the first sidewalks. He came to Holly in 
1871, and has made this his permanent home, pur- 
chasing land a little west of the village where he 
now lives. He was married in 1860 in Holly, and 
has reared a family of two daughters and eight sons 
of whom our subject is the eldest. The parents of 
Mrs. R. Haddon came from Ireland in their youth, 
and emigrated to Michigan in the Territorial days. 
Mr. Minock has cleared up and cultivated several 
farms, and is the owner of one of the very best in 
Holly Township. He is one of the wealthiest men 
in his part of the county, and owns considerable 
city property. He erected the first brick building 
in Holly. 

The subject of this sketch lived in Saginaw until 
nine years of age, and then lived on a farm three 
miles west of Holly, where he attended the district 
school. Later he attended the Fenton High School 
in Genesee County, where he was graduated in tlie 
Class of '80. He now engaged in teaching for 
three years in Genesee and Oakland Counties. He 
then spent one year with Government surveyors in 
the eastern part of Utah. The camping-out life 
he enjoyed hugely and became very strong and 
hearty. The party spent a short time at Salt Lake 
City. He then returned with R. J. Mershon, the 
Government Surveyor to Omaha, and from there 
came home. He says that the lack of good drink- 
ing water was the greatest hardship he experienced 
and that at one time he would have bartered all he 
ever had for a good drink of water while on the 
plains. 

The following winter our young man tauglil 
school, and in the spring of 1884 he came to Holly, 
and began his present business with a small capital 
and a small stock. His enterprise and industry 
have given him success, and he has now a large and 
attractive stock of goods. He is already a man of 
influence in the town, and has held for four years the 



office of Township Clerk. He was once appointed 
Village Treasurer to fill out the term. He served 
as the administrator of a large estate in Saginaw. 
He is a Democrat in principle and votes with that 
party. His marriage November 6, 1890, united 
him with Miss Adi, daughter of Benjanoin C. Scott, 
of Hollj. 



-^^ 



E^^ 




^.j, DRIAN A. GIBBS is engaged in farming 
(13, on section 27, Troy Township. He owns 
a well- improved tract of land which is 
large enough to afford him opportunity 
for raising good crops of various kinds. It com- 
prises sixty acres that has been well improved, both 
by good tillage and the placing upon it of useful 
buildings. Mr. Gibbs was born in Southfield Town- 
ship. July 12, 1847, but was still a child when his 
parents came to Troy Township and located where 
he is now living. There his youth was spent and 
his schooling was obtained in the neighborhood, 
while under his father's guidance he learned to 
carry on farm work. 

Almeron Gibbs, father of our subject, was born 
in New York, August 11, 1817, and was ninn years 
old when his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gibbs, 
removed to this State. This was in 1826 and they 
were among the first settlers in this count}-. Sep- 
tember 1, 1846, he was married to Rebecca Brown, 
a native of Vermont, born April 1, 1815. She had 
accomi)anied her parents hither in 1843. After 
their marriage the parents of our subject located 
in Southfield Township, but remained only a short 
time, then established their home on the farm their 
son now operates. There was a log house on the 
tract but little else in the wa^' of improvements. 
They remained there as long as they lived. Mrs. 
Gibbs died February 14, 1884, and her husband 
October 23, 1886. They had two children, a son 
and daughter. 

Adrian A. Gibbs was married December 10, 
1876, to Miss E. Re veil, daughter of Dr. Samuel 
and Mary (Cooper) Revell. The bride was the 
oldest of the four children comprising the family 
of Samuel and Mary (Cooper) Revell. Her par- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



539 



ents are natives of England and are now living in 
Roscommon, tills State, where her father carries on 
a drug store. Mr. GiL)bs brought his wife to the 
old home and after the de.^th of his |)arents re- 
mained on the farm. He and his wife have never 
hail children of their own but they are rearing a 
little girl whom they call G. Hazel. 

Politically Mr. Gibbs is a Republican. He was 
elected Township Clerk in 1800 and is also Moder- 
ator of his school district which he has already 
served as Director. As a farmer he is enterprising 
and industrious, well informed regarding things 
connected with his work and ranking well among 
his fellows. He is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, a liberal contributor and an 
active worker, and is now filling the oUices of 
Steward, Trustee and Recording Steward as well as 
Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday-school. 



\] 



OSKPHUS GOODENOUGH, M. D., is a de- 
scendant of one of the pioneer families of 
this county and his earliest recollections are 
of the i)rimitive scenes in West Bloorafield 
Township. Although reared on a farm he lookup 
the study of medicine in his early manhood and 
after due preparation began practice. In June, 
1872, be opened an office in Clarkston where he 
remained giving his earnest attention to profes- 
sional duties and taking no part in public affairs 
other than that which is the duty of every good 
citizen. He is a member of the National Medical 
Association and also of the St;ate Medical Society, 
and takes much interest in the progress of the cur- 
ative science, in the investigations that are being 
made and the discoveries that are given to the pro- 
fession from lime to time. 

Dr. Goodeuough was bom in New York Novem- 
ber 18, 1830, and is the son of .lames and Mary 
(Ililler) Goodeuough. His father was born in Xer- 
raont March 13, 1798, and died in this county Oc- 
tober 23, 1854. He was of English descent. His 
marriage occurred in 1826 and his bride was a 
daughter of John Hiller who was born in Holland. 
The Goodeuough family arrived in this county 



May 10, 1831, when our subject was less than a 
year old. The husband and father built a log 
shanty on the banks of Straight's Lake, where the 
family endured all the hardships and discomforts of 
pioneer life, as this section was then a vast wilder- 
ness with but hero and there a small clearing, 
where the sounds of busy life were heard. Jose- 
phus had very limited opportunities for acquiring 
knowledge of books and his first schooling was ob- 
tained in what had been an old stable and was 
fitted up for a schoolroom. 

The young man worked for his father until he 
was eighteen years of age, bearing a part in all the 
toil to which the pioneers were subjected. He 
then went to live with an uncle in Macomb County 
and attended the village school two years, then en- 
tered the office of Dr. Bostick in Almont, where he 
read medicine about four years. Youno- Good- 
enough then entered the Eclectic Medical College 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and still later took medical 
lectures at Ann Arb<ir one terra. This was in the 
winter of 1857-58 and in tlie spring following he 
located at Armada and entered upon the practice 
of bis profession. He remained there seven years 
and thence removed to Waterford where be prac- 
ticed until 1872. He is a careful practitioner and 
having accepted the eclectic theory-, that nature is 
the best restorer, he endeavors to aid her by plac- 
ing bis patients in proper condition, without unduly 
weakening them. 

In the year 1853 Dr. Goodeuough was married 
to Eleanor Walton, of Almont, with whom he lived 
happily until April 15, 1809, when the angel of 
death removed her. The union was blessed by the 
birth of one son, Eugene, whose natal day was 
April 15, 1861. He is married and has a family of 
two children and is now located in Chicafo, HI. 
working in the employ of the Michigan Central 
Railroad Company. In June, 1872, Dr. Good- 
enough was marrried to his present wife whose 
maiden name was Emma Ackerson. A danohter 
Eleanor J., born May 21, 1879, has come to bless 
this union. Although but twelve years old she is 
attending the High School in Clarkston. 

The family of which Dr. Goodenough is one, 
consists of seven childien but the only survivors 
arc Sarah Jane, wife of Levi L. Sutton and Will- 



540 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



iam, who married Ettie Hall, both living in Adams 
County, Wash. Mrs. Sutton was born August 28, 
1836, and William Goodenough March 28, 1842. 
Tiie Doctor has a good farm near the village of 
Clarkston and an attractive and well-kept home on 
Main Street. He is a Master Mason, belonging to 
Cedar Lodge No. 60, and is enrolled in Lodge No. 
85, K. O. T. M. In politics he was a Democrat. 



-M- 




I EORGE REEVES. The Reeves homestead 
on section 22, Pontiac Township, is one of 
the landmarks of this locality, having been 
entered from the Government in 1822 by Judge 
Stephen Reeves, who settled upon it the next year. 
It is now held by the subject of this biographical 
sketch, who is the eldest of the paternal family and 
has made his liome in this country since his infancy. 
He was born ia Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y., 
June 3. 1823, and received his primary education 
in the primitive log school-house wiiich the early 
settlers in this county prepared for their children's 
use. He subsequently attended an academy two 
years and still further cultivated the powers of his 
mind. He has always been a farmer and until he 
was twenty-four years of age, he made his home 
under the paternal roof, and during his father's of- 
ficial career he managed the estate. He is a man 
of means, well able to surround himself with all the 
comforts heart can wish and take a prominent part 
in those public enterprises where money is needed 
to advance the wheels of progress. 

Judge Reeves was born in the Empire State in 
1795 and was a son of James Reeves, who spent his 
entire life io that State. The family is of English 
extraction. Judge Reeves married Mary White, 
who was born on Long Island in 1797. They 
made their journey to this State in a wagon, and 
reaching their destination put up a log cabin in 
which they made themselves as comfortable as cir- 
cumstances would permit. The county around 
them was wild, game abounded and Indians were 
numerous, but friendly; Detroit was the only mar- 
ket and depot of supplies, and neighbors were few 
and far between. Mr. Reeves improved and culti- 



vated his farm as his means permittted, and his son 
has continued the work, bringing the two hundred 
acres to a high state of development. While Mich- 
igan was still a Territory Mr. Reeves was ap- 
pointed Probate Judge by the Territorial Gov- 
ernor, and after it was admitted to the Union he 
was elected to the same position. He served alto- 
gether about fourteen j'ears. He also held various 
township offices. During the War of 1812 he was 
in the service as a Lieutenant. He and his wife 
died in the same year — 1868 — cheered by re- 
ligious faith, both having been connected with the 
Presbyterian church from early life. There were 
none of the early settlers of this township or 
county who were better known or more highly es- 
teemed than Judge Reeves and his wife. 

In 1848 the gentleman whose name introduces 
these paragraphs was married to Helen Phelps, an 
intelligent and efficient lady who was born in 
Massachusetts in 1823. The union has been 
blessed by the birth of five children, but Clara, the 
first-born is deceased. Stephen is married and car- 
rying on a farm adjoining the homestead. Fred is 
in business in Pontiac and he, too, is married. 
Frank and George, Jr., still make their home under 
the paternal roof. All received good educational 
privileges and careful home training. 

Mr. Reeves has been a delegate to various con- 
ventions and has been prominent in the Democratic 
ranks of the county. For some forty years he hag 
been connected with the order of Masonry. He 
has been Commissioner and School Inspector sev- 
eral years and takes an intelligent interest in the 
prosperity of this section. Mr. Reeves belongs to 
the Presbyterian Church. 



^ ICHOLAS PEACOCK. For more than half 
century the late Nicholas Peacock made 
lis home in Pontiac Township and for 
much of that time he was engaged in agricultural 
work. He was born in Macedon, Wayne County, 
N. Y., January 21, 1811, and died from injuries 
received by falling from a ladder June 1st, 1890. 
His father, James Peacock, was born in England, 



NX^^ ICK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



541 



emigrated when seventeeD years old and carried on 
farming in New York. The son followed in his 
father's footsteps and becanae thoroughly conver- 
sant with agricultural work. He came to tliis 
State in 1835, lived in Farmington two years and 
then bought land in Pontiac Township which he 
proceeded to clear and improve. He had limited 
means when he came hither, but he secured a good 
home and was able to give his children a fair start 
in life. 

In 1834 Mr. Peacock married JNliss Eliza A. Bark- 
man, who was born iu Wayne County, N. Y., April 
17, 1817, and who was descended from along line of 
New England ancestors. She was a zealous mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and had the domestic 
qualities and knowledge that are so characteristic 
of tlie Yankees. She died ia 1881, full of years 
and honors. She had been an invalid for two 
years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Peacock 
were nine in number, but Jane, Esther and Amelia 
have crossed the river of death. George, the 
first-born, is a farmer and fruit-grower in Selma, 
Cal.; Henry is married and living in Saginaw. He 
was a member of the First Ohio Artillery during 
the Rebellion; Charles is in California; glizabeth 
is tlie wife of James Haddrill, a farmer in Orion 
Township; Mary and Clara A. occupy the home- 
stead. 

Mr. Peacock was an enthusiastic Republican and 
did all that he could to promulgate the principles 
of the party and advance its interests, but never 
sought office. He came of the old Quaker stock 
and to the latest day of his life endeavored to 
carry out the Golden Rule. For many years his 
membership was in the Free-Will Baptist Church, 
but in many respects he showed the Quaker train- 
ing. After the war he spent some years engaged 
in the lumber business in the North AVoods, but 
even then his home was in this county and his in- 
terests centered here. He willed the homestead, 
which consists of eighty acres of well-improved 
land, to his daughters, Mary and Clara, who con- 
tinue to occupy the pleasant dwelling there. They 
are ladies of intelligence, who take a deep interest 
in the welfare of those about tiiem and the progress 
of humanity the world over, but whose lives are 
spent in the quiet discharge of the duties nearest 



to their hand and an enjoyment of home pleasures 
and social intercourse. Their sympathy reaches 
out beyond their own neighborhood and their in- 
fluence extends farther than they know. 

'^ PRESTON TERRY. Among the men who 
iiave won a competence through their efforts 
as tillers of the soil in Pontiac Township is 
the gentleman above named, who occupies 
the Terry homestead. He operates two hundred 
and fortj- acres of well-cultivated land, and raises 
good grades of stock as well as good crops that are 
A No. 1. He was born in the village of Terry- 
town, Bradford County, Pa., March 14, 1824. Soon 
after his birth his parents removed to Wayne 
Count}', N. Y., and then he accompanied his par- 
ents to this State in 1835. The entire journey 
was made in a wagon and the family had some 
trying experiences, particularly while crossing tiie 
Black Swamp iu Ohio. A location was made in 
Commerce Township, this county, but in 1841 the 
father changed his location to Pontiac Township. 
Here he died about 1852 after having accumulated 
considerable property. 

The Terry family is of French extraction, but 
several generations of the ancestors of our subject 
have lived iu America. Grandfather Terry, whose 
given name was Jonathan, made his home iu Brad- 
ford County, Pa., and during the Wyoming massa- 
cre his family took refuge in a fort. Nathan G. 
Terry, the father of our subject, was born in the 
Kej'stone State in 1790 and married Belinda Pres- 
ton, who was born there in 1796. They removed 
to New York and thence to the West and Mrs. 
Terry lived until July 22, 1879. She was a life- 
long member of the Baptist Church. She bore 
her husband five children, three of whom are now 
living. 

The first schooling of our subject was in a log 
shanty with a slab roof and an open fireplace in 
which the logs cut by the scholars in the surround- 
ing woods, were consumeil. Mr. Terry has a vivid 
recollection of the pioneer times ia this Stale and 
recalls the plenteousucss of wild game, by which 



542 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the table was often supplied, although he himself 
was not much of a hunter. When he w;\s ready 
to start out in life and do a man's work, his father 
gave him fifteen sheep, a sow and a yoke of steers. 
He has always been a farmer and since he lived in 
this county has worked on the homestead. 

In 1862 Mr. Terry was married to Miss Maggie 
Buckbee, a native of New York. She crossed the 
river of death June 17, 1830, at the age of thirty- 
nine j'ears leaving one son, Joseph P. .She was a 
conscientious member of the Episcopal Churcli. 
In 1882 Mr. Terry brought to his lonely home, a 
second wife, formerly Miss Mary Bryant, whose 
parents were earl^' settlers in this count}', of 
which she is a native. .She is an agreeable lad}' 
and has many friends. 

Jlr. Terry has been a Democrat since he became 
a voter until the question of Prohibition became 
a part\- one, and during the past five years his vote 
has generally been given to tiie new organization. 
In private life he is an ardent advocate of tem- 
perance. Taking great interest in that which has 
a bearing upon tlie prosperity of farmers, he has 
united with the Patrons of Industry and the 
Farmer's Alliance. 



lOSEPH F. PROUD is a fine specimen of 
what Western life makes out of a Vermont 
Yankee. His life, as we shall sketch it, is a 
good example, worthy of the study and emu- 
lation of young men. His father was William 
Proud, a native of Rhode Island and a tailor by 
trade. His mother was Sarah Gardner, a native of 
Bennington County, Vt. The father lived and 
died in Vermont, his death occurring in 1822. 
The mother spent her last days with her brnther, 
Capt. Sol Gardner, in Detroit, where she breathed 
her last in 1869, having attained to the limit of 
three-score years and ten. Our subject, who is the 
only one remaining of their two ciiildren, makes his 
home in Commerce Township. 

Joseph F. Proud was born December, 20, 1819, 
in Bennington County, Pownell Township, Vt. 
lie was three years of age when his father died and 



he grew to manhood in his native State beginning 
work for himself when quite young. When still a 
small boy he worked at §3. ,50 a month and in one 
season s.sved ^15 out of his wages. Tliat was the 
beginning of his present fortune. For several 
years he worked on a farm in summer and went to 
school in the winter. He worked night and day 
to get an education and had to pay his way 
all through his school days. He began teaching 
in his own township when nineteen 3-ears old, re- 
ceiving about ^1;') a month and boarding around. 
He followed this course for ten j'ears. 

The j'oung man then took his savings and bought 
three acres of land. Later he sold it and invested 
in live slock and rented a farm. After ten years 
he owned a good farm of ninety acres and had a 
tlock of about three hundred sheep. In 1865 he 
sold in the East and came to Michigan. The laud 
he purchased had on it a poor log house and a mis- 
erable set of outbuildings. He rented the farm to 
Abel Smitherman for the space of two years and 
went to Marine City, St. Clair County, and bought 
a hay farm of one hundred twenty acres, pacing 
fi6,000 for it. He cut one hundred tons of li.ay each 
ye.'ir for two years and realized -iiie a ton. He sold 
out his hay farm at a profit of ij;500 besides his profit 
on the hay. He now came home and began improve- 
ments. Of his two hundred fifty acres he now has 
one hundred fifly-flve under the plow and the 
rest in woodland and pasture laud. He build his 
residence in 1870 at a cost of |I,600, and remod- 
elled and made additions to a large barn. His 
large double corn house will hold two thousand 
bushels of corn. Upon the farm are othei' build- 
ings of more than usual capacity and convenience 
including a good wagon house, ice house, sheep 
barns and wind-mill. With this last is connected 
an excellent well sixty feet deep. He has five 
acres of orchard set out apart by himself. He and 
his son carry on the farm together and he handles 
excellent grades of stock. 

The marriage of Mr. Proud took place in 1840. 
His wife was Luana M. daugliter of Justin and 
Perlina (Taylor) Osgood, both of Vermont, where 
they were dairy farmers and used to send butler 
and milk into Boston. Mrs. Proud was born in the 
year 1820. She received au excellent education 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ms 



and for a number of j-ears pursued the profession 
of teacher. She became the mother of three chil- 
dren, two of whom are now living, namely: Charles 
W., who married Marian Shuler, and now lives on 
this farm and Ella A., wife of Harvey Allen, who 
lives in Ilartland Township. The son has three 
children and the daughter two. This family are 
all members, in good and regular standing, of the 
Regular Baptist Church to which the father joined 
himself when only fourteen years old, and in which 
he has ever been active. He is a Sundaj'-school 
man and has been a teacher most of his life. He 
still keeps up his interest in this work and fills va- 
cancies when a teacher is lacking in the Bible class. 
He is diligent in his attendance at the church ser- 
vices and has served on pulpit committees. 

Previous to the Civil War his political affilia- 
tions were with the Democracy, but his sympathies 
with the Union cause led to his becoming a Republi- 
can, and he has been a hearty advocate of the prin- 
ciples of that part}' from that daj' to this. His son 
Charles is a prominent citizen of the townsliip. He 
owns eight)' acres adjoining the home farm and he 
and his father operate the two places together. He 
h.is been a School Director and Higliwaj- Com- 
missioner and has interested himself in giving hie 
children an excellent education. Mabel, the 
daughter of Charles, is the wife of Charles Hagan, 
who lives at Owosso. She is an excellent scholar 
and a fine musician. This father and sou are nota- 
ble throughout the township as men of strictly 
temperate habits and sound and judicious business 
qualities. 



/^ HARLES LEONARD. The late Mr. Leou- 
(l(^_^ ard, who was well known in this count}', 
^«^' having been for some years engaged in 
farming and stock-dealing, made a success of that 
which he chose as his life-work. Beginning at the 
lowest round of the financial ladder, he mounted 
step by step. Always active and energetic, he 
possessed good financiering ability, which made his 
efforts available where some would have failed. 
The accumulation of wealth did not make him any 



the less humble and retiring, but he was always a 
man of quiet manners and simple courtes}', who 
never sought to push himself before the people. 
His education was received in the common school, 
but he read and thought, and was on all general 
topics ver}' well informed. 

The natal day of Mr. Leonard was October 2, 
1828, and his birthplace Chenango County, N. Y. 
His parents were Seth and Hannah (Allison) Leon- 
ard. His father came to this State and bought a 
farm in Tro}' Township, this county, three miles 
east of Birmingham, but went back to New 
York and died there a year later. The widow, 
with her family of nine children, came West in 
1833 and took possession of the farm. Mrs. Leon- 
ard died here at the venerable age of ninety-two 
years. The son of whom we write was reared in 
Tro3' Township from early childhood and his sur- 
roundings were such as to give him considerable 
knonlc'lge of agriculture before he set out in life 
for himself. When old enough to exercise the 
right of suffrage he decided to cast his ballot with 
the Republicans and he never swerved in his alle- 
giance to the party. He died in 1880. 

August 26, 18.54, Mr. Leonard was married to 
Miss Esther M. Starr, who was a resident of Royal 
Oak. She was born in Norwalk, Huron County, 
Ohio, whence her parents came to this county in 
18:)2. They were Orson and Rhoda P. (Gibbs) 
Starr, both natives of New York. They spent 
their later years near Royal Oak. the one dying at 
the age of sixty-nine and the other fifty-eight 
years. Mr. Starr was a manufacturer of bells and 
was the only man in litis line in the State. He 
, acquired a competence, and his daughter, now Mrs. 
Leonard, with the other members of the family, 
had good advantages in early life. Mrs. Leonard 
grew to womanhood in Royal Oak Township and 
pursued her literarj' studies in the common school. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard there has been born 
one son. Mason N., who is a farmer and stockman 
in Troy TowrfShip. He married Miss Maggie E. 
Bingham of this township and they have five sons, 
a lively grou|) consisting of Charles M., Stewart 
I., Harry, Burt and Ray. 

Mrs. Leonard has not been content to stop with 
the mental culture she obtained in her early life 



544 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



nor with the accomplishments she possessed in her 
maidenhood. She has been able to gratify her 
tastes and has devoted considerable time to paint- 
ing and other means of recreation, such as come 
under the head of accomplishments, and to reading 
of various kinds, such as bofit a lady of natural 
ability and good judgment. She has an attractive 
home. 



^ AMES riADDEN. A reputable place among 
the farmers of Oakland Township is filled 
by Mr. Hadden, who owns and occupies one 
hundred and si-st}' acres of land on section 

25. It is well improved, and much of the acreage 
is under the [)low, although a part is given up to 
the growth of timber and to pasturage. The out- 
buildings include two large barns and such grana- 
ries and sheds as afford shelter for the stock and 
such farm produce as is kept on hand. Mr. Had- 
den was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., September 

26, 1835, and was brought to Michigan when less 
than a year old. A home was made in Oakland 
Township, and he has continued to reside here. 
He staid with his father until he was of age, then 
started out in life for himself. His father gave him 
a horse and $1,000, and he bought the farm he 
now lives on, which was a partially improved tract. 

Mr. Hadden w.as married January 30, 1864, to 
Liildie IJeckwith, who is the fourth child of Mr. 
and Mrs. John Beckwitb. Her father was born in 
New York and came to this State in 1846, settling 
in Macouib County. He died about ten 3'ears since, 
a score of years after Mrs. Hadden's mother had 
passeil aw.iy. The Beckwith family consisted of 
two daughters and six sons, two of the latter are 
deceased. Mrs. Hadden was but a child when her 
parents came West, and she grew up amid the 
scenes attending the early development of this State. 
She has borne her husband one daughter, Hattie 
May, who is still a member of the parental house- 
hold. 

Mr. Hadden is a believer in and a supporter of 
the principles of Democracy. He has been a school 
officer and Pathuiaster, and has been earnest aud 



conscientious in discharging the duties of the posi- 
tions. Mrs. Hadden and her daughter belong to 
the Methodist Church. On another page appears a 
view of the comfortable home wherein Mr. and 
Mrs. Hadden are pleasantly domiciled and to which 
their many friends are wont to come. 



JOSEPH ALLEN is a farmer of Bloorafield 
Township, who has attained to prosperity 
and the possession of a fine farm by his own 
((®Jj unaided possessions. He gives all his atten- 
tion to farming and stock-raising, and makes a spe- 
cialty of Durham cattle and thoroughbred sheeji. 
He was born in Lincolnshire, England, September 
7, 1833. and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Pat- 
rick) Allen, natives of England. They came to 
America in about the j-ear 1856, and lived on a 
farm in Bloom field Township, this county, with their 
son William, where they spent the remainder of 
their days. He was a farmer all his life, and a man 
of moderate means. He and his good wife were 
long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
They had ten children, namely: John, William, 
Eliza, Frank, Mark, Josei)li, Henry, Levi, Frede- 
rick and Charlotte. 

The subject of this sketch received a common- 
school education in England, and in 1851 he pre- 
ceded his parents to this country. He bought a 
farm in Bloomfield Township, and for the first five 
years worked in the foundry at Birmingham. Since 
then he has followed farming and has now one hun- 
dred and thirty .stresof good laud which he has im- 
proved, and upon which he has placed good build- 
ings. He and his worthy wife are active and effi- 
cient members of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Birmingham. He formerly voted the Republi- 
can ticket, and is now a Prohibitionist. 

Mr. Allen was married March 29, 1860, to Miss 
Sarah Patchett, who was born in this township, 
August 3, 1840. Her parents, David and Eliza- 
beth (Trollop) Patchett came to Birmingham from 
England in 1837, and in 1841 settled on the farm 
where they now live. Six children have been 
granted to Mr. aud Mrs. Allen, namely: Aithur, 



■'■:^0:^^^^^f^^'*- 



'■'^!?^w*=SiiS*?i->^i. 



-';^■^;r:?:■^'-^;"""■:■-;^e>r^^^^*.5.-i^^ 










RCSIDENCE OF JOSEPH ALLE N ,S EC. 16., BLOOM Fl ELD TP, OAK L AN D CO.^MICH. 



j,,,^ •^■t'*>*-^ 










RESIDENCE OF JAMES H ADD EN , SLC.25.,0 AKLAM D TP.,OAKLArJD CO., MICH 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



547 



who died at the age of tliree years; Mary, Martha, 
Luther, a farmer in this township (who married 
Miss Anna BulLoiph, of Pontiac), Albert and 
Emma. 

The attention of the n-ador is directed to a view 
of tlie [lieasant iiomeslead of Rlr. Allen, which is 
one of the Quest in the community. 




gf, IIAKLES E. DKWEY. Probably no resi- 
dent of the farming districts of Waterford 
Township possesses a more highly cultured 
mind, a more upright character or a more earnest 
interest in the welfare of humanity than the above- 
named gentleman, an old settler living on section 
31. His present farm, which he purchased in 1874, 
is one of the most comfortable and pleasant in the 
township, and has been greatly improved and beau- 
tified since it came into his possession. Tlie land 
is naturally good and is kept in a state of fertilitj' 
by the use of the best fertilizing agencies and a 
proper rotation of crops, while upon it the various 
improvements have been made that stamp it as the 
abode of an intelligent and thrifty family. 

Mr. Uewey is a native-born citizen of this county, 
his birth taking place in Waterford Township, July 
21, 1834. His father, John K. Dewey, was born in 
Vermont in 1795, and at theag-e oT seventeen years 
was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade with 
Mr. Bingham. .Subsequently to this, in 1813, he 
had emigrated to New York, and at the expiration 
of his term of apprenticeship he bought a small 
piece of land in Monroe County. There he built 
a house and shop, and followed his trade. In 1814 
a call was made for troops to go to Sackett's Har- 
bor, and the com|)any of militia to which Mr. 
Dewey belonged, marched to the Harbor, where 
they arrived the day after the battle and helped 
bury the dead. Two weeks later tbey were dis- 
charged and returned to their homes. 

In 1819 Mr. Dewey married Miss Harriet, the 
daughter of Stephen Hunt, who came to Michigan 
in 1831. In March of the same year the father of 
our subject started with a team for this State, and 
after a wear}' drive of fourteen days, arrived at De- 



troit. From there be came to Oakland County, 
where he worked at Lis trade. In June, 1831, his 
wife and two children in company with his father- 
in-law and family, arrived in the county, and all 
lived in a house which Mr. Dewey had just erected 
for Richard Close at Bloomfield Center. Soon af- 
terward Mr. Dewey bought one hundred and sixty 
acres on section 33, Waterford Township, and in 
Aiiril, 1832, raised the first frame house in the 
township. Gradually he evolved a finely-improved 
estate from his original purchase, and became very 
skillful in his calling. 

The family of which our subject is a member, 
included six children, four of whom are still living, 
all in Michigan. The father died in 1887, in his 
ninety-third year, after a long and honorable life; 
the mother passed from earth in 1863, many years 
prior to the decease of her husband. The subject 
of this sketch began life for himself at the .age of 
nineteen years, and for eleven }'ears followed teacli- 
ing winter seasons and worked at painting during 
the summer months. At the age of twenty-eight 
years, he was united in marriage on the 3rd of No- 
vember, 1862, with Sarah A. Culver, the daughter 
of MaixHis and Mary A. (Beardslee) Culver, na- 
tives respectively of New York and New Jersey. 
Mr. Culver came to this State in 1831, locating in 
Birmingham, where he was for a time engaged in 
the manufacture of fanning mills. Later he pur- 
chased a farm in Bloomfield Township, where he 
died in August, 1837, while still in the prinae of 
life. Mrs. Culver married again, and passed from 
earth in 1886. By her first marriage she had two 
children, Mrs. Dewey and a brother now deceased. 

The happy union of our subject and his amiatjle 
wife has been blest to them by the birth of one 
child, a son, Dick, now twenty-three years of age. 
He married Flora Fair, and the .young couple are 
living under the parental roof. Besides being the 
recipient of an excellent common-school education, 
he is a graduate of the Pontiac High School, and 
has proved himself to possess exceptional capacity 
for business undertakings, being far-seeing and sys- 
tematic in the conduct of his affairs. His friends 
anticipate much of the future of one whose present 
attainments are so promising. Our subject is a 
man of public si)irit, a stanch Democrat, and has 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



serred as Town Clerk, School Inspector, Justice of 
the Peace, and in other minor offices. He is Secre- 
tary of the Monitor Insurance Conopany of Oak- 
land County, Mich., and is now serving the eleventh 
term as such. Socially he is identified with the 
Masonic fraternity, and is regarded as one of the 
most worthy citizens of tlie community. 



1^,ECATUR GUILDS. Fortune has smiled 
upon the efforts of this gentleman and 
enabled Lim to accumulate a goodly amount 
of worldly blessings. He has a fine farm on section 
35, Milford Township, comprising one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, one hundred and twenty 
under the plow, and all well arranged and stocked. 
There arc two residenuos, three l)arns, and other 
buildings sufficient for tlie wants of the occupants 
of tlio farm, and all is under the supervision of 
tlie owner although he is not able to take part in 
the manual toil of farming, as he suffers from in- 
juries received in the army. 

The parents of our suljject were Samuel and 
Olive (Kodgers) Cliilds, natives of New York, 
and tlie latter now living in Erie County, aged 
seventy-six years. The father died in 1866. They 
had five cliildren but only our subject and Jeffer- 
son are living, the latter being a resident of the 
Empire State. The parents adhered to the tenets 
of the Christian Church and the father was a 
Democrat. A son Byron was a private in the 
Eighth Michigan Cavalry during the Civil AYar 
and was taken captive near Columbia, Tenn., and 
confined in a rebel prison from November, 1864, 
until the close of the war. He died in Jacksonville, 
Fla., soon after his release, from the effects of 
hardship and exposure, leaving a widow and two 
children. 

Our subject was born in Erie County, N. Y., 
December I, 1843, and received a district school 
education there. He lived on a farm and at the 
age of sixteen years started in life for himself as a 
farm iiand. In the fall of 1862 he came to this 
State and after spending a month in this county, 
went to Saginaw and worked in the lumber woods 



until the spring of 1863. He then returned to this 
county and hired out for the summer on the farm 
he now owns, and in the fall went into the woods 
again. In the spring of 1864 he came back and 
bought eighty acres in Milford Township on sec- 
tion 24, and soon selling off one-half, began to clear 
the remainder. Before fall he had cleared ten 
acres, and he then enlisted in Company K, Eighth 
Michigan Cavahy, and joined the regiment at 
Nicholasville, Ky. 

Mr. Childs went at once into active service and 
took part in the campaign about Nashville, against 
Gen. Hood, and his first experience was in a skir- 
mish line, where a large number of Hood's infantry 
and Forrest's Cavalry opposed them. When the 
regiment was ordered to Duck River, young Childs 
and eleven comrades were detailed to guard a ford 
and were cut off from the main body by the rebels 
crossing at a ford above. They tried to get to 
Murfreesboro and had to dismount, let their horses 
go and take to the shelter of a cedar swamp. They 
lay there until night, then traveled on and for two 
weeks spent the dajlight in woods and swamps and 
moved at night, subsisting on raw field corn. When 
within a day's travel of Murfreesboro they were 
separated and Mr. Childs and one comrade, James 
Vincent, went to a house for food. While waiting 
for it to be brought them several rebels rode up 
and the men took to the swamp again reacliing it 
through a cornfield where tlie stalks hid them from 
their foes. The second day after this tliey met a' 
colored man who told them where there was a 
Union picket line, but upon stepping into the road 
they found that the men dressed in blue were 
rebels who had driven in the Union outposts. 

Taken captive b}' these men our hero was kept 
with Hood's army until after the defeat of Nash- 
ville, when he was sent to Pulaski and placed in the 
courthouse with about forty others. The guard 
said that the "Yankees" wore after them and the 
sick would have to be left there, and so Mr. Childs 
managed to get a chew of tobacco — which he never 
used, and make himself sick at the proper time. 
The examining physician pronounced him uuable 
to go on but he was not paroled. When he learned 
that the Union army would be there the next day 
he managed to pass the guard, and meeting another 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



549 



man, they slipped into the attic and crawled along, 
tliroiigli nililjisb of various kinds, over a hundred 
feet. Tiiey were exposed to the fire of the Union 
men when they appe.ired, but the rebels retreated 
.Tnd tlicy were safe. Mr. Childs could not learn the 
whereabouts of his regiment so stayed with tliis 
force a week. He acted as guard over a citizen's 
house and stopped niarau<lers who attempted to 
raid it. He was destitute wiieu he went to the place 
and tlie owner gave him a pair of shoes, overcoat 
and hat. 

When Mr. Childs learned the whereabouts of his 
regiment lie rejoined it. A month later while on a 
foraging expedition he had his left leg crushed 
just above the ankle, by his horse falling while 
going down a hill. He was taken to the field hos- 
[)ilal wliere the wound ivas dressed and wiiile there 
he suffered from typhoid fever and nearly died. 
He was removed to Nashville and from the hospital 
there was discharged in M.ay, 1865. He then re- 
turned home to his little farm, but he was able to 
do no work for a year, and so sold out and went 
back East where he drove a stage a twelvemonth. 
Coming again to this State ho bought twelve acres 
on section 6, Milford Township, built a dwelling 
and lived there five years. He was couipelied to 
give up farming, so sold the property and turned 
his attention to contracting and building. For 
fifteen j-ears he was thus employed, hiring a force 
of men. and thus getting a real start in life. In 
187 1 he liought forty-five acres of his present estate, 
built a house and removed thereto. Early in the 
'80s his residence and furniture were deslroj'ed by 
fire but he soon rebuilt. He sold twenty-two acres 
but lias since added eighteen and one hundred and 
twenty. He is a constant suflferer from the injurj' 
to his limb and varicose veins. 

May 1, 18G4, Mr. Childs was married to Miss 
Gertrude Nicholson, daughter of Henry and Sa- 
mantha (Knapp) Nicholson, natives of New York 
who came to this State in an early day. Mr. Nichol- 
son was a Government surveyor. The daughter 
was born in tliis State forty-five years ago anil was 
educated in the district school. She is the mother 
of three living children — Fred, Samuel and Earl, 
and has lost one child. The boys have good dis- 
trict school educations. Mr. Childs belongs to 



Milford Post, No. 181, G. A. R. and to the Blue 
Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic Order. He is 
also a member of the Patrons of Industry and is 
now President in that order. He votes the Demo- 
cratic ticket. He is Treasurer of the School Board 
and has been for twelve years, and has also served 
as Constable. He wields a decided inlluence in the 
community and is one of the conspicuous figures in 
this vicinitv. 

- OOP 



V|/OHN AND JOSHUA AVOODARD. There 
is no more delightful home to visit in Novi 
Township, than that of the two gentlemen 
whose names head this sketcli. It is so rare 
a thing to see twin brotheis who have together 
walked through life for more than seventy years 
and it is so beautiful a thing to witness the har- 
mony which exists between these brothers, so 
closely resembling each other in form and feature, 
that all who visit the vicinity of Walled Lake will 
desire to make a call at their pleasant home. Their 
father, Joshua, and mother, Betsey (Tirnmerman) 
Woodard, were natives of Herkimer County, N. Y. 
They were married in Shelby Township, Orleans 
County, th.at State, and made their home on an un- 
broken tract of land on the Holland Purchase. 
After having quite thoroughly improved it, the 
father sold his farm and lived in different parts of 
the State, finally removing to Erie County. He 
there rented a farm but in 183!) he removed to 
Michigan, and rented a farm of \Yilliam II. Banks, 
situated north of Walled Lake. Here he remained 
for three years, and then took the farm where J. J. 
Moore now lives. Afterward he went to Kent 
County and settled on an unbroken farm, and 
building a log house began to clear off the heavy 
timber. His good wife died in 1 823, and after this 
he again married and had a family of eleven chil- 
dren. The father died in 1852. Three only of 
the five children of the first mother are still living. 
The father was a Democrat in his politics. 

These twin brothers, who look so exactly alike 
that it is with difBculty that they can be distin- 
guished, were born January 14. 1821. in Orleans 
County, N. Y. They had bul slender opportuui- 



5^0 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lies of education and ?fere young men when they 
came to Micliigan. They remained witli their 
parents until they were twenty-four years old. 
When the father went to Kent County the sons re- 
mained in Oakland County a year and then fol- 
lowed him. They learned the cooper trade 
together and worked at it at Walled Lake and later 
at Grand Rapids, which was then a small village. 
They spent one season at Battle Creek, and then 
came back to Walled Lake. 

These two young men returned to New York 
State for two years, and after their return worked 
at the cooper trade and then took a farm on shares 
for one season. They worked the farm for Elder 
Weaver for three years, after which they bought a 
lot at Walled Lake and built a cooper shop, which 
they finally sold, and forty acres of laud, whieh 
had been roughly improved, which lies north of 
the farm of William T'ay'or in Commerce Town- 
ship. There they made their home for thirteen 
years, and then sold that property and bought 
eighty acres where they now live. This they hare 
cleared and improved and now have sixty acres 
under cultivation. Three years ago they built the 
residence where they make their home, and for the 
past ten years they liave rented out their farm and 
lived a retired life. 

September, 1849, was the time of great interest 
in the life of these two brothers for at that time 
John took a step and the only important step in 
his life in which he was not accompanied by his 
brother. He was married to Matilda Brockett, a 
daughter of Abel and Rebecca (Ryder) Brockett. 
But this marriage did not separate these brothers 
who have been inseparable companions through 
life. The faithful wife of John has been no cause 
of dissension between these brothers but has united 
them more happily by making for both a liappy 
and comfortable home. Her parents were natives 
of Saratoga County, N. Y., who in tlieir later 
3'ear8 lived in Orleans County, that Slate. They 
were the parents of ten children, and the father 
died many years ago. His widow followed him to 
the other world iu 18S8. 

Mrs. Woodard was born January 4, 1818, in Sar- 
atoga, N. Y., and received the best district school 
education which her looality and time afforded. 



No children have been granted to this worthy 
couple. The brothers have been active in politics 
and vote the Democratic ticket. They have both 
served as Road Overseers and have been members 
of the School Board. They are and always have 
been strictly temperate in their habits and although 
they started out empty-handed they have made for 
themselves a place and a home of which they have 
reason to be proud. They have been hard workers 
and are men who are universally respected. 



.-^^.^m^^. 




.ILLIAM H. WILLIAMSON, a prosper- 
ous farmer of Bloomfield Township, was 
born upon the farm where ho now resides 
Jauuarj' 31, 18G3. He is a son of William and 
Grace. (German) Williamson, natives of England, 
who came to America in 1844 and settled in South- 
field Township, this county, and later removed on 
to the place where his sou now resides. The father 
is now livingin Pontiac. Our subject is one of five 
children. His brothers and sisters are: Elmer, 
Louisa, Laura and Frank. After taking what edu- 
cation could be derived from the public schools, 
William attended Mayhues Business College at De- 
troit. He bought the old homestead of his father 
in 1888 and has followed farming all his life. He 
has one of the finest farms in the county. It con- 
sists of two hundred and twenty acres and has upon 
it good improvements, a fine two-story brick 
residence, large barns and excellent outbuildings. 
He is devoting considerable attention to the rais- 
ing of stock and makes a specialty of Shropshire 
sheep of which he has a Qock of one hundred thor- 
ough-breds. He is a Republican in his political 
views and conscientious in his voting, studying 
carefully both the man and the principles for 
which he casts his ballot. 

November 28, 1888, Mr. Williamson united his 
fortunes in life with Miss Nettie Heath of Wixom, 
who was born in Milford, this county. She is a 
daughter of Frank and Louisa (Speller) Heath. 
Mr. Williamson has held some minor town and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



563 



school offices and has served his constituents faith- 
fully and to their satisfaction and profit. He i s a 
member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and also 
of the Roj'al Arch Masons. 



^{ ARON B. AVERY, M. D., whose beauti- 
(@y/J I ful residence on Lawrence Street attracts 

///"lii the attention of all visitors to Pontiac, 
<^l has a large and successful practice in both 

city and country. He was born in Washtenaw 
County, Mich., August 26, 1853, the son of Nathan 
Avery, a New York farmer, who came to Michigan 
in 1838, and located at Dansville, Ingham County. 
His father, Benjamin Avery, ro moved from El- 
mira, N. Y., to Dansville with his family'. Here 
he continued to reside during his lifetime with the 
exception of three j'ears. The mother of Dr. Avery 
was Matilda Rockwell, daughter of Eli Rockwell, 
who was one of the first settlers of Jackson 
County. She was born in that county and now re- 
sides on the old homestead in Washtenaw Count}', 
to which she went immediately after her marriage. 
Her husband, Nathan Avery, died August 10, 
1890, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. 

Of the six children of this worthy couple Dr. 
Avery is the eldest son, and all but one of them 
are still living. Dr. Avery, whose portrait appears 
on the opposite page, spent his boyhood on the 
farm and attended tl-e district school until sixteen 
years of age. He then entered the Normal School 
at Ypsilanti, where he continued from 1871 until 
1873, and was graduated from the Chelsea High 
School in 1875. He taught school some five years 
in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties, and met 
with flattering success in that profession. 

The young student began the study of medicine 
with Dr. G. A. Robertson, of Chelsea, after which 
he entered the Homeopathic Medical Department 
of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 
being graduated from there in 1878. Going to 
Farmlngton, this county, he began practice there, 
in which he continued for eight years. He then 
removed to Pontiac, where he has built up an ex- 



tensive practice and become widely known. He 
is also Surgeon of the P. O. k N. Railroad. 

In 1879 Dr. Avery was married, October 22, to 
Miss Lillian Drake at Farmlngton, at the home of 
her parents, Frank M. and Elizabeth (Chadwick) 
Drake, who were citizens of that place and had 
come there from New York State in 1840. Two 
daughters have blessed the home of the Doctor- 
Blanche and Lucile. The subject of this sketch 
was Chairman of the bureau of the Materia Medica 
and was the first Vice President of the State 
Homeopathic Medical Society at the time he re- 
signed from that organization. He was also Presi- 
dent of his graduating class at Ann Arbor. He 
is a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & 
A. M., is also Past Master, King of Pontiac Chap- 
ter, R. A. M., and Captain General of the Pontiac 
Conimandery, No. 2, K. T. and Council. In pol- 
itics he is rather independent in local matters, but 
in State and National matters is a Republican. 



^RED B. CASAMER of Orion Township was 
born in this township June 11, 1839. His 
jll, father, Isaac, was a native of Sussex County, 

N. J., where he first saw the light June 30, 1807. 
The family is of Dutch stock. Isaac learned the 
trade of a stonemason in earl}' life and followed It 
until he came to Michigan. In the spring of 183() 
he visited Oakland County, located some Govern- 
ment land in Orion Townihip. and worked at his 
trade until fall when he returned East for his fam- 
ily. He brought them on in the spring of 1837. 
He was quite fond of hunting and found abundant 
game. Indi.ans also encamped near him but soon 
after his location in this township there was an 
epidemic of smallpox among the red men and 
many of them died. His work as a stone mason 
was greatly in demand in those ilays. In 1840 he 
exchanged his land for another farm in the same 
township, and there ended his days in 1867. 

The marriage of Isaac Casamer, in 1830, united 
him with Prudence Buckner, daughter of Freder- 
ick a.ul Mercy (Doty) Buckner, both of New Jer- 
sey. The Buckner family is of German descent. 



55'1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The father of Mrs. Casamei: ended his days in 
Orion, dying at the age of eighty-four years. She 
was boni November 6, 1809. Mr. and Mrs. C'asa- 
mer iiad nine children, six sonsand three daughters 
namely: Samuel, Mark (deceased), Frederick, Silas, 
Theodore, George (deceased), Catiierine, Emily 
and Elizabeth. Five of the six sons bore arms in 
the Civil War and all of these brave boys lived to 
return home. 

The son of whom wc write remained at home and 
aided in clearing up the farm until he reached the 
age of twenty-one. He was one of the five sons 
whose brilliant war record is the justifiable pride 
of tlie family. He enlisted in 1861 in Company C, 
Tenth Michigan Infantry, Col. Charles M. Lumm.of 
Detroit, commanding. The regiment took part 
in the following engagements: Lookout Mountain, 
Mission Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, the 
Atlanta campaign, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach 
Tree Creek, Cbattahoochee River and Jonesboro. 
He was wouudeil in the right arm by a minie ball 
at Atlanta. Gangrene set in and he came near los- 
ing liis arm. He was in various hospitals and was 
finally transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. 
He was finally honorably discharged June 9, 1865, 
having gained the rank of Corporal. His bravery 
and efficiency in service won him the admiration 
of his comrades and the respect of his superior 
officers. 

The marriage of Mr. Casamer October 30, 1867, 
was an event which led to a domestic life of unusual 
happiness and congeniality. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Cynthia Cook, was born in Oak- 
land Township in June, 1844. Her parents, Aaron 
and Nancy (Coon) Cook, came to Michigan from 
the East at an early day, and took up Government 
land which they cleared and improved. Mr. Cook 
died in 1870 at the age of sixty-five and his 
widow survived him until 1880. 

After the war our subject bought a farm in Ox- 
ford Township, but sold it and rented land for a 
few years. His present place was purchased in 
1873. One child only has been granted to our 
subject and his wife — a daughter, Minnie, a bright 
and attractive young lady who is the delight of her 
parents and much beloved by her associates. Mr. 
Casamer is a Republican in his politics and has 



taken an active part in local affairs. He is a mem- 
ber of the Grand Army Post No. 187, of the 
Knights of the Maccabees and of the Grange. Both 
he and his amiable and accomplished wife are val- 
ued members of the Congregational Church. He 
has one hundred and twenty acres of floe land 
which have been obtained through industry, energy 
and enterprise, as he began life for himself empty 
handed. 



LIVER EVANS, known familiarly as Esquire 
Evans, is a man who stands foremost among 
the citizens of the village of Walled Lake. He 
is quiet and reserved in his manner, but is a suc- 
cessful min and has hosts of friends, llis father, 
who has recently died, was a native of Lima, N. Y., 
and was born March 19, 1811. He was a hatter 
and a farmer by vocation. His mother, Lucina 
Erans, a native of Erie County, N. Y., was born 
November 23, 1810. She was a daughter of David 
Parsons, a native of Massachusetts, who was born 
there February 16, 1776. He was a carpenter by 
trade and came to Michigan in 1844, where he set- 
tled in Commerce Township and died there Febru- 
ary 4, 1863. 

The parents of our subject were married in New 
York, January 14, 1835. Tbey resided there until 
they came to Micliigau in the fall of 1844, when 
they purchased an improved farm in Commerce 
'i'ownshr[). and erected buildings upon it. Here they 
lived for about twenty-five years. Mr. Evans then 
sold his one hundred and twenty acres and retiring 
from active business moved into Walled Lake. He 
bought the farm adjoining the village on section 
34, and resided there till his death, April 26, 1891. 
His widow still survives. Our subject has one sis- 
ter, Minerva E., born December 1, 1846; she is the 
wife of Jerome Tompkins, of Commerce Township, 
and is the mother of four children. 'J'he parents 
of our subject were both earnest atici eflicient mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. The father was 
a Whig and later a Republican anil was invariably 
temperate in his habits. 

Oliver Evans was born December 19, 1835, in 



PORTRAIT AND BrOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



555 



Ontario County, N. Y. He was about nine years 
old when he came to Michigan. He received a 
common-school education and upon reaching his 
majority began life for himself as a farmer. He 
has always lived at home with his parents and has 
worked a farm under the supervision of his father. 
He had a. grocery and commission business in De- 
troit for five years. His marriage was celebrated 
December 27, 18G0, his bride being Sarah F., a 
daugliter of Andrew and Sarah (Townsend) Stitt, 
natives of Massachusetts, who came to Michigan 
and settled near Romeo as earlj' as the '40s. Mr. 
Still is deceased. He was a soldier in the War of 
1812. 

Mr. Evans is a member of the Masonic order in 
which he is now Senior Deacon of liis lodge. He 
has been Master for eight years. He is also a mem- 
ber of Union Cliapter. No. 55, A. F. <fe A. M., 
and of the Northville Commandery. No. 39, K. T. 
He has taken an interest in schools and is always 
wide-awake in regard to politics, voting the Repub- 
lican ticket. He was Clerk of the township for 
four or five years and has filled the office of Just- 
ice of the Peace. 



EORGE BLAKESLEE is one of tiie nourish- 
ing dealers of Birmingham and has been 
_ engaged in the mercantile business there 
for lw*ty years. He began life witii no means 
and has made money by the exercise of prudence, 
careful oversight of his affairs, and judicious econ- 
omy, combined with wise expenditure. He was 
born in the town he still makes las home, Decem- 
ber 26, 1828, being a son of Scriva and Thankful 
(Caswell) Biakesles, natives of New P'ngland who 
came from New York to Michigan about 1826. 
They took up a tract of Government land iu wliat 
is now Bloomfield Township and here they spent 
the remainder of tiieir lives. The father owned 
two hundred acres of land and was in good circum- 
stances before his death. He was a Democrat and 
held some minor otlices. The family comprised 
seven children, three of whom lived to maturity, 



namely: George, Eli and Emily. The last named 
is now deceased: Eli is a farmer in Commerce 
Township. 

The subject of this notice was deprived of l)is 
mother's love and care when he was but a child. 
He remained with his father on the farm until he 
was fourteen years old and then went to Detroit 
and spent a summer as cabin-boy on the steamer 
"Illinois." When tiie season was over he entered 
upou an apprenticeship as carpenter and joiner at 
Detroit, and served four 3fears. He then began 
working at his trade and taking contracts in De- 
troit and Birmingham, and after a time embarked 
in merchandising also. In 1890 he was Superinten- 
dent of the construction of the Water Works in 
Birmingham. He has owned a sawmill and has 
farmed some and dealt in real estate. At one time 
he visited the Pennsylvania oil country and made 
some little investment there. He owns thirty acres 
of land inside the corporation, and has a ]ileasant 
dwelling wherein creature comforts abound. 

January, 1848, was the date of the marriage of 
Mr. Blakeslee and Miss Ann W. Benedict, at that 
time a resident of Detroit. The bride was born in 
Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and was a daughter of 
Eri and Delia Benedict, who were likewise natives 
of the Empire State. She died February 2, 1889, 
at the age of sixty-two years. Tlie cliildren born 
to her were seven in number and their respective 
names were Frank, Arthur, Arthur 2d, Lena, 
Georgie, Carrie and Eva. Mr. Blakeslee was mar- 
ried a second time January 17, 1891. His bride on 
this occasion was Mrs. Elizabeth M. Payne, of 
Washington, D. C, iu which place she was born 
and has spent her life. 

Various offices of more or less importance have 
been held by Mr. Blakeslee and the fact that he 
has so often been chosen to serve his fellow citi- 
zens, gives conclusive evidence of his having many 
friends and admirers. While living in Detroit lie 
was City Assessor of the First, Second and Eighth 
Wards and for two or three years was Fire Warden. 
In Bloomfield Township he has served as Super- 
visor two terms and he has acted in several official 
capacities in the village and township. lul8Gl- 
fj2 he was a member of the legislature, representing 
Oakland County. The work he did for his con- 



556 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



stituency is inscribed on the records of tbe legisla- 
tive body and the memories of those whom he 
serveil. He was elected to the position by the Re- 
publican party wliich he has supported since its 
organization; prior to that time he was a Demo- 
crat. He is a man of undoubted public spirit and 
is held in respect for the good qualities he posses- 
ses. Socially, he is a Master Mason. 



D 



\J^^ALMER SHERMAN, a retired farmer of 
Farniinglon Township, malces his home on 
section 21. He was born in Lyons Town- 
ship, AVayne County, N. Y., April 7, 1827. 
His father, Abram, a uatiye of Massachusetts was 
a farmer and a private soldier of the War of 1812. 
He married in Massachusetts and resided there for 
a number of years before removing to Wayne 
County, N. Y. The name of his wife before mar- 
riage was Nancy Paul. She came to Michigan 
after the death of her husband and settled in South- 
field Township. Oakland County, in 1832. Here 
she spent the remainder of her da^'s. 

William B. Sherman, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born in England and came to Massachu- 
setts when only a young man. He was a great 
business man and owned mills, stores and farms all 
over the country in which he lived. He was a man 
of great wealth and gave to one of his sons, :3s 100, 
000, and at his death willed him another §100,000. 
IJe was a Whig and was greatly interested in the 
w,elfare of the country. Mr. Sherman's father and 
mother were the parents of seven children, six sons 
and one daughter. He is the youngest child and 
the only one now living. Three of his brothers 
were subjects of sudden death and none of them 
had more than six days illness before death. 

As Palmer Sherman was but five years old when 
he emigrated to Michigan he found his first school- 
ing in Southfield Township. He completed his 
school days in Norlhville, attending school in 
the winter, and working by the month in the sum- 
mer. He began working for himself at the age of 
fourteen at ¥5 per month. His first -i<10() was earned 
by working for James Sauford, of Novi Township. 



He put this money out at interest and continued 
working by the month until he was twenty j'ears 
old. 

Mr. Sherman married in 1850 Lorctta Ward, who 
was born in Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., in 
1831. Her parents, Isaiah B. and Josephine (Case) 
Ward, were natives of Vermont, and York Stale 
respectively. The young couple located on a farm 
in Southfield Township. After two years they 
went to Lansing and bought one hundred and sixty 
acres of wild land. Here they remained for three 
years when they sold out and came back to Farm- 
ington Township, and bought the place where tliev 
now reside. Onlv a few acres of it were cleared 
and there were no buildings upon the land. He 
has one of tlio finest farms in the county. It com- 
prises one hundred and one acres well improved 
and has on it a brick house and good barns. His 
fruit is a source of justifiable pride, and he has him- 
self set out all the trees in his three orchards. 

Nino children have come to this happy home. 
They are named: Ward, Hudson, Bion, Abram, 
Phoebe (Mrs. David Ross.) Josephine (Mrs. John 
Taylor,) Lora (Mrs. J. C. Blindbury.) and Rlioda 
and Grace who make their home with their parents. 
Mr. Sherman's first Presidential ballot was cast for 
Franklin Pierce. He is a Republican in [)rinciple 
and has always been. He is a well-read man and 
excellently well informed on political questions. 
He never has been willing to accept any i)tfice. For 
the past twelve years he has rented out his farm 
and having retired from active work is enjoj'ing a 
well-earned rest. 



^ t 'i;. ; . e^»=^ ..->s^ 



ylLLIAM E. GARRISON. Among the 
well-to-do farmers in Pontiac Township 
,^ ^ mention should he made of Mr. Garrison 
as one of those who have attained to good circum- 
stances by their own efforts. When he came to 
IhisState in 1841), his cash capital consisted of §5 
but he had an abundant supply of energy, determi- 
nation and shrewd common sense He has met 
with some misfortunes in the shape of losses by 
fire, etc., but has recovered from them. His 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



559 



landed estate row consists of tliioc hundred acres of 
clioicc land, on whicli are two fine dwellings and 
all other needful and convenient buildings. For 
the past ten years he has raised standard-bred 
horses and he has several fine specimens in which 
he takes great and justifiable pride. A lover of 
horses would find especial enjoyment in conversa- 
tion with him and in a visit to his beautiful home. 

The grandfather of oui subject was James Gar- 
rison, and the father was John, who was born in 
New Jersey in 178G and who died in 1851. The 
mother was Martha (Everett) Garrison, a native of 
New Jersey who died in 1867. The parental fam- 
ily consisted of six sons and daughters, and five are 
now living. AVilliara was born in Hunterdon 
County, X. J., December 12, 1827, and reared on 
a farm. He received a fair practical education in 
the district schools and when he became of age 
learned the trade of a carpenter. He came to this 
State in the spring of 1849, worked in Rochester 
for a short time, and then spent two years in car- 
penter's work at Oxford. He next bought a lot 
in Ponliac, built a bouse upon it and soon traded 
it for a piece of ground in the township. His first 
farm land was a tract of eighty acres, on which he 
began his agricultural work, although he did not 
entirely abandon his trade. In 1875 he built a 
very nice frame house, which was destroyed by 
fire four years later. He rebuilt, and added another 
residence to the buildings that already adorned 
the estate. 

Mr. Garrison and Miss Sarah Stanley were 
united in marriage in 1853. The bride was born 
in Pontiac Township October 28, 1834, ,indjs one 
of the six children making up the family of Mat- 
thew and Ellen (Terry) Stanley. Her parents 
were natives of Vermont and New York respec- 
tively and each came hither in an e arly day with 
their respective parents. Mr. Stanley died in 185C 
Rud Mrs. Stanley in 1887. Both belonged to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Their daughter 
Sarah was carefully reared and was well qualified 
to discharge the duties that fell to her lot after she 
grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Garrison have 
three children — Charles. Mattie and James, all are 
single and at home. Tliev have been well educated 
and given a good equipment for the battle of life. 



Mr. Garrison votes the Democratic ticket. He and 
his wife move in good society and enjoy the respect 
of their associates. 



BKDIAH KEMP. The career of this re- 
ll spected resident of Pontiac Township is one 
''^Jf- that furnishes a worthy example of those 
who begin the battle of life without means. Such 
was his condition, and when he bargained for his 
first real estate he was obliged to borrow money to 
make the initial payment. He worked hard and 
managed well and was aided in his efforts by a 
careful and capable wife, to whom much of the 
credit of their good fortune belongs. Mr. Kemj) 
freed himself from debt and became the owner of 
about two hundred acres of good farm land, which 
he has reduced by giving to his son a goodly tract. 
The home farm now consists of eighty acres, on 
which modern and substantial improvements have 
been made, including an attractive frame house 
built in 1879. 

Mr. Kemp is an Englishman and traces his an- 
cestr}' back through long lines in the mother coun- 
try. His father, John Kemp, was born in 1784, 
and was engaged in farming during his active life. 
He came to America in. 1850 and made his home 
with his children. He died twenty years later iu 
the eighty-sixth year of his age. He had been a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church more 
than half a century. The mother of our subject 
was born in England in 1784 and bore the maiden 
name of Dorothj- Milliom. She was a zealous 
Jlethodist and an active and intelligent woman 
who retained her faculties to an extraordinary de- 
cree and lived to the age of almost one hundred 
vears, dying in 1884. .She was the mother of twelve 
cluldren, nine of whom are now living. 

The subject of this notice was born in County- 
Sussex, England, July 22, 1821, and reared on the 
f.irm with but limited school privileges. As soon 
as lie was old enough to do so he began to work 
with his father and when but a boy he worked out 
considerably, his wages being from sixpence to two 
shillings a day and the latter only reached when he 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was able to do a man's work. On attaining to his 
majority lie (ietermined to seek a home in America 
and he reached its shores after a rough voyage of 
eight weeks in the year 1849. He landed at Que- 
bec and made his way to this county, where for 
two or three years he worked by the day or month. 
He then made a bargain for forty acres of land 
where he is now living, -^'hich was then but partially 
improved, and his first building there was a small 
frame house. 

In 1850 Mr. Kemp was married to Jliss Sabina 
Sclms, whowas born in Sussexshire, England, in 
1824, and who was one of his youthful companions. 
She bade her people good-byand crossed the ocean 
to fulfill her engagement, and nobly has she borne 
herself as a wife. Mr. and Mrs. Kemp have two 
children — William H., a prosperous farmer on land 
adjoining his father's and Fanny B. who married 
Frederick Danderson and they own a farm in I'on- 
tiac Township. If industry, integrity and kindly 
feeling toward others entitle men and women to 
respect and consideration, then are Mr. and Mrs. 
Kemp well worthy of esteem and representation in 
this Biographical Album. 

The many friends of this honored pioneer will 
he pleased to notice his portrait in connection with 
his biographical notice. 



-^ 



-h 



eHARLES W. SOULBY. Among the resi- 
dents in the town of Milford none are bet- 
ter deserving of representation in this vol- 
ume than the one above named, who was born here 
October 31, 1845. His grandfather and father bore 
the same given name, Charles B., and were natives 
of Lincolnshire, England. The latter was born in 
August, 1815, and when old enough to learn the 
trade became a blacksmith. Some time after his 
marriage he emigrated to America and established 
his home in Milford, where he first carried on black- 
smithing, and later became a farmer in the vicin- 
ity. He owned one hundred and twenty acres 
which he operated successfully until 1874, when he 
returned to town and gave up active life. He is a 
IJepuhlican, and an earnest, devoted member of the 



Methodist Episcopal Church. The faithful wife 
was removed from him by death in 1853, and bore 
the maiden name of Eleanor Burrell, and their chil- 
dren are Alfred, Charles W., Mar^- A., Harriet and 
Ann. The eldest son served three years during 
the Civil War as a member of the Twentj'-second 
Michigan Infantry. Mary is now Mrs. Bridge- 
man, Ann is Mrs. Allen, of Milford, and Harriet 
is Mrs. Fisher, of Flint. 

The first four years of the life of Mr. Soulby 
were spent in Milford, and he then lived on the 
farm until he had become a youth of nineteen or 
twent}' years. He studied in the district school 
until just before he completed his teens, then at- 
tended the New Hudson High School a year, and 
the Jlilford Hill School about the same length of 
time. He next engaged in teaching in the Milford 
school, thus paying his own way and making a 
slight provision for future expenses. In 1870 he 
entered the Cornell University at Ithaca, N. Y., 
where he studied industriously four years, work- 
ing his way through the institution by his own 
eflforts. He was graduated in 1874 with the degree 
of Bachelor of Science, and again took up pedagog- 
ical work. He was Principal of the graded schools 
in Grand Blanc, Genesee County, this State, one 
year, Goodrich one year, and Vernon, Shiawassee 
County, one year. 

On July 29, 1877, at the bride's home in Mil- 
ford, Mr. Soulby was married to Miss Emma Steph- 
ens, daughter of AVillis and Fanny M. (T.i^'lor) 
Stephens. The bride was born in Milford, Feb- 
ruary 3, 1853, educated in its schools, and at the 
early age of sixteen years became a teacher. She 
taught fifteen terms in this county, and for three 
years was one of the corps in the Milford Union 
school. She is a lady of unusual intelligence, and 
has fully retained her interest in mental culture 
and the higher pleasures of life. She belongs to 
the Presbyterian Church, and whenever she can do 
so without neglecting her home, is found ready to 
aid in neighborly projects, particularly in caring 
for the sick, and other deeds that promise to result 
in good. 

The father of Mrs. Soulby was born in Ireland, 
and !ier grandfather, Michael Stephens, spent his 
entire life there. Her father was fifteen years old 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



561 



when he came to America, and lie soon established 
liimself in this county. He was one of those ener- 
getic, persevering and honest men who are likel}' 
to make their way in the world, and he proved suc- 
cessful in worldl}' affairs. He improved a farm of 
one hundred and twenty-two acres in Milford Town- 
ship, and became the owner of three tracts. He re- 
tired from farm life in 1870, and made his home in 
Milford until his death in June, 1887, when sev- 
enty-four years of ago. He voted the Democratic 
ticket, and took quite an interest in politics. His 
widow, who was one of the first and is still one of 
the most faithful members of the Presbyterian 
Church, is still living in Milford. She too was 
born in Ireland where her father, John Taylor, 
lived and died. 

After his marriage Mr. Soulby located in Milford 
Township on a farm, feeling that his health would 
be benefited by outdoor work. He bought one hun- 
dred and twenty acres on section 27, which be man- 
aged and worked, teaching during the winter months 
and in the summer laboring on the farm. For eight 
winters he was in charge of the school in the home 
district, and never had to apply for it, and three 
winters he taught in an adjoining district. As an 
agriculturist he has been successful, harvesting 
wheat and other crops of good quality and raising 
stack of good grades. Since 1889 he has been liv- 
ing in Milford, tiaving rented iiis farm and bought 
a home in the village. In 1879 i\Ir. Soulby was 
elected Township Superintendent of Schools, which 
office he filled until 1881, when he was elected 
School Inspector for four years. 

In 1885 Mr. Soulbj' became a member of the 
County Board of School Examiners, and in 1887 a 
change in the plan of work and the duties and 
trusts reposed in him, obliged him to give up teach- 
ing. That year he began visiting schools, and in 
1888 he was elected County Secretary of the Ex- 
amining Board for two years. In 1890 he was 
elected County School Examiner for two years. 
He now devotes his entire attention, as a matter of 
business in the supervision of schools, attending 
county institutions as an instructor, and otherwise 
working in the educational field. He makes a spec- 
ialty in his institute work of civil government, 
orthography and school management. He has a 



great love for the natural sciences, observes closely, 
reads carefully and thinks deeply, and is constantly 
adding to his own store of knowledge. 

In politics Mr. Soulby is a stanch Republican, 
and he has served on the Township Central Com- 
mittee, and is a delegate to county conventions. 
He is very active in religious work, particularly in 
matters connected with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to which he belongs. He has been Super- 
intendent and Assistant Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school, and has led tlie choir for fifteen years. 
His liberal education, his courteous and manly 
spirit, and his fine character, alike entitle him to 
respect, and he has such a social and kindly nature 
that esteem is touched with a much warmer feeling. 



♦^^^^^ 



^^' 



OSCAR J. SNYDER, one of the enterprising 
young farmers of Addison Township, Oak- 
land County, was born in the township 
where he now resides, Februarj- 10, 1855. He is 
a son of Jacob Snyder, of whom a sketch appears 
in this Albua'. After attending the district school 
this son remained at home auiT assisted on the farm 
until he reached the age of twenty-five j'ears. In 
1880 he began working the farm on which he now 
lives. He has since replaced the old log house in 
which he once lived with a large and handsome 
frame building and li.as erected a fine barn and 
other farm buildings. 

Our subject was married in 1879 to Frances 
Braid, who was born in Canada in 1858. She is a 
daughter of John Braid who was born on the Isle- 
of-Man, and whose bi(jgraphieal sketch appears 
elsewhere in this work. One child, Mabel, has 
crowned this union. The political views of Mr. 
Snyder are embodied in the platform of the Re- 
publican party. He is interested in local politics 
and has often been sent by his fellow-citizens of 
this party to represent them in count3- conventions. 
He has also been Highway Commissioner. Both 
he and his good wife are earnest and conscientious 
members of the Protestant Methodist Church. 

When Mr. Snyder took the one hundred and 
sixty acres of land which forms his farm, he found 



562 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



it mostly iu an improved condition. He has made 
a specialty of rftising Shorthorn cattle. For 
several years he has dealt iu wheat, buying large 
quantities at Slioup Station near his home. For 
about two years he served as Postmaster of Shoup. 
He raises and feeds large numbers of stock, and is 
considered quite successful in that line. 

Mr. Sn3-der is not content to go on in old fash- 
ioned waj's simply because such were the manners 
of his forefathers, but is wide-awake to the neces- 
sity of and call for improvements in modern 
methods and has himself invented and patented a 
tongue attachment to sulky plows. It is a verj- 
advantageous arrangement and is pronounced by 
experts to promise great usefulness. The fine 
farm and handsome buildings of this gentleman 
are an ornament to the township. 

SjOBERT CALLOW, a popular salesman of 
^/ Pontiac, was born in the city of Pontiac, 
April 30, 1848. His parents were Charles 
and Elizabeth (Moth) Callow, the father 
being a retired black'smilh and farmer. He was 
born in the parish of Cape Pine, Isle of JIan, June 
4, 1808, aud is the seventh of ten children of John 
and Catherine (Cormode) Callow. The grand- 
father of our subject w.ss a merchant. 

Cliarles Callow received a limited education and 
learned the blacksmith's trade in his native place. 
He removed to Newburg, N. Y., and then to Buf- 
falo, where he worked at his trade. From the latter 
place he went to Elyria, Ohio, where he carried on 
blacksmilhiug on his .own account for four years. 
In the spring of 1830, he came to Pontiac, Mich., 
and after awhile started a blacksmith shop which 
he carried on a term of years. He bought eighty 
acres of land, from which he chopped oflf the timber 
at the same time that he carried on his blacksmith- 
ing and farming. He erected a good house and 
barn and furnished his farm abundantly with out- 
buildings. He resides just within the east limit of 
the citj-. 

The parents of our subject were united in mar- 
riage April 27, 1838. The mother was a native of 



England where she was born August 6, 1813, her 
death occurring April 3, 1801. Eight children 
blessed their union : Catherine, who died in Pontiac; 
Charles M., died in 1876; Walter T., who died in 
infancy; A\'illiam, deceased; Eliza J., who died at 
the age of seventeen years; Robert K.; Annie, de- 
ceased; and James, who married Nellie Adams of 
Pontiac. Charles Callow served one term as Al- 
derman of the third ward. He is a stanch Demo- 
crat in his political views and he cast his first Pres- 
idential vote for Gen. Jackson, and his last for 
G rover Cleveland. 

The subject of this sketch was reared and edu- 
cated iu Pontiac, receiving his education in the 
city schools. At the age of sixteen he entered the 
store of John Pound and Alexander Collins. He 
remained with them as clerk for one .year and then 
clerked in the grocerj' store of Thomas Turk. 
After several years in this store he went to Grand 
Rapids for a portion of a j'ear, being in the employ 
there of J. E. Maronej'. Returning to Pontiac he 
clerked for M. Moutier for a year. In September, 
1883, he entered the employ of Bird & Hamlin, 
dealers in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, 
with whom he still continues. His marriage took 
place in March, 1872. He was then united with 
Libby M., daughter of Francis and Margaret 
(Usher) Locklin, of Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Cal- 
low have six children — Annie, Guy, Irene, Robert, 
Daisy and Lela. Mr. Callow is rather conservative 
in politics but generally votes the Democratic ticket. 
He is a member of Oakland Count}' Lodge No. 183, 
I. O. O. F. and the National Union. He has also 
served two terms as Alderman from the Fourth 
ward. 



?>RUMAN B. FOX, the senior editor of the 
Rochester Era, was born in Manchester, 
Dearborn County, Ind.. July 2, 1828. He 
is the son of Dr. D. A. B. C. Fox, (known in an 
early day as Alphabet Fox) and Wealthy ( Willey) 
Fox, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, re- 
spectively. The Fox family came originally from 
Wales. Abram, the grandfather of our subject 
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and the 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



563 



father of Mrs. Fox, FAy Willey, was a soldier in 
the War of 1812. 

Jlrs. Wealthy Fox, the mother of our subject, 
was a teacher in the South, as early as 1818. She 
was mnrrieil to Dr. Fox in 1822, and died at Holly, 
Kovembcr 10, 188G. Our subject was married No- 
vember 10, 1858, to Sarah M. Beeman, at Mason, 
Mich. Four children have been born to tiiem, 
namely: Willoughby A., born October 21, 1859, at 
East Saijinaw ; Blanche Rita, born June 2, 1861, 
at Midland City, died SeiHember 19, 1862; Ethel 
Bertha, born December 15, 1863, at East Saginaw, 
died April 17, 1875; Pearl, born November 30, 
1877, at Rochester, Mich., died January 25, 1878. 

Mr. Fox was admitted to tlic bar in 1860, at 
Midland. He is now actively engaged in the news- 
pa|)er business. He is a member of the Order of 
the Chosen Friends, and his political affiliations are 
with the Republican party. Both he and his wife 
are iiighly intelligent and cultivated, and both were 
teachers in early life. 



lEORGE W. FAST has been a citizen of 
Oakland County since 1885 and is engaged 
in managing a business in Holly for the sale 
of ))umps of all kinds and windmills. Although he 
is on the road the most of the time lie is well- 
known in the village and commands the esteem of 
his neighbors. His place of business is situated on 
Broad Street, south of the Holly tlouring mills. 
lie is a native of Ashland Count)", Ohio, and was 
born in Ruggles Township, of that countj-, April 
2,1846. He is the son of Martin M. and Harriet 
(llartman) F.ist, natives of Pennsylvania. His 
father came to Ohio when a boy and became one 
of the most progressive farmers and one of the 
wealthy men of his section. He was the son of 
Jacob, the son of Christian, who came wheu a. boy 
to the Western Reserve in Ohio, at a time when 
the country was greatly troubled with Indians. 

Young Christian Fast was out one day with 
other boys hunting, when the Indians came up and 
were about to take them prisoners. Christian ran 
and threw himself into the Vermillion River and 




swam more than half way across, when tiie Indians 
fired on and wounded him. They then ordereol 
him to return, which he did. They were about to 
scalp him, but after a little parley they took him 
to camp and asked him to dance. He thought this 
an impossibility at first, as he was wounded in the 
leg, but with true Yankee grit he decided to dance 
on his hands which ple.ased the Indians greatly; 
so they kept him as a sort of a pet and he lived 
with them for two j'cars. At last he determined 
to escape and one night he asked the comrade who 
was sleeping by him, to go down to the creek and 
get him a drink of water. The Indian said "No, 
go yourself if you want water." The boy took a 
brass kettle and started for the creek. On arriving 
there he hung the kettle on a limb and crossed the 
stream by hanging to the limbs of a tree. He now 
started for home, running all night and the next 
two days. More than once the Indians were in 
sight but he kept hid behind the trees. He at last 
reached home and told his mother who he was. He 
was dressed and painted as an Indian and she 
could not recognize him, but upon examination 
found marks by which she identifled him. She 
eagerlj" embraced him, and then fearing the Indians 
who were in hot pursuit would claim him secreted 
him in a dug-out. She had him only a few min- 
utes when the Indians came, and as they found no 
one went away, but came again and again for sev- 
eral days and finally gave up the hunt. He spent 
his life in farming ami died in Ashland County on 
the farm adjoining the Savannah Lake, where his 
descendants gather each j'ear to the number of 
some seven to eight hundred for a familj' reunion. 
Of the children of Martin M. Fast the following 
are living: Maliuda, David, Jacob, Melissa, George 
W. and Andrew J. (twins.) One girl, Jennie, died 
in early childhood. One son lives in Eaton Count)-, 
this State, and two in Ohio. The maternal grand- 
parents of our subject were David and Mary Hart- 
man, natives of Pennsylvania. He was a boot and 
shoe maker and after his removal to Ashland 
County, Ohio, remained there until his death. 
On both sides of the family the)' were of religious 
training and education, and most of them mem- 
bers of churches. 

The subject of this sketch chose for his life 



564 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



partner Louisa, daughter of Lemuel and Henrietta 
(Davis) Rounds, natives of Massachusetts and 
Oiiio respectively. The marriage took place in 
1886. Mr. Rounds removed to New York State 
and engaged in farming in Cattaraugus County, 
three miles from Sandusky village whore Mrs. Fast 
was born. Here the father died and his widow and 
children removed to Battle Crock. Calhoun County, 
Mich. She is now living in Eaton County, the 
same State. Of their five children four are now 
living — Daniel, Mrs. Fast, Emma and Alfred. One 
son, Chester, was a soldier in tiie Union army and 
died of pneumonia. Previous to her marriage 
Mrs. Fast carried on a dressmaking business in 
Eaton and Oakland Counties. 

Prior to leaving Oiiio Mr. Fast was engaged in 
farming but entered the pump business before 
coming to Oakland County. He purchased a prop- 
erty of fifteen acres in Holly in 1888. With this 
he bought a fine house and built a barn in 1890. 
He is an earnest and intelligent Republican and be- 
longs to the orders of the Odd Fellows and the 
Maccabees. They are both earnest and consistent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and 
Mrs. Fast is an active worker in the Alissionary 
and Ladies Aid Societies. She is also a Good 
Templar and one of the Lady Maccabees and a 
member of the Woman's Relief Corps. Mr. Fast 
has one daughter, Josie A., by a former marriage. 
Mrs. Fast lias three children by a former marriage, 
as follows: William, Myrom and Isola. All are 
married. Our subject has an adopted son, known 
formerly as Freddie Corkins. 



' ACOB SNYDER, one of the most wortiiy 
and esteemed citizens of Addison Town- 
ship, was born September 18, 1820, in 
1/J Warren County, N. J. His father, Dennis 
was a native of tlie same county, and was born 
February 7, 1788. His wife, Sarah Gulick, was 
born February 14, 1813, and died M.ay 30^ 1829. 
Of their seven children four are living. Dennis 



Snyder's second marriage took place in August, 
1830. He then married Mary A.IIulick, who died 
March 30, 1861, leaving no children. 

The father of our subject started to Michigan 
May 30, 1833. He came by the lake to Detroit on 
the steamer ''Commodore Perry," and traveled 
three days with an ox-team from Detroit to his 
destination. He was the third settler in the town- 
ship, and his farm was four miles distant from any 
other iiome. He entered land from the Govern- 
ment and built him a log cabin, and being active 
and energetic was able to secure a good [jroperty. 
He assisted the organization of this township and 
held various local offices. He was Highway Com- 
missioner and assisted in laying out nearly every 
road in the townsiiip. He was always kind to the 
needy and was never willing to benefit by tiie mis- 
fortunes of others. His death, September 8, 1872, 
was deeply mourned by liis neighbors. 

The family is of German ancestry, the grand- 
father coming to America when a lad, and on 
arriving at New York being sold to pay his pass- 
age money. His mother accompanied him to 
New York where he remained until he gained his 
freedom. On tiie breaking out of the Whisky In- 
surrection he enlisted, and while in service con- 
tracted a cold from which he died, leaving his 
famil}' in destitute circumstances. The mother was 
compelled to bind out her sous until they arrived 
at age on condition that each receive a horse and 
saddle and $100 ns their freedom gift. Tlie mother 
died in Now Jersej'. 

Tiie subject of this sketch is the fourth of seven 
children,and was tiiirtecn years ohl when his parents 
came to Michigan. He attended district school 
some in the East, but it was somej'ears after com- 
ing AVest before a sciiool was organi/.e<l near tiie 
new home. He attended a school tiiree miles from 
home for some time. His remembrance of the 
early days is clear and strong. Detroit was the 
only market and to this town a trip witii ox-team 
consumed two or tlireeda3'S. Deer and otiier wild 
game abounded and an Indian encampment was lo- 
cated williin a mile and a half of the .Snyder home. 
The red men often visited the family and were 
glad to exchange game for fiour and i)rovisions. 

]Mr. Snyder's purchase of his present farm was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



565 



made in 1847. It wns all new land with no improve- 
ments and after building a log house, he began 
cultivating it. He first bought one hundred and 
twenty acres — hut has added to it from time to 
time. Mary E. Dodder, whom he made his wife in 
18-48, was born Jannar3' 13, 1828, in Sussex 
County, N. J. Her parents, Peter and Margaret 
(Struble) Dodder, both of that State, came to Oak- 
land Count3' in 1837. Mr. Dodder saw his last 
days in Kansas whore he had gone in 1874. His 
good wife is still living and has completed four- 
score and four years. Their ten children are all 
living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have had seven children, 
two of these, Henry H. and Sarah E., have passed 
awaj". Those who are still living to cheer the 
hearts of their parents are Margaret A., Oscar, 
George E., Eimiraand Ella M. Mr. Sn3'der joined 
the Republican party at its inception, and has ever 
.'iince been a stanch supporter of that organization, 
although he has not taken anj' active part in poli- 
tics, and never has held any office. This is not from 
any lack of popularitj' with his neighbors, for he is 
beloved and respected by every one who knows 
hira. He has been very successful and has been 
and always is liberal with his children. He has al- 
ready distributed among them over 120,000. He 
owns three hundred and twentj' acres of land all 
in one body. He has always been a hard-working 
man and an excellent manager, and a finer man 
never lived. 




,l^ILLIAM T. LEWIS. Conspicuous among 
the well-developed farms in Pontiac Town- 
ship is one on sections 16 and 17, that is 
owned by Mr. Lewis. It consists of two hundred 
acres of land on which various improvements have 
been made, including a complete line of substantial 
buildings, and a large, handsome frame house sur- 
rounded by evergreens and other suitable adorn- 
ments. A glance over the estate would convince 
even the most careless observer that Mr. Lewis 
makes of his vocation both an art and a science, 
and it is equally evident that a lady of good judg- 



ment and refined tastes is in charge of the house- 
hold affairs. 

Michael Lewis, father of our subject, was born 
in New Jersey, December 1, 1779, and married 
Betsey E. Spooner, a Vermont lady, whose natal 
day was August 27, 1783. Mr. Lewis was a 
farmer and for some years his home was in Erie 
County, N. Y. Thence he came to this county in 
1836, setting up his home in Auburn, Pontiac 
Township, where he died September 9, 1849. He 
was a modest, unassuming man, who pursued his 
own industries in a quietly energetic way. He was 
a soldier in the War of 1812. His widow survived 
until 1875 and died in the ninety-first year of her 
age. Her father, William Spooner, was born in 
England, came to the Colonies when quite young 
and fought for freedom during the Revolution. To 
Michael Lewis and his wife seven children came, 
four of whom are now. living and our subject the 
onlj' son. 

William T. Lewis was born in Erie County, N. 
Y., March C, 1821, aud was twelve years old when 
he came West. His education was obtained in the 
district schools and his studies were generally 
pursued in a log building. He assisted his parents 
until of age, then bargained for eighty acres of 
land on section 17, Pontiac Township. It was new 
and unbroken, but was valued at $7 per acre. The 
young man earned the money with which to make 
a $50 pa3'ment, and then devoted the summers to 
the development of the property and for three 
winters worked in the Northern pineries in order 
to meet his payments. He was hard-working and 
persistent in his efforts, and rose step by step to 
wealth and independence. When he bought his 
farm, herds of deer fed on it and other game 
abounded. 

December 24, 1850, Mr. Lewis w.as married to 
Miss Lyda T. Durkee, a native of Ohio, whose 
wedded life was short. She died August 26, 1854, 
leaving one daughter, Gertrude. March 8, 1856, 
.Mr. Lewis was again marric^d, wedding Miss Mary 
J. Powell, daughter of John and Eliza (Clark) 
Powell. They were early settlers in this county, 
having come here in 1«37 from New York, their 
native State. They reared a family of ten children, 
who are still living. Mr. Powell died in 1852 and 



56C 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his widow survived him twenty-one 5'ears. Their 
daughter Jlary was born in Cortland County, N. 
Y., in 1835. Her union with Mr. Lewis has tieen 
blest l)y the birth of two children — Lavina and 
Wilbur, both now established in their own homes. 
Lavina is the wife of George Giddings, a prosper- 
ous farmer in Pontiac Township, and lias one child, 
Albert L. AVilbur married Anna Harf of Detroit, 
and has one son, Frank. 

Mr. Lewis is a man of intelligence, not only in 
agricultural matters, but regarding other subjects 
of interest. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. 
In the spring of 1891 he was elected on the Board 
of Review of Pontiac Township. A self-made man 
in finances, his wealth has not been gained at the 
expense of others but he has lived in such a man- 
ner as to stand well with the people. 



»,?:ORGE N. WIND I ATE is one of the 
younger men who are successfully carrying 
^^^iji on farming in this county, and his propert\' 
on sections .5 and 6, Bloomfield Township, is one 
of the finest in this part of the State. The estate 
comprises three hundred and forty acres and the 
residence is about a mile south of Pontiac. It is 
therefore convenient of access and enables its 
owner to enjoy many privileges of city life from 
which most farmers are debarred. Mr. Windiate 
was born in Bloomfield Township, tliis county', 
March 24, 1852, and reared amid the surroundings 
of rural life and made familiar with farming in his 
early years. He received a practical education in 
the common schools and is qualified to transact all 
business which comes in his way and to keep a 
place among the well-informed men of the noigli- 
borhood. He is raising a high grade of sheep and 
cattle and crops that in quality and quantity equal 
any taken to the Pontiac market. 

The parents of our subject were Henry H. and 
Hannah (Win<liate) Windiate. natives of Sher- 
bourue, Hampshire, England, and were born April 
23, 1813, and January 24, 1812, respectively. They 
came to America in 183G and were married in this 
county in 1838. Mr. Windiate was a poor man 



when be came to the State, but he accumulated a 
large amount of property and when he died owned 
a large tract of land in Bloomfield Township. He 
first settled in Independence Township, but later 
removed to Bloomfield and then to Pontiac, and 
about 186G located where he died, in Bloorafiehi 
Township. The date of his decease was December 
10, 1873. His widow still survives. They had 
eight children, namely': Richard, Cornelia J., Sarah 
A., Henry W., AVinifred M., Charlotte E., George 
N., and Alexa M. 

The son of whom we write is next to the young- 
est member of the familj' and is unmarried. After 
due consideration he decided in favor of the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party and never fails to 
cast his vote in its interest. He is a member of the 
Episcopil Church at Pontiac and conscientiously 
endeavors to shape his life in accordance with 
Christian principles. He has inherited the stead- 
fiistness of purpose which belongs to the English 
character, and is energetic and enterprising. He 
h.as good standing among his fellow-men and is 
looked upon as one of the rising young farmers of 
this localitv. 

On another page of this volume appears a view 
of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Windiate. 

"if^ OHN ERWIN, a prominent citizen of South- 
field Townsiiip and a valuable member of 
society, has his farm on section 14. He was 
born near Newton, County Derry, Ireland, in 
March, 1825. His father, Mathew Erwin, came to 
America in 1837 and made his home for six years 
in New York Cit^'. In 1842 he came to Michigan 
and settled on section 23, .Southfield Township, 
Oakland County. Here he made his home in a log 
house and improved the farm. The mother of our 
subject is a native of Ireland, where she was united 
in marriage to Mathew Erwin, and became the 
mother of fourteen children. Of this largo family 
our subject is the youngest. 

John Erwin was twelve j'ears old when he came 
with his parents to America. He worked at the 
blacksmith's trade with his brother James of New 




;-:-.^ >;^;^::-.-^y.:?aA^S^^3fe■:fey:aSfea;^gjjiia.-'-;- V 



RESIDENCE OF GEORGE N. WINDIATE ,SEC.4., BLOOM FIELD T R.OAKLAND CO. MICH. 




RE51DE^aCE or JOHrj ERW1N,5EC.I4. SOUTHFIELD TP.,OAKLAfJD CO. MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



SCO 



York City, and after coming to Micliigan in 184 2 
he continued at this trade for ten years. In 1850 
he took a very iraportant step in taking to liimself 
a wife, Sarah A. Beardsley, a native of New Jersey. 
The young couple made their new home on the 
farm where tliey now reside, and after a little 
moved into a small frame house. The farm coni- 
inised at first eighty acres. 

Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Erwin, namely: Virginia G., the wife of 
James Beattie, residing in Shiawassee County; 
Gecnge M. L., residing at Duluth, Minn.; William 
Ir'i, residing in Groton, S. Dak., and Mary A., who 
is still at home. The home farm consists of one 
hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land 
upon which general farming is carried on. Mr. 
Krwin is a Republican in his political views, and 
religiously is connected with the United Presby- 
Iciian Church in which he is a Trustee and where 
he has been an active member for forty years. He 
is a Sunday-school worker as is also his wife, and 
he superintended the school for more than twelve 
years. He came a poor buy to Michigan and by 
honesty and frugality has acquired a handsome 
property, and at tlie same time his honorable deal- 
ings with all men win for him the universal esteem 
of his fellow-citizens. 

Among the finest homesteads of Southfield 
Township is that of Mr. Erwin and we are pleased 
to present a view of this phice to the readers of 
this volume. 



(4^«)RUMAN S. TIBBALS. A traveler over 
this count}' could scarcely enter Avon 
Township without hearing mention of 
"Oak Grove," a farm that has long been known 
by that name, because of the giants of the forest 
that stand near tlie house. It is a beautiful tract 
of land of one hundred and fort}' acres on section 
3.5. This valuable farm is owned and occujjied 
by the gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs, and to whose life history we purpose 
to call tlie attention of our readers. He makes 
quite a specialty of raising fine stock, but does not 
neglect other agricultural interests, and his labors 



have been rewarded b}' financial prosperity and a 
first-class reputation as a farmer. 

Mr. TIbbals is a son of Lewis and Betso}' (King) 
Tibbals, who 'ere natives of Monroe County, 
N. Y., and ^'iullield, Conn., respectively, and estab- 
lished their home in this State as early as 182G. 
They crossed the lake on the steamer ''Walk-on- 
the- Water," landed at Detroit, and came at once 
into this county, locating three and three-fourth 
miles west of Rochester. Mr. Tibbals had at first 
bi)t a "squatters" right, but after the survey was 
made he entered one hundred and sixt3'-six acres of 
land under the Homestead Act. Mr. Tibbals w.as 
a farmer by occupation and when he came here 
also followed milling. He belonged to a Ver- 
mont family and his remote ancestors were Kng- 
lish. He died Ma}' 4, 1876, at the venerable age 
of eighty-nine years and one month. His wife 
passed away July 8, 18G8, when seventy-six years 
old. To Ihcm had been born ten children, eight 
of whom-grew to mature years. Four of these 
are now deceased, namely: Bradford; Benjamin, 
who was drowned in Lake Ontario in 1816; Mis. 
Norton, who died July 4, 1848; and Benoni, who 
was killed by a threshing-machine. The living 
are Barnabas, whose home is in Riverside, Cal.; 
Mrs. Berthania Eldorkin, whose home is in De- 
troit; Thomas, who lives In Bay City: and Tru- 
man S., our subject. 

The gentleman of whom we write was born in 
Avon Township November 8, 1834, and was edu- 
cated in the common schools. As he grew up he 
did more and more farm work until he became 
proficient in every detail of the pursuit in which 
his father was engaged and capable of managing 
an estate for himself. He was married Octol)er 
19, 186.5. to Miss Hosira Koch, daughter of Jacob 
and Lucinda (Huriburt) Koch. Her parents were 
natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut respec- 
tively and never lived in the West. The daugh- 
ter came to this State to teach school and for 
nearly four years was thus engaged, with knowl- 
edge and tact, by which she made her mark in her 
)irofession. The dwelling over which she has 
charge is a beautiful one, in ami about it may be 
seen the evidences of her good taste and house- 
wifely ability. 



570 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Tibbals has never held public office nor de- 
sired it, as his taste is decidedly for the quietude 
of home life and the pleasures of a congenial 
social circle. He takes considerable interest in 
politics, attending every caucus, and is a stanch 
Democrat, who has voted for every candidate of 
liis party since tiie days of James Buchanan. 



-*>»- 



^^^ 




lEORGE E. DAINES is engaged in the busi- 
ness of an undertaker and furniture dealer 
*^^|) in Birmingham and is also proprietor of the 
National Ilotei. He was born at Bloomfleld Cen- 
ter, October 30, 1850, and is a son of John and 
Alice A. (Watkins) Daines. Tliat couple were 
born in New York and came hither about 1810. 
]Mr. Daines was a potter and carried on a pottery 
at Blooiiifielil Center a few years, then engaged in 
the manufacture of tile. He was the second man 
in the United States to m.anufacture drain tile, in 
wliich business he continued until the fall of 1865. 
Owing to poor liealth he abandoned tlie work and 
took up his residence in Birmingham, buying the 
National Hotel property and carrying on business 
there seventeen months. He then traded for a farm 
in Bloomfield, lived on it two years, and then 
bought the liotel back again and returned to the 
village. He carried on the hotel until his death 
M.iy 16, 1873, at the age of fiflj- years. He w.as 
in good circumstances, worth perhaps $10,000 when 
he died. He w,as a Mason and an Odd Fellow. He 
never held any but town offices, but took an active 
part in party work and w.as a stanch Democrat. His 
widow survives and is now sixty-seven years old. 
Their children are Florence, Rosetta, George E., 
Minnie and A<ldie. 

Tlie gentleman whose name introduces these par- 
agraphs was reared in Bloomfield and received a 
common-school education. He began clerking in 
a drug store in Birmingham when quite young, and 
when his father died he took charge of the hotel for 
liis mother and carried it on for her about ten 
years. He then bought the house which he is still 
m.inaging. In the business of undertaking he is in 
partuershii) with J. 0. Beattie. He abounds in 



physical energy and activity, has good capacitj' for 
affairs and possesses the geniality that makes a good 
host. Notwithstanding tlie demands upon him by 
his business interests, he finds time to discharge the 
duties of a member of the Village Board, in which 
he has acted for fifteen j-ears. He votes the Dem- 
ocratic ticket. 

March 27, 1874, Mr. Daines was married to Miss 
Harriet Hoffman, who died after a few ^-earg of 
wedded life. The date of her demise was May 31, 
1890, and her age thirty-nine years. She was born 
in Mt. Clemens and was a daughter of ^'incentand 
Harriet (High) Hoffman. At the time of her mar- 
riage her home was in Birmingham. She had but 
one child, a daughter, Winifred, who Is now twelve 
years of age and as bright a little lass as one can 
wish to see. 



^ €-*^- 



^TTAMES H. HAINS. Among the citizens of 
this county few have shown more enter- 
prise than Mr. Ilains, whose pleasant farm 
is located on section 1, Oxford Township, 
and comprises one hundred and sixt}' acres of 
good land. Beginning with limited means, he 
has surrounded his family with all the comforts 
and many of the luxuries of life, has wisely used 
his income in aiding public enterprises, and is now 
devoting his land to general agriculture and stock- 
raising. He stands high socially, as well as in 
business circles, and is identified with Ihe Patrons 
of Industrj', the Grange and the Masonic frater- 
nity. His excellent citizenship and the upright- 
ness of his life make him a valued member of the 
communit3', in which he wields a decided influence. 
Mr. Mains is a native of the Emj)ire State, born 
in Monroe County July 6, 1828. lu that State 
his father, Benjamin Hains, was also born, and 
thence he removed in Ma}^ 1832, to Michigan, 
accompanied by his family. The land which he 
purchased had just been taken up from the Gov- 
ernment and was located in Washington Township, 
Macomb County. It was then wild land, on 
which a small log house had been built, and he 
endured all the hardships to which the pioneers were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



571 



subjected during the earlj' history of Micliigan. 
He was the first settler in that locality and for 
many years was busily employed in clearing and 
iinproving his farm, and transforming it into a 
habitable abode. Wild game was then plentiful, 
and upon it the famil3' depended for their prin- 
cipal means of subsistence. 

After years of pntient effort the father of our 
subject became well-to-do, and as he began with 
no other capital than brain and muscle, the suc- 
cess which he achieved was remarkable. He served 
in the War of 1812. In the Baptist Church, to 
which he belonged from boyhood, he served as 
Deacon during the greater portion of his life. At 
the ripe old age of seventy-two 3'ears he died in 
1860, mourned by a large circle of friends, who 
truthfuUj' said of him "that he was as good a man 
as ever lived," His wife, Elizabeth (Jersey) Hains, 
a native of New York, died a few years after the 
demise of her husband. She also was a member 
of the Baptist Church, and was a woman possess- 
ing many graces of character and mind. 

In the pioneer home of Benjamin Hains and his 
good wife were thirteen children, twelve of whom 
grew to maturitj', but only two are now living — 
Mrs. Mary Fessler, of .Shelby, Macomb County; 
and James, of thi.s sketch. The latter was the 
eleventh child in order of birth and was four 
years old when his parents removed to Michigan, 
where the most of bis active life has been passed. 
He was reared on a farm and had limiteil oppor- 
tunities for an education, the school which he at 
tended being held in a log house two miles from 
his home. Like many others under similar cir- 
cumstancos he built the foundation of bis educa- 
tion in the schoolroom and reared the superstruct- 
ure of knowledge during later years. 

During his youth Mr. Hains had many acquain- 
tances among the Indians, who still lingered in 
the sparsely settled localities. He early devolo[)cd 
a fondness for iuuiting and has killed a great 
amount of wild game. Until he was of age he 
remained under the parental roof, assisting in the 
work on the home farm. When read3' to start out 
in life fiir himself he removed to Oxford Town- 
ship and settled on the farm where he still lives on 
section 1. The land was covered with a thick 



growth of forest trees and shrubs, only four or 
fiv^ acres having been cleared, and no other im- 
provements had been made. He has met with 
marked success in his business as a farmer and 
has accumulated a valuable property by persistent 
industry and good mansigement. The fine condi- 
tion of the estate to-day has not been brought 
about without hard work, but the owner, in look- 
ing back over the past years, is satisfied with the 
result. 

For many years Mr. Hains has had the active 
co-operation and loving help of his wife, wilh 
whom he was united in marriage in 1849. Mrs. 
Hains bore the maiden name of Rosina Arnold 
and was born in Michigan in 1831. Six children 
have been born to them, viz: Levi, Flora (de- 
ceased), Mary, Helen, Eugene and Fred Grant. 
All the children received excellent educations and 
Mary and Helen have followed the jirofession of 
teachers. Politically Mr. Hains supported the Re- 
publican party until about 1880, when he became 
independent and now supports the man whom he 
thinks best qualified for the office, no matter to 
what party he belongs. In connection with till- 
ing the soil he raises all kind of stock, and in 
that department of agriculture has also been uni- 
formlv successful. 



DMOND CROTTY is one of the Irish- 
American citizens to whom Michigan is in- 
l AZ-;^ debted fur much good agricultural work 
and excellent citizenship. He owns and operates 
a farm of comfortable size on section 26, White 
Lake Township, which he reclaimed from its primi- 
tive condition of forest wildness. replacing the 
dense woods with brosd fields of waving grain and 
fruitful orchards. The estate consists of sixty- 
six acres, on which he hag made his home several 
decades. The father of our subject bore the same 
name as himself and the grandfather was Timoth3' 
Grotty, who reared a family of four sons. 

Edmond Grotty, Sr., spent his entire life in the 
Emerald Isle, breathing his last when sixty six 
years old. He had married Mary Peudergast and 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the union was blessed by the birth of six sons and 
six daughters. The children were named respec- 
tively: Timothy, John, James, Thomas, Edmond, 
Morris, Margaret, Mar}', Bridget, Joanna, Cather- 
ine and Eliza. Edmond was born in the year 
1819, and remained in the land of his birth until 
he was thirty years of age. He gained as good an 
education as circumstances would admit of, and 
learned many lessons of life that have been useful 
to him in his new home. 

AVhen Mr. Crotty emigrated to America he 
made his first sojourn in New Jersey, where he 
worked six months. Thence he came to this State 
and at once identified himself with the farmers of 
White Lake Township. He was married to Mary 
Doolan who was removed from him by death in 
1875. To them had been born six children — Ed- 
ward, Timothy, John, Mary, Margaret and Cath- 
erine. Mr. Crotty made a second marriage, wed- 
ding Miss Jlary Walls, who died in 1887. In 
his religious faith Mr. Crotty is a Roman Catho- 
lic. He has always been interested in political 
issues and is an unfailing supporter of the Demo- 
cratic ticket. 

-J^^ 



\T]0SEPII S. .STOCKWELL, the leading dry- 
goods man of Pontiac, was born in Redford, 
AVayne County, Mich., May 16, 1843. He 
is the youngest son of Alra and Mary 
(Hewitt) Stockwell, both natires of New York. 
The}- removed after marriage to Michigan, taking 
up a farm in Redford, Wayne County, in 1825. Mr. 
Stockwell was elected Justice of the Peace, an office 
which he held continuously. He married over sixty 
couples. 

About the year 1855, the family removed to the 
village of Birmingham in Oakland County and 
from there went to the town of IIi4;hland, where 
he died in his seventy-fourth year. His father, 
Ebenezer Stockwell, was a soldier in the War 
of 1812, and his grandfather a Revolutionary sol- 
dier, was killed at the surrender of Gen. Bur- 
goyne's army. His ancestors were from England. 
The mother of our subject was Mary Hewitt. 
She was a native of New York State and died in 



her forty-third j'ear at Redford. Nine of her ten 
children attained maturit}-, and eight are still liv- 
ing. Four brothers reside in the State of Kansas, 
and the three sisters live in Michigan. 

Joseph S. Stockwell passed his early boyhood 
and schooldays in Redford and afterward attended 
school at Farmiugton and later at Birmingiiam this 
county. He then began his mercantile experience 
in a store at Birmingham, where he remained for 
four and one-half years in the employ of 0. W. 
Peck. In 1869 he began in business for himself 
at Highland. He bought a general stock of mer- 
chandise and took his father as partner under the 
firm name of Stockwell & Son. After three years 
he removed to Birmingham and formed a partner- 
ship with Eugene Brown under the firm name of 
Stockwell & Brown. This lasted for three 3'ears 
when A. M. Knight bought out the interest of Mr. 
Brown. Two years after Mr. Knight purchased the 
stock and removed to Pontiac and Mr. Stockwell 
engaged in business at Birmingham where he re- 
mained until 1881. Mr. Stockwell then removed 
to Pontiac and became a partner in a firm with 
Lovett W. Stanton and Homer J. Axford, under 
the firm name of Axford, Stockwell ik Co. This 
firm continued business for three j'ears when Mr. 
Stockwell purchased the interest of both his part- 
ners and now carries on the business at the old 
stand. His store rneasures 22x145 feet and he uses 
both floors. He carries a large and well selected 
stock and has a large share of the trade of the city 
and surrounding country. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 1866. 
He then united his fortunes for life with those of 
Mary E., daughter of Adam and Susan Wile}'. Mr. 
Wiley was a native of Scotland and his wife a na- 
tive of Vermont. The marriage took place in 
Birmingham, Ihis county. Four children have 
blessed the union of our subject and his wife, 
namely: Fred B., clerk in the store of Strong, 
Lee (fe Co., Detroit; Jay S. ; Alva Ross; and Glenn 
Wiley. In politics Mr. Stockwell is Republican 
and was Justice of th« I'eace at Highland. He 
also filled the office of Town Treasurer at the same 
place. He is at present and has been for the past 
six years Superintendent of the Poor. He is a 
member of Pontiac Lodge No. 21 F. A. M.; of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



575 



Oakland Chapter No 5, R. A. M. ; and of Pontiac 
CoQimanderj' No. 2, of which lie is Treasurer, a 
position which he has held since becoming' a mem- 
her. He and his good wife are members of the 
Baptist Church where he superintends the Sun- 
day-school. He is also member of the Sundaj'- 
scliool Association. Their cozy and delightful 
home is located at No. 20 Wayne Street. 



E^ 




ARTIN W. BLOOMBURG. The portrait 
on the opposite page will be recognized b}' 
li many readers as that of the efficient Sher- 
iff of Oakland Countj'. He was first elected 
to the office in 1888 after having served two years 
as Depulj' SheritT under Colonel Matthews. As a 
Deput}' he had displayed qualities that insured his 
efficiency and so well did he discharge the duties 
that devolved upon him that he was re-elected in 
1890. He is a man of determined spirit, firm and 
unyielding in the line of duty, and has the pride 
in making the count}' a law-abiding one, which is 
felt by ever}' native-born citizen and by the belter 
class who come here from otlier sections. 

Mr. Blooraburg was born in Bloomfield Township, 
Oakland County, January 4, 1844, and is a son of 
George and Mary J. (Jordan) Bloomburg who 
were born in New York. His grandfather, Michael 
Bloomburg, came to this State in 1830, and spent 
the remainder of his life on a farm in Oakland 
County. His family consisted of seven children 
and all the sons became carpenters. George built 
many of the large mills and dwellings in this sec- 
tion in which their home was, and also aided in 
putting up large crushing mills in the Lake Supe- 
rior mining region, and mills and other structures 
in Birmingham, Oakland County. He died in 1878, 
two years after his wife was borne to the tomb. 

Martin W. Bloomburg, who is the third in the 
parental family, conned his lessons in the Royal 
Oak district school, and during the summer months 
worked on his father's farm. After attaining to 
manhood he carried on general farming until 1880, 
when he moved to Pontiac and soon after engaged 
in the sale of agricultural implements. He con- 



tinued that business until he was elected Sheriff. 
He was earnest and enterprising in business life, 
is possessed of good social qualities, and has con- 
nected himself with Birmingham Lodge, No. 44, 
F. & A. M., Pontiac Lodge, No. 183, I. O. O. F.. 
and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a stanch 
and active member of the Republican party, and 
on its ticket was elected to office. The fact of the 
county being Democratic attests his pojiularity be- 
fore the people. 

On March 31, 1870, Mr. Bloomburg was married 
to Miss Pliebe EUenwood. This capable and intell- 
igent lady was born in Oakland County and is a 
daughter of John and Sarah EUenwood, who came 
hither from the Empire State. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bloomburg have one son, Robert Irving, who is 
now a student at the High School and is being well 
educated. 






NDREW J. STOAVELL. A visitor to the 
@/41 | home of this gentleman, on section 26, 
Ifc Orion Township, Oakland County, will 
find many arrangements made for the 
proper carrying on of agricultural work and for 
the comfort of the family. The farm consists of 
one hundred and seven acres of fine land, the 
possession of which is very commenilnble to Mr. 
Stowell, for be began life unequipped financially 
speaking. Chief among the buildings on the farm 
is a large house of good design, where the evi- 
dences of the presence of a refined woman aroto be 
seen. Substantial fences, a good orchard and 
garden, and suitable adornments in the grounds 
near the house, add to the attractiveness and real 
value of the property. 

The Stowell family originated in England and 
was established in this country four generations 
ago, when a home was made in Nevv Hampshire by 
an emigrant of that name. In the same State Isaac 
Stowell, father of our subject, was born in 1788 
and thence he went to Monroe County, N. Y. 
Some years later he came to tliis State and located 
in Avon Township. lie had made a location in 
Monroe County some six years before, but after a 



576 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sliort sojourn had returned to New York. He lived 
in Avon Township until 1845, then removed to 
Pontine Township, where he died a decade later, 
in his sixty-eighlli year. He was a soldier in the 
War of 1812, with the rank of Orderly- Sergeant. 
The religious home of himself and wife was in the 
Baptist Church. Mrs. .Stowell bore the maiden 
name of Lydia Reed and was born in Vermont in 
1800; she died in 1883. They had seven children, 
three of whom survive to this writing. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Clarkston, Monroe County-, N. Y., November 13, 
1829. His education was obtained in the district 
school under tlie roof of a log schoolhouse, and 
when but thirteen years old he began working out, 
receiving $7 a month for some lime. When seven- 
teen he could follow the men all day, with the 
cradle or scj'the, so vigorous and expert was he. 
In 1854 he began farming in Pontiac Township, 
■where he bought seventy-two acres of land, on 
which he made his home about eight 3'ears. Soon 
after leaving it he located on land included in his 
present estate, where about forty acres was cleared 
and a log house stood. Mr. Stowell continued the 
work of development and in the course of time 
replaced the rude dwelling with one of greater 
beauty and better adapted to a modern farmer's 
circumstances. 

The wife of Mr. Stowell was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Elmira Bigler. She was born 
in Avon Township in 1840 and is a daughter of 
Charles and Hannah (Chapman) Bigler, natives of 
New York, each of whom came to this State in an 
early day in company with their parents. Mr. Bigler 
died in 1882. but his widow is still living. The 
marriage of our subject and his good wife took 
place in Julj', 1863, and has been blest to them by 
the birth of seven children. The surviving mem- 
bers of the famil>' are Ellen E., Elmer E., Emma 
.1., Mill3" A., Birte and Melvin E. Two have been 
taken away by death — Jenny and Melvii} E. Ellen 
is married to Horace Collins, a farmer in Oakland 
Township, and Milly is the wife of Thomas Holt, 
another agriculturist there. 

The early recollections of Mr. Stowell include 
the sight of numerous Indians who made this sec- 
tion of country their haunt, and of chases after 



wild game which abounded in the forest and often 
afforded a mark for his rifle. He was fond of hunt- 
ing and man}- a game bird or larger prey fell to his 
share of the spoils of an excursion. He is identi- 
fied with the Odd Fellows fraternity aud the Dem- 
ocratic party. He makes no boast of that which 
he has accomplished, but in his modest, unassuming 
wa)', pursues the course he has marked out, doing 
his duty as a citizen but choosing the pleasures of 
home rather than the excitement of public life. 
Mrs. Stowell is a woman of more than ordinary 
intelligence, who hfis not allowed the cares of house- 
keeping to consume all her thought, but who has 
enlivened her working hours by having her mind 
filled with general facts or the bright ideas of 
others. Husband and wife stand well in society 
and take a proper degree of interest in the progress 
of this section. 




; ALTER WINDIATE. "Merrie England" 
was the birthplace of a number of men 
*5^^ who have risen to competence and even 
wealth, as tillers of the soil in this count}-. In 
Pontiac Township there are several such men and 
one of them is the subject of this biographical 
notice. He owns and occupies one hundred and 
sixty acres of tine land upon which first-class im- 
provements have been made, including a. full line 
of farm buildings, a large and comfortable dwell- 
ing and the minor appointments of a well-regu- 
lated farm. Mr. Windiate was born in Hampshire, 
England, January 29, 1821, and is a son of Richard 
and Charlotte (Hobbs) Windiate. His father was 
a farmer who decided to try his fortune in America 
in 1836. 

The Windiate family were six weeks and three 
days in crossing the ocean, and after landing on 
American soil, came at once to this county. The 
country was slightly opened up for settlement, wild 
game was plentiful ami vast tracts of land were 
new and unbroken. Mr. Windiate secured prop- 
erty in Pontiac Township and carried on his work 
until 1841, when he died at the age of sixty-four 
years; he was a member of the Episcopal Church. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



577 



His widow lived until March, 1890, and reached 
the one hundredth jear of her age. She was a good 
woman, deroted to her family and Icind to all 
ahout her. She was the mother of fourteen chil- 
dren, eight of whom are still living. 

Our subject received but a limited education, as 
the opportunities afforded in his native land were 
but little better than those of the frontier regions 
of America. He began farming for himself when 
of age, having previously worked with and for his 
father. He has cleared and improved the property 
that he occupies and has met with the success that 
he deserves. He was married in 1852 to Sarah A. 
Miller, daughter of Barney and Sarah A. (Swegle) 
Miller. The bride was born in this State on Janu- 
ary 20, 1835, and her parents are numbered among 
the early settlers who came hither from New Jersey'. 
Mrs. Wiiidiate has ably seconded her husband's 
efforts to improve their circumstances and supply 
their children with good advantages. They have 
lost two daughters — Jenny and Belle, and have two 
daughters and a son living. Kittie is the wife of 
William Brewster and lives in Pontiac; Frank is 
married and living on the home farm ; May gladdens 
her parents by her presence under their roof. 

Mr. Windiate votes the Republican ticket. With 
a vigorous constitution, industrious habits and a 
faculty for hard work, ho has spent years in toil- 
ing, but has reached a position where he can enjoy 
all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 
In character he is honest and upright. 



i, OSES K. TABER. The career of this 
gentleman is one upon which a young man 




may reflect with profit. He began pad- 
dling his own canoe at an early stage in 
his existence, and after pulling up stream for a 
season finally found himself in smooth waters, and 
his course has since been one of uniform prosperity. 
He chose agriculture for his lifework and followed 
it for a term of 3ears, accumulating a competence, 
and then wisely- retired from active labor. We 
now find him the occui)ant of a handsome home in 
Birmingham where every comfort that heart can 



wish surrounds him. He owes much of his suc- 
cess to his faithful wife and readily accords her 
the credit she well deserves. 

The parents of our subject were Abram and 
Eliza (Jones) Taber, natives of Erie County, N.Y. 
They came to this State in October, 18.38, and 
settled in Kalamazoo County, wliere Mr. Taber 
died in January, 1857. He was a farmer, and 
while not a highly educated man, he was well read, 
his mind fortified with a store of useful knowl- 
edge, and an hour could always be spent in a 
pleasant and profitable manner with him. He held 
numerous official positions in New York and was 
quite a prominent figure in local politics. He was 
a Whig, later an Abolitionist and then a Democrat. 
He was a man of decided piety and from his youth 
was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, as 
was also his wife. She was an adopted daughter 
of President Fillmore and was a lady of marked 
intellect and one who will long be remembered by 
her acquaintances. She was reared and educated 
in Aurora, N. Y.,and spent her last days in Toledo, 
Ohio, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James 
Moslier. 

The Taber family is descended from German 
ancestors. The grandfather of our subject was 
Earl Taber, a native of Massachusetts and a Revo- 
lutionar}- soldier. In 1799 he removed to Erie 
County, N. Y., and subsequently died there. The 
parental household consisted of fourteen children, 
namely: Fanny, Charles, Helim, John, Lorinda, 
Helen, Hugh, Hiram, Leonard, Moses K., Winfield, 
Miles, Louisa and Mary. 

JNIoses K. Taber was born in Prairie Rounds, 
Kalamazoo County, December 20, 1839, and his 
boyhood was passed on the farm and did not differ 
materially from that of other boi's of that period 
and locality. He was trained to habits of industry 
and usefulness and became imbued witii those .sen- 
timents of lionor and high moral principles which 
have made him what he is to-day among his fellow- 
men. After his father's death and before he was 
fourteen years old he was thrown on his own re- 
sources and went among strangers. He found a 
home with John Jones, a well-to-do farmer of this 
county and remained with him until twenty-eight 
years old. He then married and located in Royal 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Oak Township, buying a farm upon which he lived 
until the death of iiis wife four years later. lie 
then sohl out and went elsewhere. He subsequently 
married Jliss Mary E. Jones, his foster father's 
adopted daughter, and in Detcmbor, 1880, they 
took up their abode in Birmingham. Mr. Taber 
owns one of the finest farms in that section of the 
count)', consisting of one hundred and ten acres, 
Iving in Troy and Bloonifield Townships. It is 
all well improved and the greater part is in a higli 
state of cultivation. His time is now occupied 
looking after his farm, and money-loaning. 

The first marriage of Mr. Taber occurred De- 
cember 20, I860, and his bride was Mrs. Orissa S. 
Hickey, at that time living in Royal Oak, this 
county. She was the widow of John Hickey anrl 
daughter of Orson and Rhoda (Oibbs) Starr. The 
latter were natives of New York, but among the 
first settlers of this county. Mvs. Taber had one 
son by her first husband — John O. Hickey — who 
was drowned in a mill pond at Birmingham in 
1882 at the age of seventeen years. To Mr. Taber 
she bore one ciiild — William J. — who is now a 
book-keeper in Detroit; he was married in 181)0 
to Miss Delia jNIav Chamberlain, of Van Buren 
County. l\Irs. Taljer died in Royal Oak, December 
25, 1870, at the age of thirty-one years. 

The second marriage of our subject was solemn- 
ized January 10, 1872. His present wife was born 
in Novi, December '^, 1842, and is a daughter of 
Myron and Sarah (Courier) Benjamin, natives of 
New Jersey, who came hither at an early date. 
Their home was in tliis county, where Mrs. Benja- 
min died wiien her daughter was but thirteen 
months ohl. The child was adopted by John and 
Mary A. (Wright) Jones, and eared for as though 
she were their own. Her foster parents also showed 
their kindness of heart in furnishing a home for 
Mr. Taber when he was thrown ujion his own re- 
sources. The union of our subject and his present 
wife has been blest to them by the birth of one 
daughter — Mamie A. 

In addition to having been a thorough and skill- 
ful farmur Mr. Taber has distinguished himself as 
a business man of more than ordinary capabilities 
and one of strict integrity in all his dealings. Al- 
though meddling very little in politics he keeps 



himself thoroughly posted and gives his unquali- 
fied support to the Democratic party. He is not 
a member of any religious body but belicTes in 
the establishment and maintenance of churches and 
attends divine services in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and supports it liberally. He is a plain, 
unostentatious man, moving along quietly, and is 
one of those who does more good th«n the world 
knows. He is outspoken, precise and firm, yet 
courteous, and is a good conversationalist. 



OBERT K. TAYLOR, a prominent farmer 
of Oakland Township, was born July 23. 
il; \\ 1817, in Warren County, N. J. His f.alher, 
iRenjamin, followed farming, and about the 
j'ear 1827 removed to Northam|)ton County, 
Pa., where he continued farming until his death, 
which occurred after the close of the Civil War. 
He was a Presbyterian in his religious belief. Ilis 
father, William Taylor, of Dutch descent, died at 
the age of eighty-two years. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of ]\Iary VanKirk. She was the mother of sixteen 
children, fourteen of whom lived to maturity and 
eight still survive. She ended her eartlil)- career 
in 1868. Our subject is the fifth in this large fam- 
ily. His education and training were received on 
the farm and in the district school. He remained 
at lK)me until he reached his twenty-fifth year and 
accompanied his father to Pennsylvania. In 1844 
he cnrae to Michigan and worked by the year in 
Macomb County, for *132. He continued there 
for four years, but spent some time in Oakland 
Townshi[), Oakland County. He purchased his 
first farm in Oakland Township, in 1847. Three 
years later he purchased an adjoining one, having 
disposed of the first. He exchanged one year later 
for the farm where he now resides. Most of this 
land was pretty well improved but he has added 
great imi)rovements to it since. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 1852. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Low- 
rie. She was from Warren County, N. J. Their 
children are named — Marshall, Homer and Mary. 




>;4; ^ 



';S).^.^.'S\3.^^^^^ "^"^'^"^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ftSl 



This family were bereaved of the wife and mother 
in December, 1884. Mr. Taylor is a Democrat in 
his political afflliatious, and has been a delegate to 
county conventions. He is a Patron of Industry, 
in which he is considered an inlluential member. 
His home jjlace comprises two hundred and thirty- 
two acres, upon which he raises all kinds of stock, 
lie came to Michigan with limited means and like 
manj' another has been the architect of his own 
fortunes. 



•^■»t^>»-i5S> 



<^ltf-»«tfi«S» 




C. H. SPENCER, M. D., a physician .who 
enjoys the confidence of the people of Orion 
in a high degree, was born in this county 
November 10, 1859. He was reared in the 
village of Rochester, where he received his prelim- 
inary education, and at the early age of fifteen 
years he began his preparatory reading for his pro- 
fession. Thus early in life had he showed a decided 
inclination for the field of labor in which he is 
advancing in professional reputation and practical 
skill. After two j'ears of study in tlic office of Dr. 
Wilson, he entered the Detroit Medical College, 
where he devoted himself earnestly to his studies 
for two years. After receiving a diploma from that 
institution he entered the Michigan College of 
Medicine, from which he was graduated in 1881. 
Ill health compelled him to go South, and he finally 
located at Monticello, Ark., where he had a fine 
practice for two years. 

Returning to his native State the young phy»i- 
cian located in the pleasant village of Orion, where 
he has been conducting a fine practice. He has a 
practical nature and naturally good powers of ob- 
servation, and the course of study which he car- 
ried on developed his faculties and gave him a 
fine equipment for the duties of his profession. 
His theoretical knowledge is made practical and he 
is constantly on the alert to increase his skill and 
attain to belter results in his endeavors to allevi- 
ate suffering and save life. 

Dr. Spencer represents one of the early families 
in this county, his grandfather, Chancy Z. Spencer, 
having come hither from New York early in the 



'30s and located on a farm in Avon Township. In 
1849 he crossed the "great American desert" and 
became a successful mine operator on the Pacific 
Slope. He died in San Francisco in 1883. His son, 
John H., father of our sul)ject, was born in Gene- 
see County, N. Y., came to this county with his 
parents, and became a farmer. He crossed the plains 
to California about 1857 and during some three 
years was engaged in mining, meeting with suc- 
cess in his operations. Eight years later he visited 
Idaho, where he spent two years, then returning 
home he resumed his agricultural work. He died 
in 1875. He had held various township offices and 
was a well-known farmer and citizen. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Laura C. Riggs, was born 
in Dutchess County, N. Y., and now makes her 
home with her son, the Doctor. She is about three 
score years of age. 

Dr. Spencer was married April 27, 1886, to Miss 
Josie B. Laird of this county, a lady of superior 
intellect and social qualifications. They have one 
child. Laird, a bright boy, who was born August 
9, 1887. Dr. Spencer is a Democrat, tiikes an act- 
ive part in local political matters and is well posted 
regarding the principles of the part}' and all things 
that have a bearing upon its polic}'. He has been 
a delegate to county and Stale conventions, and 
exerts a decided influence in party circles. He is 
a prominent member of the Masonic order, is one 
of the Knights of the Maccabees and belongs to 
the Grange. His portrait, presented on the oppo- 
site page, represents one of the most able physi- 
cians of the county as well as one of its most highly 
respected citizens. 



ORTON HILTON, a successful farmer of 
Pontiac Township, has a fine farm consist- 
ing of one hundred and forty-four acres 
on section 1, and he also owns a valuable house and 
lot in Pontiac, where he lived fourteen years, while 
sending his children to school. In 1882 he returned 
to the farm on which he first located in 1844. The 
proport}' of which he then took possession had 
been entered from the Government by brothers 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who came hither about 1840, but no improvements 
had been made upon it prior to his purchase. It 
was covered with timber, and deer and other game 
abounded over its expanse. Mr. Hilton built a 
small shanty, ten feet square, in which he made liis 
home temporarily, and from time to time he erected 
the buildings of which he stood in need, while 
bringing the land under thorough cultiration. 

The Hilton family is of English descent, and the 
grandfather of our subject, David Hilton, was born 
in Connecticut, and died in the East in 1823. One 
of his children was Levi, who was born in New 
York and was a farmer thera until some time in 
the '503, when he came to this State. He began 
life poor, but left considerable property. He died 
in 1854 at the age of sixty-six years. H« was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. For many years he 
belonged to the Baptist Church. His wife was 
Eunice Nelson, a native of Massachusetts, who 
died about 1865. They reared a large family, thir- 
teen children being born to them, and eleven 
growing to manhood and womanhood. Two only 
are now living. 

Norton Hilton was born in Monroe County, 
N. Y.,. January 22, 1819, and reared upon a farm, 
receiving his education in the district school that 
was held in the primitive structure of that period. 
The year that he came to this county saw him mar- 
ried to Miss Fidelia Chapman, who was born in the 
same neighborhood as himself, March 27, 1824. 
Her parents were William and Mary (Van Vliet) 
Chapman, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania 
respectively, who came to Micliigau in 1828, and 
settled in Oakland Township. Mrs. Chapman died 
in 1845 and her husband in 1862. They had nine 
children, seven of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hilton have had nine children : Levi B., who be- 
longed to the Seventeenth United States Infantry, 
died in Salisbury prison during the Civil War; 
Eunice B., widow of Richardson Hough, lives in 
Waco, Tex., and owns a large tract of land in that 
vicinity; Norman B. is a farmer in Wexford 
County, Tex. ; Norton D., Sarah E. and Ada are 
deceased ; Farin N. farms on the homestead ; Fred 
D. is engaged in agriculture in Pontiac Township, 
and one child, unnamed, died in infancy. 

Mr. Hilton enlisted in September, 1862, in Com- 



pany C, Eighth Michigan Cavalry, Col. Stockton 
commanding. He became disabled while on a 
famous raid and for some time was totally blind. 
When partial sight was restored he was put on 
detached duty and served until the close of the 
war, when he was mustered out at Lexington, Ky., 
in May, 1865. He had been conflned in Camp 
Nelson several months and during his army life 
served as Color Bearer and then as Commissary- 
Sergeant. His connection with the Civil War is 
commemorated in his membership in the Grand 
Army of the Republic. He votes a straight 
Republican ticket. He and his wife belong to the 
Baptist Church, he having been a member since he 
was twelve years old and she for over forty years. 
Their reputation is enviable and their friends are 
many and true. 



-}-^ 



>-f- 



OHN SUTTON, who is engaged in farming 
in Pontiac Township, was born in Yorkshire, 
England, February 3, 1817. When six years 
(^^ of age he removed with his parents to Pres- 
ton, in Lancashire. His father, John Sutton, Sr., 
was born in the same shire in 1792, and was a 
spindlemaker by trade. The wife of that gentle- 
man bore the maiden name of Nancy Swindlehurst 
and the ^ear of her birth was the same as his. He 
died in 1852 and she survived until 1869. Both 
held membership in the Church of England. They 
reared eleven children, seven of whom are now 
living, but only one besides our subject is in 
America. 

He of whom we write attended the common 
school until he was eleven years old, and then began 
to learn the trade in which his father was engaged. 
He followed it nearly forty years, and having be- 
come an expert, he had charge of as many as 
ninety men who worked under his direction and 
were paid by him. In this way he was able to earn 
good wages himself. He was married in 1839 to 
Miss Isabel Pomfret, an English lady, who was 
born September 17, 1817. To them were born 
twelve children, named respectively, James, Jo- 
seph, Jane Ann, Mary E., a second Mary E., John 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



>83 



and William, a second John, Isabel and Thomas. 
Josei)h, Jane, Mary E., John, William and Isabel 
are deceased, as are also two other children, who 
died in infancy unnamed. 

The eldest son, James .Sutton, came to America 
and established a home in Michigan. He served in 
the Union army through the Civil War and after 
its close returned to his native land, and was suc- 
cessful in persuading his parents to come to the 
New World. In 1866 our subject and his wife 
therefore set sail and reaching this county bought 
land on section 6, Pontiac Township. Here they 
have since made their home, pursuing a course of 
honest industry, and kindly, unassuming habits. 
The estate on which thej' live consists of one hun- 
dred and fifteen acres of choice land, and bears the 
necessary buildings. Mr. Sutton has always been 
a hard-working and industrious man, and liis wife 
has borne her share in the efforts to advance their 
fortunes by her good management and encourag- 
ing words. They have twenty-two grandchildren 
and eight great-grandchildren. 




ILLIAM STP:PHENS is one of the promi- 
nent citizens of Milford and one of its 
best-known dealers, his trade being in grain 
and produce. He is a native of the Emerald Isle 
and comes of families of the better class — land- 
owners and people of education and good breed- 
ing. His grandfather, Michael Stephens, was Ser- 
geant and recruiting officer in the Yeomanrj' corps. 
He was remarkable for the strength of his voice, 
which could be heard a mile and a quarter. He 
was (irand Master of Masonry and his occupation 
was that of a gentleman farmer. His grandfather 
was a native of Coventry. England, and established 
the family line in Ireland in 1690. 

John Stephens, father of our subject, was born 
in County Armaugh, and after his marriage estab- 
lished himself in Cross Maglenn. He was a shoe- 
maker by trade. In 1842 he determined to come 
to America and with his wife and four children he 
sailed from Liverpool on the "Ayrshire." He 
landed in Quebec after a voyage of eleven weeks 



and came direct to this county. One of the chil- 
dren died on Lake Erie. Mr. Stephens worked at 
his trade some j'ears and finally bought a farm'of 
one hundred acres in Commerce Township. He 
died there in 1884 when in his seventy-ninth year. 
Politically, he was a Democrat, and personally a 
liberal, generous-hearted man. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Hale, and she, too, was the descendant 
of a family that had lived in Ireland for several 
generations, but which sprang from England. She 
is still living on the homestead in Commerce 
Township with a son. She is now in the eighty, 
fourth year of her age. She is a devout member 
of the Methodist K[)iscopal Church. Her father, 
Richard Hale, lived to the remarkable age of one 
hundred and two years and was never sick a day; 
he was a well-to-do farmer in Ireland. 

William Stephens, who is the second in a family 
of ten children, six of whom grew to maturity, was 
born in Cross Maglenn, County Armaugh, Ireland, 
December 29, 1837. The first incident of unusual 
importance in his life was the p.issage to America 
during his childhood. He grew to maturity in 
this county, attending the district school, which 
was carried on under the rate-bill system, and 
where he used quill jiens and read from the Ele- 
mentary Spelling-book and the New Testament; he 
had a decided taste for mathematics and made that 
study his hobby. At an early age he was set to 
work on the farm and there he remained, helping 
his father until after he had attained his majority. 
When twenty-five years old he began work at the 
carpenter's trade and in 1864 he spent six months 
in the Government employ as a carpenter at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., whence he came home, and the next 
year he went to the oil regions, where he and his 
brother Nicholas bored for oil and made 145,000 
but lost it in other speculations. "The brother died 
and William came home willi the corpse and then 
engaged in carpentry in Commerce Township. 
Eight years were devoted to the trade there and 
two years in Milford, ami Mr. Stephens then began 
buying and shipping grain. He has been success- 
ful in this enterprise and it is one in which his fac- 
ulties are well exercised. 

In Commerce in 1870 Mr. Stephens was married 



584 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to Miss Mary Laiigiirey, a natire of tbat place and 
daughter of early settlers here. Her parents, Will- 
iam and Margaret Laughrey, were born ia Scotland, 
and having emigrated, settled in Commerce in 1833. 
Mrs. Stephens is a woman of intelligence, skill in 
domestic arts, and kindly nature. She has two 
children — Nicholas and Lela Vesta, the former of 
whom is in the Class of '91 in the Milford High 
School. 

Mr. Stephens belongs to the Blue Lodge and 
Chapter of the Masonic order in Milford, and to 
the lodge of the Good Templars. His political 
allegiance is given to the Democratic party. He is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, holds 
the ofHce of Trustee and has been a member of the 
building committee and otherwise prominent iu 
forwarding its interests. He is a man of more than 
ordinary intelligence, keeping himself informed on 
all events of general interest, and many things not 
commonly conversed about, and has a wonderful 
memory, so that his extensive reading is not lost. 
In disposition he is jolly and good-natured, and he 
is one of the best of companions. 



-i i i O 



^ OSEPH JACKSON, a farmer on section 6, 
White Lake Township, is a citizen of enter- 
prise and standing in the community. He 
is ever interested in matters of public im- 
portance. He with his good wife is an active mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, where he has been 
the Superintendent of the Sunda^'-school for five 
years. He has been a Republican until quite re- 
cently, and for two years past has voted the Pro- 
hibition ticket. Both he and his wife are intelli- 
gent and cultured, and at one time he was a teacher. 
Our lubject is. a son of George Jackson, who was 
born in England. To him and his wife Ann 
(Moore) Jackson were born the following children: 
Joseph, Alice C, Caleb G. Alice is now Mrs. C. 
W. Crawford, and resides in Southfleld Township. 
Caleb G. also resides on a farm in the same town- 
ship. Their father came to America about 1848 
and settled in Wayne County, where he lived two 



years before removing to Oakland County, his 
present residence. Here he settled on a farm of 
two hundred and nine acres. He is identiQed with 
the Grange, and is' wide-awake to tlie interests of 
farmers. Both he and his wife find their religious 
home in the Baptist Church, and his political con- 
victions are with the Republican' party. 

The subject of this sketch was born March 15, 
1850, in Detroit, and that same season he was 
brought to Southfield Township by his parents. 
Here he lived until 1880, when he moved onto the 
farm where he now resides. He worked his father's 
farm until he was thirty years of age. He was 
married in 1879, September 24, in White Lake 
Township, to Mrs. Josephine (Garner) Kellogg, a 
daughter of John Garner, a native of Sussex 
County, N. J. Her mother was Sarah (Coryell) 
Garner. To Mr. Jackson and wife have been born 
the following children : Leroy G., Carl F., Edna G., 
all living at home. His wife, bj' her previous mar- 
riage to Daniel Kellogg, had one daughter, Maud, 
who resides with Mr. Jackson. 

Mr. Jackson now owns one-half interest in two 
hundred and twelve acres. He is a breeder of 
Shropshire sheep, and has quite a flock on his farm 
at present. He is one of the Knights of the Mac- 
cabees, and belongs to Dresser Tent No. 160. He 
was educated in the common schools, and supple- 
mented this by attendance at Hillsdale College one 
year. 

IMEON AINSLEY, an industrious and 
progressive farmer living on section 10, 
Wiiite Lake Township, has control of a fer- 
tile tract of one hundred acres. This prcp- 
ert}' became his by trade, he giving in exchange an 
eight}- in another part of the township, where he 
had carried on his agricultural efforts for a time. 
Mr. Ainsley has been engaged in farm work from 
boyhood, and has a clear understanding of the 
means necessary to develop land and produce sat- 
isfactorj- crops. He was born in Pennsylvania, 
November 17, 1826, and was but a small boy when 
he came to this Stale with his mother and step-fa- 
ther, since which time he has lived in this county. 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



585 



The father of our subject was Mifflin Ainsley, 
who was born and reared in the Keystone State, 
and died there years ago. Ilis wife, the mother of 
Simeon, bore the maiden name of Ann Starner. 
She was a daughter of George Staruer, a native of 
Holland, who emigrated to Pennsylvania in an early 
day, and thence went to Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ainsley had three children — Harriet, Mary J. and 
Simeon. After the death of the husband the widow 
madeasecond marriage, wedding Jedediah Collins, 
to whom she bore five daughters and one son, 
named respectively, Phebe, Nancy, Lucy A., Eliza, 
Melissa and William. The mother died in this 
count3'. 

Since his boyhood Mr. Ainsley has been making 
a living for himself. His first purchase of land was 
in Waterford Township, where he had a tract of 
sixty acres on which he lived two yeais. He then 
sold it and came to White Lake Township, where 
he has since made his home, carrying on his indus- 
trious eflorts and pursuing the even tenor of his 
way as a reliable and law-abiding citizen. He is a 
Master INIason, enrolled on the rosier of a lodge at 
Waterford. Politically he has always been a Dem- 
ocrat. The only public office he has held is that of 
Highway Commissioner, in which he bore himself 
creditably. 

In Pontiac, on New Year's day, 1851, Mr. Ains- 
ley was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Rod- 
enbo, who was born in New York and was brought 
to this State when six years of age. Iler father, 
John Rodcnbo, was born in New Jersej', but went 
from his native State to New York in early life. 
When he came to this State he took up eighty acres 
of Government land in Oakland Township, subse- 
quently added eighty acres to his farm and later 
sold forty. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Hannah Swaj'ze, and their children were Christo- 
pher, John, William, Archibahl, Sarah A., Amanda, 
Amelia and Catherine. The mother of this fam- 
ily die<l in 1835, and tiie father subsequent!}- mar- 
ried Catiierine (Swayze) Simpson, a sister of his 
fiist wife. This union was blest bj' the birth of 
two children, Letilia and Abraliam. Mr. Rodenbo 
died in 1861, and his widow in 1878. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ainsley there have been born 
six children, who were christened Jerome, Edgar, 




Clarence, Florence, Alice and Grace. The two eld- 
est are deceased, and the rest are now established 
in their own homes. All live near their parents 
except Clarence, who resides in Grand Rapids. 



'f^^IRAM WALTON. Nearly a decade has 
passed since this respected man departed 
to "the bourne whence no traveler returns." 
He was one of those hard-working, indus- 
trious men who, beginning life with limited means, 
advanced to competence, and while securing finan- 
cial standing, he had also gained the esteem of his 
acquaintances. He was born near Rochester, N. Y., 
March 5, 1816, and was of English extraction, al- 
thougii his parents were natives of the Empire 
State. His father, Simon Walton, died about 1854, 
leaving a widow who survived him some years. 
Tlie family came to this county in 1832 and set- 
tled in Orion Township. Our subject was then a 
youth of sixteen years. He had received his pre- 
liminary education in the district schools of his 
native State, and continued to acquire knowledge 
as opportunity afforded after coming West. 

Mr. AValton remained at home and gave his ser- 
vices for the good of the family until he was 
twenty-six years old, when he launched out for 
himself. His father gave him eighty acres of land 
on section 1, Pontiac Township, which he cleared 
and improved, and upon which he lived a number 
of j'cars. In 1873 he sold the propert}- and bought 
instead a fine tract of laud on section 14, whicli 
he brought to a high state of cultivation. He built 
thereon a large, handsome farmhouse, substantial 
barns and other structures, and made sucli arrange- 
ments for the proper carrying on of his work, and 
the comfort of his family, as mak« the estate one 
of the best in the neighborhood. The well-fur- 
nished house, around which are manifest the refln- 
iug touches of a woman's hand, is still occupied 
by the widow and her daughter, Augusta. 

In 1842 Mr. Walton was married to Miss Debo- 
rah Lewis, a native of Eric County, N. Y., born 
June 17, 1816. She is a daughter of Michael and 
Betsey (Spooner) Lewis, natives of New Jerse}' and 



586 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Vermont respectirel}-, and earlj settlers in this 
State. Mr. Lewis serTed in the War of 1812; he 
died in 1849, but his wife lived until 1880. Four 
of their nine children still survive. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Walton there came four cliildreu who were 
named respeotivelj', Jannette, Augusta, Charles and 
Ida. The first and last named are deceased. Charles 
married Miss Edna Lessiter, and has two children 
— Hiram and Hazel. He is an intelligent young 
man, progressive and prosperous, and has charge of 
the homestead, the one hundred and ninety acres 
of which he is using to good advantage. 

In his political views the late Mr. Walton was in 
S3'nipathy with the Democratic party. He served 
as Juslice of the Peace sereral j^ears, and in that 
official capacity did much to advance good princi- 
ples and cultivate peace and order among the peo- 
ple. He died December 14, 1883. His widow, 
although quite advanced in years, is more active 
tlian many of her age, and takes a warm interest in 
the welfare of those around her. 

^il? EWIS A. YOUNG. Among the well devcl- 
I (® ^'P^*^ farms in Pontiac Township is one 
jlLi^^ consisting of one hundred acres on section 
34, belonging to the gentleman above named. 
The soil is as productive as can be found in the 
township, and the buildings upon it are substantial 
and sutlicicntly numerous to answer every want. 
This property was purchased by Mr. Young in the 
spring of 1881, and since that time he lias made 
some substantial improvements upon it. He raises 
a variety of crops and good stock, the horses being 
especially fine. He raises the Morgan strain and 
has several roadsters that are notable specimens of 
the breed. ISIrs. Young has an ardent admiration 
for good equines and is an excellent judge of their 
merits. She is a fine horse-woman and keeps her 
seat on the back of a good traveler as well without 
a saddle as with it. She has had much to do with 
the proper training of the horses she rides, and 
sympathizes heartily in her husband's enterprises 
as a horseman. 

Mr. Young was born in Allegany County, N. 



Y., June 28, 1846. His grandfather, Henry Young, 
and a brother, came from Germany to this country 
and located in Tompkins County, N. Y.. where 
farming was carried on by him until his decease, 
early in the '50s. The family of grandfather 
Young consisted of fourteen children, thirteen of 
whom lived to maturity, and the eldest was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. Ephraim, the father of 
our subject, was born the j-ear that contest began 
and lived until the spring of 1884. He was the 
youngest member of the familj'. He was a Drum 
Major in the State Militia, served as Supervisor of 
his township, and was a prominent farmer and 
dairyman, well-known and highly esteemed. His 
wife was Phebe Burrows, who was born in New 
York in 1819 and is still living. Her father was 
Aaron Burrows of the Fimpire Stale. She is a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Of her four children one daughter died young, and 
a son, Aaron, who was a member of the One Hun- 
dred and Thirtieth New York Infantry, died while 
in the service, at Trevilian, Ga., Julj' 12, 1864. 

Our subject was reared amid the surroundings 
of farm life and early acquired a knowledge of the 
calling which he has pursued during most of his 
mature years. He had excellent educational op- 
portunities, first in the district school, and then in 
the high school at Alfred Center during four terms. 
He remained at home until he was of age, assisting 
on the home farm, and taught school three terms. 
He subsequently rented the old homestead, and in 
1876 purchased a part of it from his father. Thence 
he came to this State and county at the time be- 
fore mentioned and set himself to the further im- 
provement and cultivation of the fine tract of land 
he bought. 

Mr. Young was accompanied hither b}' his wife, 
formerly Mary Osmun, who was born in Cayuga 
County, N. Y., June 27, 1855, and became Mrs. 
Young, March 1, 1874. Her parents, William and 
Mary (Linderman) Osmun, were natives of the 
Empire State, but are now living in Pontiac, hav- 
ing come to this county first nearly a half century 
ago, then returned to New York, and in 1867 came 
back to Michigan. Mr. Osmun was the youngest 
but one in the family of thirteen children, all of 
whom lived to establish homes of their own. Mr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



587 



and Mrs. Youno; have one daughter, Pliebe A., an 
intelligent, quick-witted young lady, who does 
credit to the training she has received. 

Mr. Young has manifested quite an interest in 
public affairs, political and social, although he is 
not an office-seeker. He takes an active part in 
promulgating the interests of the Republican party, 
to which he has adhered since he became a voter. 
His religious home is in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He and his wife are well-informed, cor- 
dial and entertaining, and have many friends in the 
community of which they form a part. 



♦^^ 



^^' 




jEKJAMIN S. TREGENT, Cashier of the 
First National Bank of Pontiac, is a native 
f\58))|] of Liverpool, England, where he was born 
April 5, 1852. He is the eldest son of 
James and Susan (Shaw) Tregent, who emigrated 
to the United States when their son was but a few 
months old. James Tregent settled in Pontiac in 
the year 1855, and was immediately made agent of 
the Detroit &; Milwaukee Railroad, now known ai 
the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad. 
He was subsequently engaged in the produce busi- 
ness under the firm name of Smith & Tregent, in 
which he continued for a few j'ears. He then bo- 
came cashier of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Mil- 
waukee Railroad in Pontiac, and still holds that 
office. He is a gentleman well preserved in health, 
active and energetic. He reared a family of four 
children, namel^': Benjamin S. ; Jennie R.; Clara 
F., who became the wife of Charles Cash, of Du- 
luth, Minn., and died in 1888, leaving one daugh- 
ter, Fannie Cash; the youngest daughter is Louisa 
A. Siie and Jennie remain at home with their 
parents. Mrs. Tregent and her children are mem- 
bers of the Episcopal Church. 

Benjamin S., the subject of this sketch, was edu- 
cated in the common and High Schools of Pontiac, 
and being a close reader he has added largely to his 
fund of knowledge, and to-day we find him to be 
a man thorcnighly informed on leading business 
and other topics. He began his career as a clerk 
in the store of C. R. Mabley, where he remained 



for over five years. He then entered the First 
National Bank of Pontiac in 1869 as Collector, 
and subsequently became book-keeper and after- 
ward teller in the same bank. In 1886 he was 
made cashier of this bank, and he still holds that 
position. He is regarded as one of the shrewd, 
able and careful financiers of the county, and his 
ability in this direction has done much toward giv- 
ing this bank its recognized prominence in finan- 
cial circles. 

In 1882 Mr. Tregent was elected City Treasurer 
of Pontiac, and has held that position ever since, 
his frequent re-election attesting his efficiency and 
popularity with his fellow-citizens. He was also 
for a time Treasurer of the Oakland County Agri- 
cultural Society, and has held and still holds sev- 
eral minor positions. On May 25, 1881, he was 
married to Helen E., daughter of Hiram and Eliza 
A. (Sharp) Voorhees. They were old settlers of 
Oakland County, and both were natives of Warren 
County, N. J. Mr. Voorhees died some years ago, 
but his widow is living in Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. 
Tregent have two daughters. 

This gentleman deals considerably in real estate 
in connection with banking, and owns much valu- 
able property. He has a delightful cottage at 
Cass Lake, where the family spend a portion of 
each summer and where he delights to go fishing 
and hunting. He is a prominent Mason, having 
attained to the degree of Knight Templar, and is 
also a member of the Knights of Pythias and of 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politic- 
all3' be is a stanch Democrat. He is now building a 
handsome residence on Norton Avenue. 

— ^-=1^,-,= 9^- ■ 






LYMOUTH R. NOTT, a farmer on section 
28, Oakland Township, has made a good 
home and become the possessor of a nice 
property by the exercise of per.-everance 
and industry. He has had some hard knocks in 
accomplishing his purpose, having worked by the 
month in the summer until he could get a good 
start. He has one hundred and twenty acres of 
land, about one hundred of which arc under cul- 



588 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tivation. The farm bears good barns and other 
buildings, a thriving orchard, and a tasteful resi- 
dence, built seven years ago. 

The father of our subject is AVilliam Nott, who 
was born in England in October, 1822, and brought 
to America a few years later. His early home was 
in New York and he was married there to Miss 
Electa Cook, daughter of A. B. Cook, who came to 
this State soon after. Tliey came to Jlichigau in 
1855, selected Pontiac Township, this county, for 
their future home, and bought one hundred and 
forty acres of land there. Mr. Nott cleared about 
one-third of the property and was continuing its 
improvement when he died, about fifteen j'ears 
after his arriral. His widow is still living on the 
farm. The parental familj- includes besides our 
subject, Mrs. Edna B. Williamson, now deceased; 
Mrs. Olive German, whose home is in Bloomtield 
Township; and Stephen, who resides 'i Pontiac 
Township. 

Plymouth R. Nott was born in Pontiac Town- 
ship, November 15. 1856. When he had grown to 
manhood he married Hettie Lester, daughter of 
James Lester, who was born in Gratiot County, 
this State. This lady is the second child in her 
father's family and has two sisters and one brother. 
Mr. Nott is an intelligeat young man and has the 
good will of his associates. He votes the Repub- 
lican ticket and belongs to the Maccabees lodge in 
Orion. Mr. and Mrs. Nott a.e the parents of two 
children, Lester J., and Lillian E. 




' LBERT C. BLUMBERG, who resides on his 
fine farm on section 12, Southfield Town- 
ship, was born December 24, 1840. His 
father. George II. BUimburg, a farmer and 
carpenter, was born October 9, 1814, in New York. 
This gentleman was the son of Michael, a farmer,who 
was born in New York about 1790, and was in the 
War of 1812. Michael and his wife, Mary Ellsworth, 
were married about l<sl2, and were the parents of 
five sons aud two daughters, of whom George H. 
was the eldest. They came to Michigan about the 



3'ear 1828, and entered one hundred sixty acres of 
Government land in Royal Oak Township, having 
the deed signed by Andrew Jackson. 

When George H. Blumherg was about twenty 
years of age he started for himself by learning the 
trade of a carpenter, and became one of the first 
contractors in this part of the country, building 
many of the railroad depots. He built the Detroit 
depot of the Detroit and Michigan Ruilroad, and 
those at Pontiac and Birmingham. He also 
fenced the Milwaukee Railroad and was a great 
lumberman, and afterwards bought tlie old farm 
from his father. 

New Year's day, 1839, was a day of great note 
in the life of George H. Blumherg, as he was then 
married to Mary J. Jordan, the daughter of Benja- 
min Jordan, of New York. This lady was born 
December 5, 1818, and became the mother of sis 
children, two daughters and four sons. She passed 
away from earth July 7, 1871, and her husband fol- 
lowed her June 19, 1875. As his father was mar- 
ried three times, George II. Blumberg had some 
half-brothers, one of whom went into the arm}' as a 
private during the War of the Rebellion and never 
returned. 

In 1867 Albert C. Blumberg was united in mar- 
riage with Rachel E. Everets, of Royal Oak Town- 
ship. This lady was born July 15, 1846, and was 
a daughter of Miles and Ruth (McDaniel) Everets, 
who were natives of Massachusetts and members of 
the Society' of Friends. They came from New York 
State to Birmingham, where Mr. Everets is still liv- 
ing at the age of eight3--eight years. Our subject 
and his amiable and intelligent wife have been 
blessed with five children, as follows: Vinnie, born 
October 6, 1868, died August 23, 1869; Retta C, 
born November 22, 1870; Laverne C, February 8, 
1873; Jennie R., April 24, 1877; Florence E., 
March 22, 1880. 

The subject of this sketch enjoj'ed only common- 
school advantages an<l worked for his father till 
he reached his majoritj-. His father then gave him 
forty acres of land where he now resides, an<l be 
now has seventy-five acres here and five and a half 
in the town of Birmingham. He has been a Re- 
publican all his life, as was also his father before 
him. He is proud to say that his first vote was 




RESIDENCE OF A.C. BLU M BERG , 5EC. 12., SOUTH Fl ELD TR,OAKIAND CO., MICH 




-^G LAKE FARM" RES. OF CHARLES PEA RS A LL, SEC. 16 .BLOOMFIELD TR, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



591 




cast for Abraham Lincoln and bis last was for 
Benjamin Harrison. He has been successful in his 
financial concerns anil unlike many men of like ex- 
perience he has erer kept an open hand for the re- 
lief of the suffering, and is a prompt and generous 
contributor to all worthy enterprises. A view of 
the comfortable home of Mr. Blumberg appears on 
another page. 

- »^>g - 
' — ' ocii* ' — 

IIARLES PEARSALL, a farmer of Bloom- 
field Township, was born in the city of De- 
'] troil, Maj' 5, 1832, and is the son of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Hutchins) Pearsall. The paternal 
grandparents were Clark and Abigail (Sebra) 
Pearsall. The grandmother was born in New York 
State of English parents, and died in her native 
Slate. The grandfather was a native of the same 
Slate and resided in Floyd and Genesee Counties 
until he came to Michigan in 1829. He settlec^with 
his family of eight children in Bloomfield Town- 
ship. 

The maternal grandparents of the subject of this 
sketch were Daniel and Polly (Molt) Hutchins, who 
came from New York Stale to Michigan in 1829 
and spent the remainder of their days here among 
tiieir children. Our subject's father and two broth- 
ers, George and William, took up a tract of land 
from the Government in the township of Bloom- 
field, this count}-, in 1829. This land, which now 
comprises the farm owned by William M. William- 
son, was afterward sold and a tract bought from the 
State which comprises the farm now occupied by 
our subject. 

Samuel Pearsall was a farmer in comfortable cir- 
cumstances. When he came to this county it was 
an unbroken wilderness and no roads opened up. 
A few sbaiities and an Indian trading post stood 
where is now the city of Pontiac. He was a Dem- 
ocrat until the organization of the Republican party, 
when he joined his political fortunes witli that of 
the new organization, for which he earnestly 
worked, yet never sought office. He and his wife 
were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and took an active part in church work. 
He died in 1877 at the age of sevent3'-eight years. 



His wife completed her eighty-fourth year and de- 
parted this life in 1888. 

The parents of our subject had eight children, 
namely: Jane, Marvin, Thomas, Charles, Margaret, 
George, Electa and Abigail. Our subject was the 
fourth child in this family and lie was reared on 
the farm where he now resides. He has a farm of 
one iiundred fifty-eight acres and his present resi- 
dence is located on the bank of Long Lake and it 
has one of the finest locations and most beautiful 
views in the county. It lies three miles south of 
Pontiac on the Franklin road, and is represented 
by a view on another page. Mr. Pearsall's political 
views accord with the principles of the Republican 
party. 

January 22, 1863, was the wedding day of Mr. 
and Mrs. Pearsall. That lady bore the maiden name 
of Anna Gilson, and her home was in Mendon, 
St. Joseph County, Mich. She was born in Craw- 
ford County, Pa., March 20, 1848, and is a daughter 
of Gideon and Lucy IM. (Landen) Gilson, both na- 
tives of Pennsylvania who came to Michigan in 
1853 and settled in Berrien Count}', where the 
father still lives. Some years since he was bereaved 
of his wife. Our subject and his wife have had 
eight children, namely: Ada B., Nellie J., Fred, 
Ola, Frank P., George, Samuel and Mary. All ex- 
cept 01ft are living to cheer the hearts of their par- 
ents. Fred married Ada Weaver and lives at 
Oxford; Nellie, the widow of Eber Winn, lives in 
Bloomfield Township; Ada B. married Cyrus 
Evans, a sailor, and thej- reside in Port Huron. 



^AMES BEATTY, a prosperous farmer of 
Bloomfield Township, opened his eyes to the 
world April 1, 1826. He is a son of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Beatty, natives 
of Ireland. They came to America when young 
people and were married in Orange Count}', N. Y. 
They afterward went to New York City where the 
father followed engineering for a livelihood. 

In 1831 Samuel Beatty left the city with his fam- 
ily for the West, and located on a farm in what is 
i now the township of Bloomfield, this county, where 



o92 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



be spent almost all of the remainder of bis life. A 
short time before his death he moved to Birming- 
ham Tillage, where he and his wife died. He took 
up his farm from the Government. His first house 
was a little log shanty which he built on a spot 
which he cleared for it. Here he lived for many 
years. This old home and farm it now occupied by 
his son, Samuel Beatty . He was a poor man when he 
came to Michigan, but before his death was in good 
financial circumstances. His political views were 
those of the Democrats but he never took much part 
in politics. 

Eleven children were granted to the parents of 
our subject. They were James, John, Mary, Maria, 
Margaret, William, Elizabeth, Mathew, Sarah, El- 
len and Samuel. All of these have passed from 
earth with the exception of our subject, Maria and 
Samuel. Maria is the wife of Robert Kyle, of 
Sarinac, Ionia County. 

When our subject was five years old he came 
from New York City to the town of Bloomfield. 
He received only a limited common school education 
but had thorough training on the farm. He re- 
mained with his father until he reached the age of 
twenty- nine years. He then bought a farm for 
himself which he operated until 1864, when he sold 
it, and buying the farm where he now lives, moved 
onto it. He has followed farming all his life and 
has been a resident of Bloomfield Township for 
sixty years. He started in life empty-handed and 
now owns a splendid farm of one hundred one 
acres which he redeemed from the wilderness. His 
commodious and capacious two-story frame resi- 
dence and his excellent barns are an ornament to 
the township. Everything about his place indicates 
thrift and prosperity. He also owns twenty acres 
within the corporate limits of Pontiac. He is a 
Democrat but has never been an aspirant for ofBce. 
In 1854 he married Miss Margaret J. Wallace, of 
Farmington, this county. She was born in Bloom- 
field in 1829 and is the daughter of Robert and 
Nancy (Crawford) Wallace, early settlers in Bloom- 
field Township. Mrs. Beatty died in 1858. 

In 1860 Mr. Beatty was again married, this 
time to Miss Almeria Devore, of Waterford, this 
county, where she was born in 1840. She is the 
daughter of John and Mary (Cole) Devore, who 



settled in Waterford Township in 1832. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Beatty are earnest and consistent members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have 
had four children. Their eldest, Edwin, died in in- 
fancy. Eldora is the wife of Myron D. Seaman, of 
Pontiac. ISIaggie is the wife of John E. Wiles, of 
Milwaukee, Wis., and William J., the j-oungest, is 
still at home. 



RSEMUS BEARDSLEE, one of the largest 
farmers and landowners of Oakland County, 
resides on section 13 of Independence Town- 
ship, where he has one farm of four hundred acres 
and near by another of two hundred sixty acres. 
He is one of the pioneers of this portion tff Oakland 
County, being the son of Aaron and Sarah (Fair- 
child^ Beardslee, and was born in Sussex County, 
N. J., October 24, 1825. 

The parents of our subject came to Michigan in 
the month of June, 1832, this being then a Terri- 
tory. His father settled in the wilderness and took 
up one hundred acres of land. But death called 
away the father in 1838, and this lad of thirteen, be- 
ing the oldest of the family, took upon his shoulders 
the care of the family and assisting his mother in 
farming. During a portion 6f this time he hired 
out at $5 a month and gave his wages to his mother 
to assist her in providing for the famil}'. The chil- 
dren were all small and he helped to clear up the 
farm and work for his mother until he was twenty- 
one years old. 

At the age of twenty-three years young Beardslee 
was married to Jane Hubler. She died in 1851 
leaving one child — John. In 1855 he was joined 
in marriage with his present wife, Clarissa Beards- 
lee. This union has been blessed b^' the birth of 
five children: Aaron, born January 6, 1861, is 
married to Nellie Green and resides on section 13; 
Estella, born June 20, 1858, married Isaac Voorheis 
and died in 1886; Elmer, born May 16, 1863; 
Susan, born March 4, 1866, married Sela Sherwood; 
and William E., born June 12, 1868. 

In early life Mr. Beardslee was prevented from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



593 



gaining an education. He went to school only 
seven weeks before iiis father's death and after that 
l)ereavement he was, of course, effectually pre- 
vented from attending school. His education is all 
of a practical business character, and by his close 
application to business he has secured a good share 
of this world's goods, and is now enjoying the com- 
forts of life. He resides on his home farm, but his 
two sons do the farming and he only oversees the 
general plan. In politics Mr. Beardslee is an old 
line Democrat and has filled all the township offices. 
He was Supervisor for seven years and has also 
been a Justice of the Peace for a number of years. 



\f] UDGE JUNIUS TEN EYCK. The legal 
profession lias many representatives who are 
not only well versed in professional lore, 
but whose minds are cultured in other Hues 
and who have shown their skill in many cases be- 
fore the court. An excellent representative of 
these legal lights is found in Pontiac in the person 
of Judge Ten Eyck, who has been located here in 
practice for well nigh forty years. He has devoted 
himself assiduously to the duties of his profession, 
has continually brightened his mind and refreshed 
his memory by consultation of the authorities on 
legal points, and by conversation with and observa- 
tion of others who were skilled counselors and elo- 
quent pleaders. Not only in legal circles, but in 
private life Judge Ten Eyck has a high reputation 
and counts his well-wishers by the score. 

The Ten Eyck family originated in Holland, and 
was established in America by Mathias Ten Eyck, 
who had two sons who emigrated in 1600. He set- 
tled in New York, tlien known as Amsterdam. One 
brother settled on the Jersey side of the Hudson 
River, the other up the Hudson in New York. Oiu- 
of these, who settled in New Jersey, is a direct an- 
cestor of our subject. The grandfather of Judge 
Ten Eyck bore the name of Jacob, and the f.nther 
was James. The latter was born in New Jersey, 
lilay 4, 1790, and was a prosperous farmer. He 
married Eliza Vanderhoef, a native of New Jer- 
sey, and a daughter of Cornelius Vanderhoef, whose 



ancestors came from Holland. Mr. James Ten 
Eyck and family came to Oakland County, this 
State, in 1835, and settled on Government land in 
Waterford Township. A goodly tract was cleared 
and improved, and substantial buildings erected 
upon it, and the family became known as prosper- 
ou.s and progressive. Mrs. Ten Eyck was boi n Feb- 
ruary 6, 1792, and died in June, 1819, when in her 
fifty-eighth year, and Mr. Ten Eyck passed away ten 
3'ears later. The family consisted of two sons and 
two daughters, and our subject and his brother 
Tenodor are the only survivors. The latter is now 
living in Chicago, III., and is upon the retired list 
of the regular army, in which he was a captain for 
many years. He was fighting on the frontier at 
the time of the massacre at Ft. Fetturman, and ilur- 
ing the Civil War spent fifteen months as a prisoner 
at Libby. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Monmouth County, N. J., February 2i, 182'), 
and spent his boyhood in his native State. Having 
come West with his parents, he continued his stud- 
ies in the High School at Rochester, where he made 
preparation for college, and he subsequently be- 
came a law student in the office of Wisner & Hos • 
raer in Pontiac. In 1852 he was admitted to the 
bar and at once opened an office in Pontiac, wliere 
he has remained, laboring zealously in the legal 
arena. He was elected Circuit Court Commissioner 
for two years and re-elected for a second term. 
During that time, by virtue of his office, he was 
Master in Chancery. He has served as Prosecu- 
ting Attorney four years, having been re-elected 
after having acted faithfully in behalf of the peo- 
ple, and he was appointed Judge of Probate to fill 
the vacancy, receiving his appointment from Gov- 
ernor Baldwin. 

Judge Ten Eyck was married January 12, 1858, 
to Miss Marion E. Seymour, daughter of John B. 
Seymour and Elizabeth Thompson. Her father was 
a distant relative of Horatio Seymour, of New 
York. Mrs. Ten Eyck was the first white child 
born in Brandon, Oakland County, her parents hav- 
ing settled there as early as 1835. She under- 
stands the art of making her home cosy and attrac- 
tive, and draws to it pleasant acquaintances and 
I warm friends. Mr. and Mrs. Ten Eyck have one 



594 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son, Harry Seymour, living, who is now in the pos- 
tal service on the Michigan Central Railroad be- 
tween Detroit and Chicago. 

Judge Ten Eyck has given considerable atten- 
tion to political questions, and. is a stanch Repub- 
lican. He does not confine his reading to profes- 
sional and political articles, but takes an interest in 
the discoveries that are being made, the historical 
events that are transpiring, and the opinions that 
are being advanced on various topics. He is a gen- 
ial, well-bred gentleman, and has excellent stand- 
ing among the citizens of Pontiac andviciniti". 




)EORGE W. OWEN. This defender of the 
Union during the late war has been for 
some time occupying and operating a farm 
in Pontiac Township. He has one hundred and 
twenty acves of good land marked bj' such improve- 
ments as are generally made b^' one who tills the 
soilin a well-settled country, and is proseeuiing 
his work industriously. His birthday, November 
5, 1833, was a memorable one, as on that day the 
Gunpowder Plot, by which the Ho.ise of Parlia- 
ment was about to be blown up, was discovered. 
Mr. Owen, having been born in Hampshire, Eng- 
land, and belonging to old English families, has 
special interest in referring to this incident. His 
father, William Owen, was a successful teacher and 
surveyor, and in his religious faith was a stanch 
believer in the tenets of the Church of England. 
He visited America in the fall of 1858, spending 
about a year here. His death occurred in his na- 
tive land in 1862. His wife, formerly Jane Gos- 
ling, visited America in 1854 and again crossed 
Hie Atlantic in 18G8 to make her home in this 
country. She died about two 3'ears later. She, 
too, belonged to the Church of England. 

The subject of this sketch is one of the three 
surviving children in a family of two song and 
two daughters. He received good instruction in 
the schools of his native land up to the time of en- 
tering his teens, and in later 3'ears has added to his 
knowledge by personal observation and the use of 
the means afforded by the press. He set out for 



America when fourteen years old, and was forty 
days in crossing the briny deep. He came West 
from the American metropolis and arrived in Pon- 
tiac June 6, 1848. For several years he was var- 
iously employed, being ready to turn his hand to 
any honest work by which he could make his way 
to^vard a competence. In the year 1851 he be- 
gan the trade of wagon-making and for three 
years his time and strength "were given to that 
occupation. He then began farming on rented 
land and continued that work until after the break- 
ing out of the Civil War, when, being in sympathy 
with the North, he entered the Union service. 

Mr. Owen enlisted August 6, 1862, in Company 
D, Twenty-Second Michigan Infantry, Col. Wis- 
ner commanding. He fought bravely at the bat- 
tles of Danville, Chickamauga, Wahatchie and 
Lookout Mountain, and had charge of an ammuni- 
tion wagon that took him into the thickest of the 
fight at Mission Ridge. Through the Atlanta cam- 
paign his regiment acted as headquarter guard 
for Gen. Thomas. He received no serious injury 
in his dangerous life, but had two hair-breadth es- 
capes from being captured. lie was mustered out 
at Nashville in June, 1865, after having done his 
duty as a loyal citizen of America, the land of his 
adoption. 

Since the war Mr. Owen has given his attention 
chiefly to agricultural work, but from 1878 to 1884 
he kept a restaurant in Pontiac, and for one year 
he carried on a hotel in Rochester. He was mar- 
ried in 1852 to Miss Sarah S. Harris, a native of 
this county, who lived but a few years after their 
union. She died in 1856, leaviug two children, 
William and John. In 1857 Mr. Owen became 
the husband of M iss Jane Harris, a sister of his 
former companion, and this union has been blest 
by the birth of four children, named respectively, 
George, Abbie, Sarah and Lillie. The parents of 
Mrs. Owen were Elisha and Orpha (Howe) Harris, 
natives of Vermont and New York respectively, 
who were among the first settlers in Pontiac Town- 
ship. They came to this State in 1821, and Mr. 
Harris died after thirty years' residence here. Mrs. 
Harris survived until 1885, reaching a ripe old 
.' e. 

Mr. Owen is connected with the Grand Army of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



595 



the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He votes the Democratic ticket and has 
sometiiues been a delegate to conventions. He and 
his wife belong to the Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Owen is a clever, sociable man, to whom might 
well be given the title ''a tip-top fellow." 

~f OSEPH S. BAMBER, one of the progreisive 
."arnicrs of Highland Township, is located 
on a fertile tract of land on section 30. IIo 
is aOue t3'pe of the Englishman in his hered- 
itarj' traits, but by education and training is a tlior- 
ough American. He was born in Lincolnshire, 
February 4, 1835, and was but four years old when 
he accompanied his parents across the Atlantic. 
Since that time the ye.^rs have been spent in Mil- 
ford and Highland Townships, this county, and he 
is thoroughly in sym|)athy with the progress of this 
part of the nation and has been a factor in its up- 
building^. 

John Bamber, father of our subject, was the son 
of another Jolin, who spent his entire life ia Eng- 
land. The j'ounger of the name came to this State 
in 1839, and made his home in Milford Township, 
where he lived until he was called from time to 
eternity in 1882. His widow, who is now eighty- 
five years of age, still occupies the old homestead 
with a daughter. On com-ng to Uie county Mr. 
Bamber took up a farm of fifty acres, which was sold, 
and he subsequently purchased one hundred and 
forty acres. He was a member in good standing 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and with that 
denomination his widow is connected. Mrs. Bam- 
ber bore tlie maiden name of Susan Harrison. She 
is the mother of the following children: John, 
Robert, Joseph, Thomas, Ann, Susan, William, 
Harriet, Fanny and Warren W. 

Our subject was an inmate of his father's home 
until he was twenty-three years of age, and during 
those years he became practically educated and 
well versed in agricultural duties. At the age men- 
tioned he bought land, upon which he is still living 
and with an affectionate and efBcient wife took 
possession of the property. It consists of fifty- 



three acres in Highland and eighty in Hartland 
Township, and forty acres have been added bj' a 
subsequent purchase. It bears a complete line of 
farm buildings and a commodious residence, and is 
adorned with orchards and small fruits. Since 1877 
Mr. Bamber has paid considerable attention to rais- 
ing Spanish-American Merino sheep, and he has 
taken many premiums at Sta;.e fairs and other ex- 
hfbitions. Twice he carried off the blue ribbon 
from Detroit, and at Jackson and Saginaw he has 
won his share of prizes. 

On November 4, 1857, Mr. Bamber was married 
to Sarah A., daughter of Noah P. and Elizabeth W. 
(Hyde) Morse. The bride's father was born in 
Norwich, Conn., in 1807, and came to this State in 
1833, establishing his home in thij county, where 
he remained until called hence, March 2G, 1887. 
He was married April 1, 1832, in his native State, 
and during bis early pioneer work here was encour- 
aged and aided by his good wife. She did not lire 
to see the full result of their efforts, but died in 
1845, leaving two children, Sarah and Mary E. 
May 22, 1 845, Mr. Morse made a second marriage, 
wedding Elizabeth Prior, a native of Massachu- 
setts, but at that time a resident of Milford Town- 
ship, th's county. This wife died in the year 1876. 
He was a member of the Baptist Church, and 
was Postmaster in Highland Township for many 
years. He was the first Assessor here, and at a 
period when his work covered six townships. When 
his daughter Sarah was married he sold the one hun- 
dred and thirt3'-three acres of land he possessed, to 
her husband, taking a life lease on the undivided 
half. Mr. Morse was a very well-bred man, was a 
life-long student, and had a better education than 
many, the curriculum he studied having included 
several languages. He was very radical in his po- 
litical views, and always supported the Republican 
ticket. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bamber have had four children, 
who were named respectivelj', Herbert, Albert M., 
Mary E. and Sherman L. The eldest son was 
graduated from the Agricultural College at Lan- 
sing in 1881, and since 1883 has been in the employ 
of the Government as a Civil Engineer. After his 
graduation he entered the service of a railway com- 
pany in Utah, and then put in a year at the Michi- 



596 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gan University, studying for his profession. He 
next became an employe on the Wabash River un- 
der Maj. Smith, and thence went to Western Vir- 
ginia near Greenboro, for one summer. On the 
Ohio River he was in an engineering force under 
Col. Merrill, and be then went to Baltimore, where 
he had charge of the construction of the Mosquito 
Inlet Lighthouse on the east coast of Florida and 
spent three years. Since that time he has been Su- 
perintendent of Lighthouse District, iS'o. i, with his 
headquarters at Philadelphia. The daughter is now 
the wife of Lesley A. Buel, to whom she \\«3 mai- 
ried in 1887, and resides in Minneapolis, Kan. 
Albert was completing his studies in the Agricult- 
ural College when stricken by a fatal illness, from 
which he died June 1, 1883; Sherman is also de- 
ceased, having breathed his last, December 29, 
1877, in Highland Township. 

I\Ir. Bamber is and always has been a Republi- 
can, and has tiiken an active part in local political 
affairs. He has been School Inspector several 
terms, and has held various township offices. He 
was formerly connected with the Grange and he is 
always interested in those movements which prom- 
ise to promote the welfare of society, and increase 
the prosperity of the community. He and his wife 
have a large circle of acquaintances, and their 
frieuds are many and true. 



->44>^^ 



LIVER H. P. GRIGGS is a well-known and 
influential farmer living in Avon Township. 
He is one of twelve children born to Philip 
P. and Rebecca (Cane) Griggs. With one excep- 
tion the children lived to years of maturity, and 
the one who passed away before attaining to man- 
hood was ten years old when called hence. Six 
are now living, all in New York except our sub- 
ject. The parents w«re born in Connecticut and 
New York respectively, and the one was of Welsh 
and the other of German extraction. Philip Griggs 
went from his native State to Vermont, and thence 
to New York in 1812. When the war began he 
was drafted and got in readiness for taking a place 



in the ranks, but before he left home word arrived 
that he was not needed, as "the fight was settled." 

The natal day of our subject was March 9, 1820, 
and his birthplace what is now Wyoming, but was 
then Allegany County, N. Y. He was christened 
Oliver Ilazzard Perry in honor of the famous naval 
commander, whose victory at Fut-in-Bay is a laud- 
mark in history. He was brought up to farm work 
and gave his services to his father until the land 
on which they were living was entirely paid for, 
then get out in life for himself. He first operated 
rented land, then bought a farm, and in 1865 carac 
to this State and located where he is still living. 
His home farm consists of one hundred and forty 
acres and he has a tract of nearly two hundred 
acres close by. He has the reputation of being as 
good a farmer as any in Southeastern Michigan 
and his advice is considered sound and reliable. 
His farm has been brought to a splendid condition 
of tillage and improvement and may well be called 
a fine propert3'. 

During the '40s Mr. Griggs came to this Slate to 
collect a debt and found it necessary to remain sU 
winter in order to succeed in getting the sum due 
him. He gave his attention to teaching during the 
winter and had among his pupils a Miss Lovina 
Kelley, to whom he became more attached than to 
the others, and whom he won for his wife. She 
was the daughter of Charles Kelley, a farmer in 
Lapeer County, who had gone thither in 1830 from 
Ogden, Monroe County, N. Y. She has shared 
the fortunes of our subject since October 19, 1845, 
when the}' became husband and wife. Tlie union 
has been blest by the birth of five children : Elle- 
sif L., wife of Franklin Bates, who is engaged in 
farming near Grand Rapids; Charles K., who is in 
the grain trade in Rochester; Albert G., wiio oper- 
ates a farm near his father's; Nellie, wife of Elmer 
Carlton, dealer in stationery and wall pajier in 
Portland, Ore.; and Jessie, who is now in Port- 
laud also. 

AVhile he resided in New York Mr. Griggs held 
various offices. He was School Inspector four or 
five years; Township Supervisor two terms and 
Justice of the Peace seven years. H« has been 
nominated for dififcrcnt positions in this State, but 
as he works with the minority he has not been 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



597 



elected, Democracy being the prevailing politics in 
his township. He is a Stanch supporter of Repub- 
lican principles and sure that they are best adapted 
to the needs of the people and that through them 
the country will rise more rapidly than otherwise. 
Mr. Griggs is a man of more than ordinary intelli- 
gence, has excellent judgment and is withal cour- 
teous and agreeable. His counsel is much sought 
and his opinions on matters of general interest are 
considered worthy of the careful tliought of others. 
He comes of a long-lived family, the youngest of 
the brothers and sisters being now sixty-five years 
old, three having passed their threescore years and 
ten and two being more than four-score. His father 
died in his eighty-fifth year and his mother lived 
to be sixty-six. 




- . LFRED WEBB, proprietor of Webb's Par- 
'Jl lor Meat Market in Pontiac, established his 



business in 1867. He has prospered in 
worldl}' affairs and hag a nice property, 
consisting of a neat little farm of twenty acres and 
a fine brick residence of modern architecture on 
one of the pleasantest streets of the city. He was 
born iu Berkshire, England, January 18, 18'42, and 
was the eighth in a familj' of ten children born to 
William and Caroline Webb, both of whom passed 
their days in their native land. The father was a 
carpenter and builder. Alfred attended school in 
Berkshire up to his eleventh year, when he was var- 
iously employed until he decided to seek his for- 
tune in America. 

Bidding adieu to the land of his birth young 
Webb crossed the Atlantic to New York City, 
whence he came direct to Pontiac iu the summer of 
1862. Soon after his arrival he was employed by 
the firm of Fox &. Smith, commission dealers, with 
whom he remained about two years. The ensuing 
year was spent in the employ of Joseph Thorpe, 
who was engaged in the butchering business, and 
during that period Mr. Webb became familiar with 
all the departments. In 1867 he started in the 
business on bis own account, forming a partnership 
with Albert Jeffrey, under the firm name of Jef- 



frey & Webb. The partnership lasted twelve 
months, when the associates divided the stock and 
Mr. Webb continued the business. He owns a 
building 20x90 feet and two stories high, with an 
ice-house in the rear on Saginaw Street, No. 10, and 
has a large room iu which to cut his meats, which 
is fitted up with all the latest appliances. He also 
supplies his market with ice from his own ice- 
house. He packs nearly all his meats for home 
trade. He has a large run of custom, gained by 
his long acquaintance with the people and his hon- 
orable dealings with his patrons. 

The first wife of Mr. Webb was Eliza Rose, who 
was spared to hira but four years. She left two 
children — -George and Emma — the latter now the 
wife of John Whitfield, of Pontiac. The lady who 
now presides over Mr. Webb's home was born in 
England, but at the time of their marriage was re- 
siding in Pontiac. She bore the maiden name of 
Harriet Green. This union has been blest by the 
birth of four children, three now living, named re- 
spectively, Giles A., Edith H. and William P. Mr. 
Webb has served two terms in the City Council, 
representing the second Ward, and he is now a 
member of the Board of Water Commissioners. 
Politically he is a stanch Democrat and a firm be- 
liever in tariff reform. Socially he is a member of 
the Knights of Pythias. 




HARLES E. LOVEJOY. Prominent among 
the business men of Milford is Mr. Lovejoy 
wlio is engaged in the grocery and crockery 
business, and has other interests of importance. 
The brick block in which he carries on bis trade 
was built in 1880 and is large and commodious, 
with a lodge room above, while the shelves of the 
store are well supplied with the best goods. Mr. 
Lovejoy has a farm of eighty-six acres on section 3, 
where all necessary improvements have been made, 
but he has only a general oversight of the place, it 
being operated by a renter. He owns another store 
besides the one he occupies. 

Mr. Lovejoy is descended from an old Eastern 
family, and Washington County, N. Y., was the 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



birthplace of his father, Matthew Lovejoy. That 
gentlemau was but a boy when he came to this 
State, ami for some time he was engaged in farming 
in this couutj'. In 1870 he entered upon a mer- 
cantile career in Jlilford and after a time took his 
803, C. E., in as a partner. He died in September, 
1881, at the age of fifty-seven years. His father 
also spent his last years here and died at the ripe 
age of eighty-seven. Matthew Lovejoy married 
Ann McCall, a native of Scotland and d.iughter of 
Duncan McCall, an early settler in Highland 
Township, this county. She had but one child, the 
subject of this notice, and died in 1854 when he 
was not yet two years old. The father afterward 
married Miss Betsey Eddy, who is now living in 
Fenton. 

Our subject, born in Milford Township, March 

20, 1852. gained some knowledge of farm life during 
bis boyhood years. He attended the district school 
and finished his studies in the High School at Mil- 
ford and when thirteen years old began clerking 
for his father. After four years of business life 
he became a member of the firm of Lovejoy & 
Son, which carried on business successfully until 
the death of the senior member, since which time 
affairs have been pushed by our subject along. 
Mr. Lovejo}' possesses fine business qualities and 
manages to keep himself very busy with the enter- 
prises before mentioned and the insurance business, 
collecting and conveyancing. He has been very 
successful as a grocerj' dealer, partly by reason of 
the pleasing address which makes him a general 
favorite. 

At the bride's home in Milford, in 1874, Mr. 
Lovejoy was married to Miss Mary Gregg, who 
was born in Wayne County, this State, February 

21, 1856. The pleasant home has been made still 
more attractive by the coming of five children, 
named respectivel}' Bessie, Arthur, Scott, Earl and 
Beulah. Mr. Lovejoj* has been Justice of the 
Peace four years and Notary Public for twelve 
ye.'irs. He has been engaged in the insurance 
business since 1878, and represents six fire insur- 
ance companies. He has long been one of the 
Directors of the Milford Fair Associ.ition. He has 
been in oflBce since he was twenty-two years old, 
having served as Township Clerk for a long time, 



Trustee six )'ears, and is now filling his second term 
as President of the Village. He is interested in 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, the Royal 
Arcanum and tiie order Tonti. He is Secretary of 
the Masonic lodge and has been for five years, 
has three times represented his associate Odd Fel- 
lows in the Grand Lodge, and been Regent in the 
Arcanum and Treasurer of the Tonti. In politics 
he is a Democrat, has been delegate to county and 
State Conventions and a member of the County 
Central Committee. He is now erecting a house 
of modern style of architecture for a famih' resi- 
dence in the village of Milford. 




ILAS H. DOUGLA.SS. There are many 
pleasant farm homes to be seen in Avon 
Township, any one of which a man may 
well be i)roud to own. Among these fine 
places is that of Mr. Douglass, whose well-tilled 
fields, substantial fences and commodious farm 
buildings betoken thrift and good management and 
give promise of a prosperous career. The estate 
consists of eighty acres, favorably located and 
especially adapted to stock-raising. Mr. Douglass 
makes a specialty of fine sheep and has some full- 
blooded Shropshires and other fleece-bearers of 
high grades which are well worthy the inspection 
of those who are interested in stock. He has also 
high grades of cattle, chiefly Short-horns. 

As the patron}' mic indicates, Mr. Douglass is of 
Scotch descent. His parents, Samuel and Phehe 
(Hopkins) Douglass, were born in New Jersey and 
his father always lived in that State. He died Jan- 
uary 9, 1853; his widow died at the home of our 
subject, August 30, 1882. The parental family 
comprised ten children, but three only remain on 
earth — Silas H., Ebenezer and Emily. The last 
two named are living in Pontiac. Silas Douglass 
was born in Morris County, N. J., November 3, 
1839, and up to the age of fourteen j'earg lived on 
a farm in his native count}', his father being an 
agriculturist. On the death of that parent he went 
to Bureau County, III., where be did farm work 
with his brother for a few years. In January, 1857, 





r/ 



//^\^^^-e^^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



GOl 



he came to this county and located on the farm 
that lie afterward purchased. It belonged to a 
widow, Mrs. Corwin, and Mr. Douglass operated it 
in her interest until 1865. Since he bought the 
l)hice he has continueil his systematic work with 
' good results. 

Mr. Douglass was married February 21, 1872, 
to Amanda Haun, daughter of Philip Ilann, form- 
erly of New Jersey. The only child born of the 
happy union was a son, Samuel, who died in Jul}', 
1886, at the age of eighteen months. Mr. Douglass 
combines with his farming operations the insurance 
business, being Treasurer of the Monitor Insurance 
Company, a mutual societ}- of Oakland County, in 
which nothing but farm property is insured. lie 
is a Republican, faithful and unswerving. He be- 
longs to the Knights of the Macabees. He and his 
wife hold membership in the Metliodist Episcopal 
Church and wear their religion like an everyday 
garment, striving to do their whole duty and walk 
u|iriglilly. 




^.HILANDER EWELL. It is doubtful if 
Oakland County contains anotiier man of 
t?>- as advanced yer.rs as Mr. Ewell, who takes 
so active a part in the affairs of life, and if 
any, the number of such must be few. He is now 
in his tightj--th.ird year, and is hale and heartj-, as 
will be seen b}- a glance at his portrait on the oppo- 
site page. He looks after the business of his woolen 
mill, keeping bis own books, and doing much labor 
of a more physical nature. He has been carrying 
on the woolen mill almost a score of years and prior 
to that time was engaged in farming whicii he still 
conducts. He Las borne a part in the civil affairs 
of the sections in which he has lived and lias shown 
the same consideration for the public as he man- 
ifests regarding his own finances, endeavoring to 
avoid unnecessary expenditure and prevent ex- 
travagance. 

The Ewell name was established in America three 
generations before our subject, and its originators 
were from Scotland. John Ewell, the emigrant, 



lived to be ninety-four 3'ears of age, and his re- 
mains were carried to the tomb by four of his 
great-grandchildren, he of whom we write being 
of the number and the only one now living. The 
next in the line of descent was a second John, who 
also was born in the old country and was a sea- far- 
ing man. In the third generation was Peleg, who 
was born September 30, 1784, in the old Bay State 
and died March 3, 1860. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Clarissa Curtis and was a native of New 
York, in which Slate they established their home. 

Philander Ewell was born in Middlebury, N. Y., 
in what is now Wyoming but was then Genesee 
County. His natal day was March 3, 1809. He 
remained in his native place until he was of age, 
then came West and settled in Macomb County, 
this Stale. He crossed the lake to Detroit, on a 
steamer, at a time when but four boats were en- 
gaged in the carrying trade between the lake ports. 
Mr. Ewell was engage J ia fanning unlil 1869, when 
he removed from Macomb to this county and took 
charge of the w-oolcn mill. He is a [lainstaking 
and careful manager, who deals honorably with all 
and while endeavoring to advance his personal in- 
terests, does not forget that others have rights as 
well as himself and that their needs should be con- 
sidered and value given for that received. 

Mr. Ewell was married to Miss Lj-dia A. Wells, 
October 13, 1831, and had the companionship of 
that capable woman until October 17, 1865, when 
she was called from lime to eternity-. Of the union 
have been born nine children — James Nelson, now 
living in Macomb Count}'; Amanda Melvina, wife 
of Charles Bronson of Ston^- Creek, this county; 
Samuel 1)., deceaseil; Andrew Jackson, who lives 
in Clinton County; Mary, wife of George Ward, 
in Portland, lonin County; Sarah Ann, wife of 
Adoli)h Krolick of Detroit; Viola, widow of J.S. 
Crittenden, now living in Montana; George, de- 
ceased; and Alexander P., who died in infancy. 
A second marriage was consummated b}' Mr. Ewtll 
March 14, 1867, tlie bride being Mrs. Sarah M. 
Crittenden, who was bom January 5, 1810. This 
estimable woman shared his fortunes a decade, then 
entered into rest April 13, 1876. She was reared 
in the same county as her husb.ind and both at- 
tended school together in their j'outh. 



602 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



In political matters Mr. Ewell lias always affil- 
iated with the Democratic party. He was Super- 
visor teu years while living in Macomb County, 
and was a member of the legislature in 1855. At 
that time the sessions of that body were but forty 
days in length, the people being less extravagant 
iu legislative affairs than in these later days. Mr. 
Ewell is a member of the Universalist Church. 
He has twenty-seven grandchildren and nine great- 
grandchildren, of whom he is justly proud. 







,ICHMOND C.SIMMONS has one of the fin- 
est farms and farm buildings to be seen in 
Novi Township. It was roughly cleared 
I land when be took it, covered over with 
what~Michigan farmers call "cat holes." These 
have all been leveled over and filled and he has 
done an immense amount of hard work to bring 
his property to its present status. His residence is 
a large brick building, with handsome tiled roof, 
and it is elegantly furnished througliout. He has 
also a very good, large barn and his magnificent 
orchard of twenty-five acres is not only an orna- 
ment but an advantage to his farm. Rows of shade 
trees line the farm along the road, and he has all 
the modern outbuildings, kept up in good style. 
All his property has come from small beginnings. 
The father of our subject, Joshua Simmons, was 
born in Massachusetts in 1801. His wife was Han- 
nah Macomber and she was also born in Massachu- 
setts in 1807. They were married in New York 
and resided there until they came to Michigan in 
1826 and settled in Livonia Township, AVayne 
County on an unbroken farm. The patent for this 
land was signed by President James Monroe, and 
dated 1824. Here he built a log shanty with three 
sides of logs and one side left open was closed by a 
blanket. He slept with his goods the first night 
under a basswood tree and his wife slept at the 
house of a neighbor one mile away. He arranged 
with her that he would fire a gun in the morning 
to assure her of his safety as she feared that his life 
might fall a sacrifice to the wild beasts. Neighbors 
were very few but Indians were abundant and 



the only roads were Indian trails and the new paths 
laid out by the settlers marked by blazed trees. 
Tlie nearest mill was Pontiac, twenty-one miles 
away. He was a poor man and when he had 
paid for his land he had exhausted his moans. A 
former employer furnished him monej' for a cow, 
which he was to pay for when he could. 

This one hundred and sixty acres of land became 
the permanent home of Joshua Simmons, and here 
he lived for fifty-seven years. He increased his 
acreage in time and was for awhile quite a large 
landed projirietor. He was a tremendous worker 
and hewed the timber for the first mill in Farming- 
ington Township, also for the first grain barns that 
were erected in Livonia and Plymouth Town- 
ships, and for the first gristmill in the latter town- 
ship, lie cleared off one hundred and twenty acres 
of his homestead and manufactured much maple 
sugar. He killed many a deer and an occasional 
wolf, but had no trouble with the Indians as he 
treated them with true friendliness. His death 
occurred in 1883 but his widow still survives and 
makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Caleb 
Sprague, in Farmington Township. He was a gen- 
erous, open-hearted, open-handed man and was a 
stanch Democrat, and with his wife a member of 
the Universalist Church. They were the parents 
of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity 
and five of whom are now living, namely : our 
subject, L. W. Morell (widely known as Judge 
Simmons), Mrs. Sprague and Mrs. Springer. Their 
father atone time acted as Highway Commissioner. 
The subject of this sketch was one of the very 
first white children born in Livonia Township, 
Wayne County, where he first saw the light No- 
vember 18, 1827. He grew to manliood on the 
old homestead. His first school was a select school 
taught by his aunt, Mary Macomber. He also at- 
tended subscription schools and was a pupil in the 
first district school organized there. He remained 
at home until he was more than twenty-two years 
oh). 

The marriage of Mr. Simmons and Hulda L. 
Powers was solemnized September 5, 1840, by the 
Rev. Sylvester Cockrane, a pioneer Presbyterian 
minister of that region. Mrs. Simmons was a 
daughter of Ira and Amy (Lapham) Power. Mr. 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



603 



Power was a native of Farralngton, N. Y., where 
be was born January 3, 1799, and bis wife was 
born in Palinyra, N. Y., February "2, 1803. Tbey 
were married in New York State in 1824, and com- 
ing to Michigan in 1830 settled in Livonia Town- 
ship, A\'ayne County, and took up a section of wild 
land from the Government. He was a frail, deli- 
cate man and unused to hard labor, which, how- 
ever, he endured with great fortitude. He resided 
on his farm until his death, which took place Sep- 
tember 21, 1858. He gave to his sons ])ortions of 
his large farms and retained two hundred and forty 
acres. His widow now eighty eight years old makes 
her home with her son, E. L. Power, in Novi 
Township. She has pieced one luindred and twenty 
quilts since her seventieth birthday and has quilted 
most of them, some of them being remarkably 
beautiful. More than fifty of them are log cabin 
quilts containing over four thousand [lieces in eacii. 
She has remarkably strong faculties; she has been 
the motlier of eleven children, five of whom are 
now living, namely: Jlrs. Ada M. Lee; A. 1). 
Power, E. L. Power, Mrs. Simmons, and A. L. 
Power. They belonged to the Society of Friends 
but later connected themselves with the JNIethodist 
Epicopal Church and, as was natural with this 
training, Mr. Power was a Whig and later a Repub- 
lican. He was deeply interested in education hav- 
ing been a teacher himself and earnestly ])romoled 
the interests of the district schools. Mrs. Simmons' 
grandfatlier, Arthur Power, was the very first set- 
tler in Farmington Township, his land occujiying 
the ground wliere the village of Farmington now 
stands. He gave the name to the township and 
village and erected the first residence, the firs', grain 
barn, the first sawmill and the first store; lie was a 
very prominent man and took up over sixteen 
luindred acres and settled his sons upon a quarter 
section each. His youngest son William lives on 
the homestead and the remains of this notable pio- 
neer repose in the little (Quaker cemetery in Farm- 
ington. 

Mrs. Simmons was born July 29, 1830, and was 
six weeks old when brought to Michigan. Here 
she grew to womanhood and after attending the 
comnion-schoo 1 went to Xorthville two years to 
study in the select schools. I'revious to her mar- 



riage she taught school in Farmington township. 
After their marriage, which event occurred some 
forty years ago, this couple made their first home 
on the farm where they now reside in a little log 
hut of one room. About fifty of their one hun- 
dred and flffy-one acres were cleared and some 
rough improvements were made. They have now 
one hundred acres under plow and twenty-eight 
acres in an unusually fine orchard. Mr. Simmons 
built his present home in 1866 at a cost of $8,000 
and his large barn in 1883 at a cost of $3,000. Mrs. 
Simmons is fond of plants and is very successful 
in their cultivation, having a large and choice col- 
loetion of them. They have given to their chil- 
dren excellent opportunities for education. Their 
son William, born in 1851, married Hattie Shoe- 
smith, and lives in Novi Township. They have 
three children: William has been a teacher for 
years; the third son, Fred, born December 3, 1867, 
married Belle Sutton, by whom he has one child. 
They make their home in Novi Townsliip. One 
daughter died in 1866, aged eleven years and ten 
months, and a son, Morell, a man grown, was called 
from them by death in 1888; he left a wife and 
three children. The mother is a member of the 
North ville Presbyterian Church. Mr. Simmons has 
always been a temperance man. He votes the Dem- 
ocratic ticket but in local affairs casts his ballot for 
the man whose election he believes will do the 
most good. 



ANIEL KRESS LER is at the head of 
one of the largest business enterprises in 
Rochester and has been for almost a score 
of years one of the potent factors in the financial 
prosperity of the place. He is at present carrying 
on a planing-mill, sash and door factory, in which 
fifteen hands find eniph)yinent, and he also has lum- 
ber and coal yards. As the patronymic indicates, 
Mr. Kressleris descended in the paternal line from 
Scotch ancestors, and those who are familiar with 
the prominent characteristics of the various nation- 
alities would easily be convinced of the fact by 
noting his conduct. The earnest heed that he gives 



604 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to his affairs, the careful -way in which the 
details of the business are managed, and the 
strict integrity and justice which he manifests in 
his dealings with his employes and his patrons 
give evidence that the Scotch nature is not ex- 
tinct. 

The forefathers of Mr. Kressler came to Amer- 
ica during a rebellion in Scotland, and the man 
wlio instituted this branch of the family made his 
settlement in Bucks County, Pa. He bought three 
farms which he sold after the Revolution for conti- 
nental money and by reason of the depreciation of 
Colonial currency, he lost his entire fortune. He 
retrieved it somewhat, so that he was able to be- 
queath each of his two sons a good farm. The 
next in the direct line of descent was George Kress- 
ler and following him was Kli, whose early home 
was in Penns^'lvania, and who was engaged as a. 
lumberman in that State and in New Jersey. He 
lived to a goodly age, passing away in the spring 
of 1887, survived by a widow and eight children. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Mar}- Bouglier 
and she too was a native of the Keystone State. 
The good couple were living in Warren County, 
N. J., when their son Daniel was born May 21, 
1842. 

Our subject, prior to his twelfth year, pursued 
his studies in the common school in his native 
State, but he then went to Phildelphia and con- 
tinued his studies there until he was sixteen years 
old. At that age he became a student in Bethan}' 
Academy in AVayne County, from which institu- 
tion he was graduated in 1858. He l<>arned the 
trade of a millwright at Easton, Pa., and remained 
in that section, working industriously' until five 
years had elapsed. He continued to carry on the 
craft he had so thoroughly mastered, until 1874, 
when he engaged in the sale of lumber and coal. 
Two years prior to that time he had come West 
and located in Rochester. After a time he added 
the mill and factory to his enterprises, being one 
of those men who can carry on more than one 
trade and get satisfactory work out of those who 
enter their service. 

The marriage ceremony of Mr. Kressler and 
Miss Emma E. Ross was solemnized February 2, 
1873, and the^' have been blessed by the birth of 



six children, named respectively, Ida Belle, Harry 
E., George R., Charles S., Milly M. andjMary E. 
Mr. Kressler is a member of the Masonic order, in 
the work of wiiich he finds some outlet for his 
benerolent spirit as well as his social nature. In 
politics he is a Republican, although his first vote 
was cast for Stephen A. Douglas. He belongs to 
the Congregational Church, as does his estimable 
wife, and they have an honorable position in the 
society that is made up of intelligent and reputable 
people. 



iSp^IIEODORE DAHLMANN, Postmaster at 
iJT/^^ Rochester, is as fine a representative of that 
vii^ class of Germans who have become thor- 
oughly Americanized and are in full sympathy 
with the institutions of this countr}', as can be 
found in Southeastern Michigan. He is himself, a 
native of America, but his parents Frederick and 
Maria (Gievers) Dahlmann, emigrated from the 
fatherland in 1848. They were natives of West- 
phalia and Mecklenburg and were drawn hither, as 
were many others about the same time, because of 
their love of liberty and the too free speech of 
which the husband had been guilty. 

The Dahlmanns established their home in Queens 
County, N. Y., but after a few years removed to 
Boston, Mass., and later lived in Newark, N. J. 
Mr. Dahlmann came to this State in 1858, located 
in Rochester and there continued to work at his 
trade — that of a jeweler, until his death. He passed 
away June 9, 1889, when he lacked but five days 
of being seventy-one years old. The mother of 
our subject was his first wife and her death took 
place in 1863. Their union has been blessed by 
the birth of three children — Theodore, our subject; 
Lewis, who is engaged in the woolen factory; and 
Fred, a farmer. The second wife of Frederick 
Dahlmann was Mrs. Caroline Muller, a German 
lady, who survived him. To them were born two 
children, Frank and Emelie. 

The gentleman with whose name these paragraphs 
are introduced was born in Queens County, N. Y., 
February 29, 1852. He worked at the jewelry 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



605 



trade willi his father at odd times while he was 
attending school, and in this way became a practi- 
cal and efficient workman. His education was ob- 
tained in the public schools of Rochester and he 
took the entire course of studj' upon the curricu- 
lum. He worked at the trade he had learned until 
July 3, 1889, when he entered upon his duties as 
Postmaster, a position to which he had been ap- 
pointed as a partial recognition of his services to 
the Republican part3-, but which he woukl not have 
received had he not been recommended for quali- 
ties which fitted him for the place. 

Mr. Dahlmann is a man of progressive ideas, 
combining with the sturdiness of the ancestral race 
that particular spirit that is commonly known as 
"young Americanism." He has been Secretary of 
the Agricultural Society of Avon Township, Oak- 
land Countj', six years, and manifests his public 
spirit in various wa^'S. There is no more loyal 
Republican to be met with in the county than he. 
He keeps himself well informed regarding all mat- 
ters of general interest, is social and friendly, 
and has a good reputation throughout the commun- 
ity. 



ALEB W. HORTON. A good example 
of persistent industry and good manage- 
ment and of the results obtained thereby, 
may be found in the life experience of Mr. Horton, 
of the firm of C. W. Horton & Co., dry -goods mer- 
chants in Pontiac. From one of the lower rounds 
on the financial ladder he has climbed upward un- 
til he now ranks among the most prominent mer- 
chants of the city, with a credit that is assured and 
enviable. In the establishment which he has in 
charge there may be found a full and well-selected 
slock of dry goods, carpets, oil cloths and notions, 
which are displayed and sold l)y a full force of 
competent clerks. In 18G8 he established a store 
here under the firm name of J. J. Green & Co. 
The present firm has been established here only 
since 1888, at which time Mr. Horton bought out 
.T. J. Green, but the experience of our subject be- 
gan some years before. 

The parents of our subject were Joseph and Al- 




mira (Marks) Horton, natives of New York, who 
grew to maturity and began their wedded life 
there. In 1832 thej' removed to this county and 
located in Farmington Township, where the hus- 
band operated two farms for a number of years. 
He died in 1876 in iiis sixty-sixth year, and his 
wife passed away abouta twelvemonth later. They 
had nine children, eight of whom lived to be adults 
and seven survive to the jiresent. Mr. Horton 
was a Republican and a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. The Horton family was estab- 
lished in America about 1736, when some who bore 
the name came from England and settled on Long 
Island. 

The gentleman whose life it is our purpose to 
outline was born in Farmington, this county, Sep- 
tember 2, 1842, and is the third son and sixth child 
of his parents. His early days were passed on the 
farm in the usual alternation of study and work, 
and he remained witii iiis parents until he was in 
his twentj'-first year. He then enlisted in Company 
D, Fourth Michigan Cavahy, having as his regi- 
mental commander Col. R. H. G. Mint}'. His en- 
listment was in August, 1862, and he was an 
integral part of the Army of the Cumberland. At 
the battle of Mission Ridge, in 1863, he was taken 
prisoner and sent to Richmond to be confined in 
the Pemberton Tobacco House. From that place 
of captivity he was transferred to Smith's tobacco 
warehouse opposite Libb}- Prison, where during 
the winter many of the captives were frozen to 
death. In Februar}-, 1864, lie was taken to An- 
dersonville, and in September of the same year 
removed to Milan, Ga. Thence he was sent to 
South Charleston, then to Florence, N. C, and 
finally to "Wilmington, where he was exchanged. 
After that happy event he was sent to Annapolis, 
Md., and furnished transportation to Camp Chase, 
at Columbus, Ohio, where he was discharged and 
paid off. 

Returning to Farmington, Mr. Horton began his 
mercantile experience as a clerk in the store of J. J. 
Green. Mr. Green selling his business at Farming- 
ton, the firm of J. J. Green & Co. was formed, of 
which Mr. Horton was a member, and business was 
commenced at Pontiac. The connection lasted 
three years, after which Mr. Horton sold out his 



606 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



interest in the business and went to Farraington. 
He carried on mercantile pursuits there until he was 
burned out, after which he returned to Pontiac 
and embarked in the retail trade with Mr. Green 
for three years; then sold out to Mr. Green and 
entered the employ of Edson, Moore & Co., whole- 
sale merchants of Detroit. In 1888 he again be- 
came a retail dealer in Pontiac. His store is No. 
38 North Saginaw .Street. 

March 20, 1869, Mr. Horton was married to 
Miss Lorctla M. Lee, a native of this county, and 
at the time of her marriage a resident of Farming- 
ton. She is the (laughter of Ralsman Lee. Her 
parents were natives of New York .and old settlers 
of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Horton have three 
children, who are named Roselia, Carl M. and 
Grace. They have been carefully instructed in the 
principles that shouht animate all true men and 
women, and every effort has been made to develop 
their mental poweis and fit them for usefulness. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Horton belong to the Meth- 
odist Ei)iscopal Church, and Mr. Horton is now 
Steward and was forraerlv Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school. He is one of the leading members 
of the congregation, ready at all times to aid in 
Christian work, and he possesses the genuine pub- 
lic spirit that leads him to take an interest in the 
upbuilding of the city. Politically, he is a Repub- 
lican, and socially, a member of Ponliuc Lodge No. 
'21'. A. F. it' A. M., also at the bead of the organi- 
zation of Foresters. He stands well as a citizen, 
and to all loyal men he is more endeared by the 
sufferings he endured while in bonds for his devo- 
tion to his country. 




DMUND L. GOFF. For more than half a 
century this respected resident of Avon 
Township has been a factor in the growth 
of this State and for nearly forty years he has re- 
sided where he now lives, a place located by a 
man known as Dutch Miller in 1819. His indus- 
trious and well-directed labors have resulted in the 
accumulation of property, and few men living in 
the vicinity can look back over a more successful 



career than be. He owns two fine farms and con- 
siderable property' in the town of Rochester, and 
for years has been engaged in money-loaning. His 
residence is supplied v.-ith ever}- comfort and many 
of the luxuries of life and every convenience for 
the perfect carrying on of the work done there will 
be seen upon the land. Mr. Goff is a thorough 
and skillful farmer and has an excellent reputation 
as a teacher, having devoted several winters to 
professional work. 

Mr. Goflf is a lineal descendant of a man whose 
eventful history is familiar to all students of New 
England annals, one of its incidents especially be- 
ing almost as well-known as the nursery tales of 
childhood. The man to wlumi we allude was William 
Goff, who was born in England in 1C07, and was a 
Judge during the reign of Oliver Cromwell. He 
was one of those by whom Charles I. was con- 
demned to death and for whom, de.ad or alive, a 
reward of £1,000 was offered by Charles H. He 
and his associate, Judge Whalcy, evaded the Eng- 
lish and made their way to America and for a time 
were secreted by a Puritan minister in Boston. 
Thence they were taken to Iladley where history 
tells of Goff's sudden api)earance in a strange garl) 
during an attack made b)- the Indians, who, thi. ik- 
ing him an angel sent to lead the whites, precipi- 
tately Bed. The two judges finally died on the 
banks of the Connecticut River, where they had 
long been secreted in what is still known :is the 
regicides' cave. 

Charles Goff, son of Judge William Goff, was 
born in Wales and came to Rhode Island about 
1700. In his family was a son Comfort, who was 
born in 1736, wns a soldier during the French and 
Indian War and also served in the Revolution. 
Three of his sons, Charles, Squire and Comfort. 
Jr.. also belonged to the Colonial Army. He re- 
moved to Western New York and died there in 
1811, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. 
One of his sons was Guernsey, who was born at 
Ilsddam, Conn., November 13,1766. He learned 
the trade of a jeweler and carried on tiiat occupa- 
tion in his native State. He also learned shor- 
making, ami in 1793 lost an eye by striking it with 
his hand whilst drawing a thread through a piece 
: of leather. The eye ran out and three years after- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



607 



ward the other was lost, and total blindness necessi- 
tated a cliange in Mr. Goff's occupation. lie became 
a cooijer and was pre-eminently successful at that 
trade and became known in Western New York, to 
which he removed in 1804, as the "blind cooper." 
He possessed decided mechanical genius, and made 
po<Jiet-knives, jews-harpsand other trinkets. B}' 
strict economj' and untiring perseverance Guern- 
sey Goff acquired considerable proi>erty. Ho was a 
member of the Baptist Church for over Ofty years. 
He died August 6, 1835, and was interred near the 
village of East Rush. His wife, Aseii,eth Brainerd, 
was born in Middletown, Conn., September 20, 
1772, and died in Rush, N. Y., July 1.5, 1825. 

To the couple above mentioned, while they 
were living in Monroe County, N. Y., a son was 
born .lanuary 6, 1817. He was christened Edmund 
L., and was the subject of affection and careful 
home-training. He came to this State in 1838, 
located near Flint, Genesee County, and engaged 
in the fur trade. In .Tune of the following year 
he returned to New York and selling land that he 
owned and had formerly operated, in Monroe 
County, he again came to Michigan with the inten- 
tion of making a permanent residence. For five 
years he devoted the winter months to school 
teachino', the field of his professional labors being 
Genesee, Macomb and Oakland Counties. This 
l)rofe9sion he had followed in New York in con- 
nection with farming before coming to this State. 
In 1810 he bought land in Shelby Township, Ma- 
comb County, and made that his home for several 
years. He finally sold the property and in April, 
1852, removed to this county, and established his 
home in Avon Township. 

March 31, 1844, our subject was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Lucy Bellows, who was born in 
Avon Township, May 8, 1823. She is the second 
daughter and fourth child of Ezra and Anna Bel- 
lows and her birth was among the earliest in this 
county. Her father was born at Bellows Fails, 
Vt.. March 22, 1786, and about 1817 removed to 
Genesee County, N. Y. Thence he came to this 
State in 1822 and died in Macomb County, March 
18, 1802. The mother of Mrs. Goff was born near 
Three Rivers, in the Province of Quebec, August 
1, 1793, and in 1803 went to Vermont to live with 



a brother. There she was married. She was of 
American parentage. She lived to be eighty-four 
years old but breathed her last June 8, 1878. 

The record of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Goff is as follows: Celia Ann, born in Shelby 
Township, Macomb County, January 6, 1845, and 
now the wife of F. B. Skrine, a manufacturer, of 
Providence, R. I.; Gustavus, born November 17, 
1846, was a member of Company H, Eighteenth 
Michigan Infantry and died in the army July 5, 
1862; Gilbert, born January 31, 1849, is now 
farming near Utica, this State; Charlotte V., born 
October 16, 1851, is the wife of William Powell 
and lives in Rochester; Ellen E., born March 20, 
1855, is the wife of Marshall Shoup, of Rochester; 
Eva A., born .January 7, 1859, died August 20, 
1873; Lewis B., born July 10, 1861, is operating 
the homestead. 

The sterling qualities of Mr. Goff have given 
him prominence and his influence is strong and ex- 
tended. He is decided in his likes and dislikes 
and in his expression of his views, but is willino- to 

give others the privilege he claims for himself 

•that of a frank expression of opinion with a reason 
forthe?ame. He voted for William Henry Har- 
rison in 1840, and was a Whig until the party was 
disintegrated, and since the organization of the 
Republican party ho has given it his faithful alle- 
giance. Mr. Goff and the wife who has been his 
cherished companion for many years are as well 
know as any residents in the eastern part of the 
county and number .is many sincere friends in their 
circle of acquaintances. Mr. Goff has been identi- 
fied with the Universalist Church for over fifty 
years. 

— ^— ^^ -^ ^ 

i>TLLIAM COTCHER. This gentleman is 
•jK one of the successful farmers of Pontiac 
'^ Township and his life affords a lesson 
of encouragement to those who begin their ca- 
reer without capital. He had nothing but the 
powers of his mind and body with which to under- 
take the battle of life, and he necessarily sawsome 
hard times while fighting for a place in the world. 
He now stands on a solid financial basis with a 



608 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



fine property, aiul occupies a well-regulated farm 
on section 1, consisting of two hundred and thirty 
acres of laud. lie has one thousand rods of tile 
on the eighty he first purchased. Tlie additional 
acreage was bought in 1881, and all is well devel- 
oped and well stocked. 

Mr. Cotcher was born on the Isle of Man, Oc- 
tober 6, 1827, and his parents, John and Isabella 
(Loonj') Cotcher, were natives of the same island, 
the one born in 1798, and the other in 1802. 
The}' emigrated to America when their son Wil- 
liam was an infant six months old, and made their 
home in New York for a time. In 1846 they 
came to this Slate and established themselves in 
West Bloomfield Township, this county. The 
father died in 1873, and the mother in 1888. 
Both lield niembersliip in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Tlicy had eleven children, seven of 
wiiom are now living. 

Our suliject received liis education in the dis- 
trict school, studying in New York and this State 
as opportunity offered. About the time he became 
of age he worked for Judge (ireen, of West Bloom- 
field Township, by the mouth for about a year, 
and then he took the job of clearing and breaking 
forty acres of land, which was part of a large farm 
bordering on Orcliard and Cass Lakes and owned 
by the Judge. He completed the work according 
to contract in four years, and he then spent another 
twelvemonths in the Judge's employ. lie has al- 
ways felt grateful to that gentleman for the inter- 
est manifested by him in the welfare, present and 
future, of his employe. Mr. Cotcher hoarded his 
resources in order to bu}' land, and as soon as i)os- 
sible secured eighty acres, which was at that time 
a thorough wilderness. Man}' hard blows were 
needed before the trees and stumps were removed 
and the soil under good tillage but, little by little, 
it was transformed into a well-improved farm. 

April 15, 1858. Mr. Cotcher was married to Miss 
Elizabeth MeCuUum, daughter of Archibald and 
Marj' IMcCullum. The daugliter was born in Scot- 
land February 6, 1838, and accompanied her par- 
ents to this countr}' in 1850, their home being 
made near Orchard Lake, in this county. .Mrs. 
McCullum died here in 1867, and her husband sur- 
vived until 1873. Our subject and his good wife 



have eight children, who are named respectively: 
Archie, William, Fred, Angus, George, Charles, 
Maggie and Ella. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cotcher be- 
long to tlie Baptist Church and are held in high 
esteem for their sterling qualities. Mr. Cotcher 
votes the Democratic ticket. For four years he 
has lieen Justice of the Peace. 



^^^ CTAVIUS ROBINSON, a farmer of Bloom- 
I III ^^'^^ Township, was born in White Lake 
^^Jf^ Township, this county, October 21, 1854. 
His father, Octaviiis, and his motiier Ann (Mills) 
Robinson, were natives of Lincolnshire, E^ngland, 
where the fatiicr was born in 1815. Thej' came to 
America in 1840, and settled in Oakland County, 
and for about four years the father worked out by 
the month, lie then bought a farm in White Lake 
Township, and there spent the remainder of his 
jcars. He had no means when he came here, but 
by judicious investment and frugal industry, ac- 
quired an estate worth 123,000. Both he and his 
excellent wife were devout members of the Epis- 
copal Church. He held several town offices, and 
was a Democrat in his political views. His death 
took place. May 19, 1871, and his wife survived 
him until May 5, 1873, when she died at the age 
of fifty-nine years. 

This worthy couple had only two children; our 
subject was the j'ounger; his sister, Rosamond, was 
born May 3, 1841. and became the wife of John 
Walls, now deceased, of Orchard Lake, this count}'. 
By him she became the mother of eight children. 
She is now the wife of Benjamin Johnson, of Santa 
Rosa, Cal. Our subject was reared on his father's 
farm in While Lake, this county, and received 
a common-school education. Farming has been his 
principal occuiiation, although for about a year he 
eugaged in the mercantile business at Waterford. 
He remained on the old home until the death of his 
parents, when the place was sold. He then removed 
to Pontiat; in 1888 and a few months later bought 
his present farm of ninety-nine acres, and moved 
onto it in October the same year. He was educated 
in the Pontiac schools, and Bryant & Stratton's Com- 





^ 




aJ^/yu^?^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



611 



inercial College at Detroit. He is keeping blooried 
slocic and is gradually turning his attention in tliat 
way, and will prohablj' make it his specially. 

Mr. Robinson was united in marriage, .lune 2'2, 
1876, with Miss Abigail Windiate, who was born 
in Bloomficld Township, this county, and is adai.igh- 
ter of David and Betsey (German) Windiate. This 
worthy couple are devoted and worthy members of 
the Episcopal Church. Three children have blessed 
their home, namely: Olive O., Lutie and Ross. Mr. 
Robinson is a Democrat in his political views, and 
is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, 
and the Royal Arch Masons. Also with the Knights 
(if the Maccabees. 






tiOBKRT GARNP:R. Among the leading 
Residents of White Lake Townsliip is the 
Zii \V\ sidiject of tliis sketch, whose portrait iS 
shown on the opposite page. He has now 
passed the limit of four-score years, and in a hale 
and hearty old age still continues his interest in 
the welfare of the world. He has in many wa\'s 
aided in imi)roving the community in which he 
lives, but has never limited himself to local mat- 
ters. He was an Abolitionist, and is now an earnest 
Prohibitionist, and hopes to live to see the day 
when strong drink will be banished from our 
country. 

Robert Garner is a son of Thomas, who in turn 
was a son of Thomas, a native of Ireland, of 
.•scotch descent, his fathei' having come from that 
country during the time of persecution. The 
father of our subject was born in 17.i6, and came 
to America in 1^01, settling in Sussex County', 
N. .1. During his twent3--four years' residence in 
that State the following children were born: Eliza- 
lieth, .lohn, Nancy, George, Robert and Jane 
(twins), Ann and Thomas. When quite advanced 
in years he went to Steuben County, N. Y., and 
lived in Putney for eight years. He then came to 
Michigan and made his home in White Lake 
Township. 

While in Ireland Mr. Garner was a manufacturer 



of fine linens, but after coming to this country he 
followed mostly milling and farming. AVhen he 
came to Michigan he took from the Government, 
in the name of his children, some six hundred and 
forty acres of iiiic land. He never owned any 
land in Michigan in his own name, but made his 
home with his son Thomas. He was engaged in 
the Irish Rebellion, and for three j'ears carried 
with him a document inciting the people against 
the British Government and urging them to set up 
one for themselves. He died September 2, 18.38, 
and was the first old person to be buried in White 
Lake Township. His wife, Ann Crawford, was 
also descended from the Scotch who fled their 
country during a period of persecution. She was 
born in Ireland iu 1770, and died in iMaj', 1861, at 
the advanced age of ninety -one 3'ears. 

Robert Garner was born September 2, 1810, in 
Ihudislon, Sussex County, N. .1. He removed 
with his parents, as before stated, to New York 
and Michigan, and upon coming to this State pur- 
chased two hundred and forty acres of land, but 
before settling upon it, returneil to Steuben 
County, N. Y., and secured his wife. She w.'is 
Mary K., daughter of Andrew and Mary (Ackin- 
son) Armstrong. The father was of Scotch de- 
scent anil the mother of German blood. The mar- 
riage of our subject took place M.iy 21, 1833. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Garner have been born two sons 
and nine daughters — Jane B., Margaret and Mary 
(twins), Mary J., Levina, Andrew, Ann, JNIattie, 
Charles C, Ada M. and Clarissa B. Four only of 
these children now survive. 

Our subject has added to his acreage from time 
to time, and at one period owned four hundred 
acres in White Lake, and owned altogether more 
than nine hundred acres. He is actively inter- 
ested in the breeding of Guernsey cattle. In 
early life he was a Democrat and voted for Presi- 
dent .lackson, but he became a Whig, and when 
the question of Abolition w.as agitated he went 
heart and soul into its merits, and voted that 
ticket until 1818. Later he voted for the Free 
Soil party, and joined himself to the Republican 
party when it was formed. He is alw.ays wide- 
awake to the interests of humanity, is an earnest 
promoter of temperance movements, and for fifteen 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



years he has been a Prohibitionist. He has never 
aspired to office, but has often been named for 
positions of trust. He was a eandidale for Sen- 
ator, and was also at one lime named for the Legis- 
lature bj' the Republican party. He is a Granger 
and a Patron of Industry. In his early life he was 
in the communion of the Presbyterian Church, but 
at present, although not adhering to any church, 
still cherishes his Christian faith, and is in favor 
of the union of all Cliristains. At one time he 
joined with Krastus Hopkins and his brothers 
Thomas and John Garner to build a union church, 
which was known as the White Lake Church. 
Since it has not been needed for religious meetings, 
it is used for Prohibition meetings. 

Tlie subject of tliis sketch has always been an 
enterprising man. He subscribed $1,000 to the 
Milwaukee Railroad, and was one of the Directors 
of the plank road to be built from White Lake to 
Novi, but this was nevei- completed. He also had 
stock in the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad. He 
now has two hundred and forty five acres of land, 
and has lately invested in the Tennessee Land 
Company at Harryman. He also owns two and 
one-half lots in Harvey, two miles south of Chi- 
cas;o. 111., and owns forty shares in the Demorest 
Land Company in Georgia. 

About live years ago Mr. Garner erected to 
himself a monument of white bronze in the White 
Lake Cemetery. It stands sixteen feet in heiglit, 
and cost something over *500. He has been a 
liberal giver to Church causes, and especially to 
Missionary enterprises. He gave at one time 
11,000 to the American Missionary Association, 
and has donated liberally to it for for forty-five 
ye«rs. He was Superintendent of the Orst Sunday- 
school west of Pontiac in this county. 



==1^- 



'SNtxIIILO C. DAVIS. The late Mr. Davis was 
j) a potent factor in the development of Pon- 
^ liac Township for thirty years and attained 
to one of the most influential standings in 
tlie community. In l.S;')4 he bought a farm on 
section 36, and there he lived until his sudden 



removal from the earth life November 23, 1886. 
His estate consisted of two hundred acres of 
choice land, and there had been built upon it 
good barns and other outhouses and an attractive 
residence. ' 

Mr. Davis was born in Sweden, Oneiiia County, 
N. Y., August SO, 1825. His father, .lehiel Davis, 
was born in Wilbraham, Mass., July 12, 1787, 
and his mother, Lydia (Bentley) Davis, in New 
York November 30, 1792. Tiie father served for 
a short time during the War of 1812. He re- 
moved to this county in 1831, and located in 
Troy Township, where he entered and cleared up 
a farm. He was bereft of the wife of his youth 
September 12, 1812, and his own demise occurred 
in 1875. 

The son was six years old when the removal to 
this county took place and his recollections are 
chiefly of scenes and incidents in this State. He 
attended the district school and giiined a fair 
share of knowledge, and upon reaching his major- 
it3' began to improve an eighty-acre tract in Ma^'- 
field Township, Lapeer County, which was given 
him by his father. He built a house and barn 
and had cleared thirty acres when he decided 
to sell. During the seven years he spent there, 
he taught a district school during the winter sea- 
sons. Thence he returned to this county and es- 
tablished himself on the farm before mentioned, 
which he brought to a high state of development. 

In 1854 Mr. Davis was united in marri.nge with 
Miss Mahala Vosburg, daughter of Richard and 
Aurilla (Thompson) Vosburg. She w.as born in 
Columbia County, N.Y., in 1831, and accompanied 
her parents to this State when eight years old. 
Mr. Vosburg settled in Lapeer County and dieil 
there about 1874. some five years after his wife 
had passed away. -Mrs. Davis is the only one of 
their five children now living. She has borne her 
husband six sons and daughters, named respec- 
tively: Aurilla, Florence, Arthur, Ward, Eliz:i and 
Richard. The eldest married Marion Short, a 
traveling salesman, and their home is in Pontiac: 
Florence became the wife of Judson Wyraan and 
lives in Auburn; the others are still at home. 

Mr. Davis gave his allegiance to the principles 
of Democracy and was a prominent Mason. For 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G13 



more than twenty years he acted in the capacity 
of Township Supervisor and for a considerable 
length of time he was Justice of the Peace. IIo 
exerted much influence on tlie siilc of law and 
order and was a promoter of cordial feeling and 
liheralitv. He was, in fact, .1 representative citi- 
zen, honejt, clever and open-handed. 




DAM REID, one of the influential and 
highly respected citizens of Soutlifield 
Township, is known far and wide as a man 
of excellent judgment and many attractive 
traits of character. His influence in tiie com- 
munity is alwa3's for harmony and friendshij) and 
ho has been named "the Peacemaker" by his neigh- 
bors. He was born in Bally money Parish, Ireland, 
September 22, 1823. His father, Peter, was a large 
fsrmcr in County Antrim. He also operated a 
gristmill on his farm and lived to the extreme age 
of ninety years. He was twice married and reared 
a large family. His second wife Jennie Neal, the 
mother of our subject, had four children, three of 
wliom came to America in 1847, namely: Peter, 
Adam and Samuel. 

Adam Reid, received his schooling in the old 
country and was twenty-three years old when he 
came to America. He landed in New York City 
and thence went to West Bloomfield, Essex County, 
N. J., where he began work by the monlhat ^5 per 
month. He remained there one 3'ear, and then re- 
turned to New York City, where he found employ- 
ment in a sugar refining business. Five years later 
in 1853 he came to Michigan. He had saved S450 
of iiis earnings and was now ready to buj' a farm. 
He bought twentj- acres of land on section 2.^, 
Southlield Township, paying $335 for it. There 
was a small house on the place. He worked his 
farm and worked out for others by the day at fifty 
cents a day, doing anything which came to his 
hand. Tw(> jears later he purchased forty acres 
on section 36 of his brother Peter, onl^' about 
three or four acres were cleared. In 1861 he bought 
forty acres which he also cleared and improved. 
In 1865 he added sixty acres more to his already 



large farm and in 1881 he added one hundred and 
sixty acres more. This last purchase was in .Sagi- 
naw County and somewhat later he sold eighty 
acres of that, and in 1883 he purchased forty acres 
on section 36, Southfleld Township, which he has 
sold at a profit. He also owns eighty acres in 
Royal Oak Township. His cow barn 75x30 feet in 
dimensions is one of the finest in the county. He 
is now preparing to put up another barn 40x80 
feet. 

The marriage of Mr. Reid took place in 1852. 
He was then happily united with Sarah McKinley, 
a native of the same place as himself. This worthy 
couple are the happy parents of eight children, 
three of whom are now living, namely: David 
N., Peter, and Adam S. The first named son is 
serving as Justice of the Peace. Mr. Reid sells 
the milk from twenty-five cows. He is a Republi- 
can in politics and his religious home is with the 
United Presbyterian Church 

\fl OSEPII J. BIRD is the son of one of the early 
pioneers who came to Michigan in the early 
days when blankets were made to do service 
for doors, and when Indians, deer and 
wolves were tiie most numerous and attentive 
neighbors. Our subject is a son of Gardner Bird 
whose father lived in Massachusetts. Gardner was 
born in Slassachusetts in 1802. At an earl^- age 
he went to New York and lived a short lime in 
Ontario County, where lie was married to Eliza 
Johnson. Eight children blessed this union, namelj': 
Alvira, Darwin, Albert, Melvina, Joseph, Eliza- 
beth. Marcus and Maiy, who are all living except 
three. The four elder children were born in New 
York. 

Gardner Bird came to Michigan in 1831. and 
took up a farm of one hundred and twenty- acres 
from the Government in Webster Township, 
AVaslitenaw County. After a few years he removed 
to Pleasant Valley, Brighton Township, Livingston 
County, where he took two hundred and forty acres 
from the Government, which now belongs to his 
son Albert. On this farm, Mr. and Mrs. Bird re- 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mained until their decease. She was called from 
eartli in 1854, and lie died in 1883. He was a Whig 
and finally a Republican but never aspired to pub- 
lic otHces. He was always a farmer and saw many 
hard times after he came to Michigan. He plowed 
the first furrow that was turned in Brighton Town- 
ship and put up the second log house there. In 
one season he killed forty deer and often shot wild 
turkeys. He was a great huntsman and at one time 
with one shot killed two wild turkeys as he stood 
with his gun at the window. He was a hard work- 
ing man and broke many acres of land. At his 
death be was the owner of two hundred and forty 
acres of land. 

The subject of this sketch was the first white 
child born in Brighton Township, Livingston 
County, Mich. The date of his advent is October, 
22, 1834. He worked for his father and went to 
school until he was twelve years old. After that 
he had no schooling in the summer. He was mar- 
ried in his native township, November 24, 1850. 
His bride was Elizabeth, daughter of Job Cranson, 
and Mary L. (Hyde) Lenox a native of Madison 
County, N. Y. The parents of Mrs. Bird had five 
children, namely — Jane, Elizabeth, Celestia, Linus, 
and Lester, only two, Elizabeth aud Celestia lived 
to mature years; the latter is deceased. Elizabeth 
the wife of our subject was born June 30, 1838, in 
Brighton. Livingston County, Midi. Her fatlicr 
had a fine farm there and in Milford Township. 
He finally sold his land and went to Fenton, in 
1867, and engaged in the banking business in 1870. 
This he followed until his death in 1882. He was 
a Democrat in early life but became a Republican 
after the organization of that party. 

Joseph J. Bird after marriage worked on the 
farm by the year but soon decided to buy a farm 
from Mr. Cranson. At the end of tho second year 
he came to Highland Township, Oakland County, 
and in 1861 purch.ased a farm of two hundred and 
forty acres; this is tlio farm referred to above. 
Here he made his home for about five years when 
he went to Wisconsin and pureliased one hundred 
and eighty-eight acres. But he remained there 
only nine months when he sold out and returned 
to Brighton, Mich. He worked his father's farm 
for three years ami then returned to the farm 



which he had purchased in Highland Township, 
Oakland County. Here he now resides, having 
two hundred and forty acres, a large part of it well 
improved and having placeil upon it a beautiful 
house, excellent barns and all necessary outbuild- 
ings. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and 
he and his three sons are sturdy Republicans. 

The three sons of Mr. -and Mrs. Bird are bright, 
enterprising young men, a credit to their parents 
and to the community in which the}' live. Clayton 
J., born October 10, 1859, is a farmer in Highland 
Township, as is also Arthur C, who was born May 
22, 1864. This second son graduated at the age 
of nineteen years at the Lansing Agricultural Col- 
lege and he is a teacher as well as a farmer. Harry 
L., was born September 23, 1869. He is still pur- 
suing his studies at Ann Arbor where he will grad- 
uate in pharmacy in the Class of '91. 




.ILLIAM R. NOTT, who was formerly en- 
A/// S^S^^^ '" farming in Pontiac Township, 
was born in Cornwall, England, October 
23, 1823, and died in this county, July 14, 1871. 
He was reared as a farmer near the citj' of Corn- 
wall and received a fair education by walking four 
miles to a select school. He firmly believed that in 
America he could better his condition and when 
of age he embarked for the New World. He 
landed in Canada, where he remained about two 
years working out. He then crossed into New 
York and found employment, and finally engaged 
in farming there. He was married in 1854 and soon 
after removed to this State and ere long became 
the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of land on 
section 23, Pontiac Township. He went in debt 
for the laud, but yorked hard, lived economically 
and prospered. 

The wife to whom Mr. Nott owed the comfort 
of his home and much good counsel, as well as the 
assistance secured by her prudent management, 
bore the maiden name of Electa Cook. She was 
born in New York in 1836 and is a daughter of 
Ilosea B. and Jenisha (Hosmer) Cook. Her mother 
died years ago. She received ber primary educa- 




% ■/ 



"\l 




^/v 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



617 



lion in the district school in Chautauqua County 
and for two 3'ears i)ursued more advanced studies 
in an academy for young ladies. Slie is a woman 
of superior intelligence and since the death of her 
husband has demonstrated the fact that business 
ability" is not confined to the stronger sex. She has 
energy and tlie plucky s[)irit that does not give up 
to discouragement, combined with the faculty of 
making a true home, pleasant and attractive. 

The marriage of Mr. Nott and Miss Cook was 
soloronized at the bride's home on October 3, 1853 
and to them there came six children, two of whom 
died in infancy and one in later years. The surviv- 
ors are Plymouth R., a prosperous farmer in Oak- 
land Township; Olive, wife of Emanuel German, a 
farmer in Rloomfield Township; Stephen W., who 
is married and owns a farm adjoining the home- 
stead. Edna, wife of Elmer Williamson died Decem- 
ber, 1884. I'ntil witiiin the last few years Mrs. 
Nott managed the farm left b}' her husband. Dur- 
ing his life she shared with him in good works and 
sympathized in his undertakings and religious con- 
victions; since slie has been left a widow she has 
gone on herwaj' in the same path of well-doing. 




tILLIAM BEATY. This veneralile man is 
widely and favorably known, as he has 
been identified with the interests of this 
county since 1836 and has been a potent factor in 
l)ringing its agricultural affairs to their present 
point. He h.as not devoted his time entirely to 
farm work but that has been his chief occupation, 
and he is the more deserving of representation in a 
biograi)hical album on account of the success, finan- 
cial and moral, that has attended him. He began 
tlie battle of life without other equipment than his 
natural strength of mind and body and the limited 
education obtained in a village sciiool. He is now 
one of the wealthiest men in Waterford Township, 
and, better than all else, he can look back over a 
life that has been passed in usefulness and well 
doing, as he has never been a slave to a single vice 
and has always dealt fairly with his fellowmen. A 



portrait of this respected pioneer accompanies this 
brief record of his life. 

Mr. Beaty was born in Bucks County, Pa., 
March 5, 1808, and is one of the six children tiiat 
made up the family of Isaiah and Mary (Coder) 
Beaty. Four of the family circle are still living. 
The father was born in New Jersey but went to 
the Keystone State when quite j-oung and made 
that his home many jears. Ho subsequently lived 
with our subject in New York several years, and 
still later came to this State, where he died. His 
widow survived him a few years and each was more 
than fourscore years old when called hence. Mrs. 
Beaty was born in Germany and came to America 
with her parents. The son of whom we write was 
reared on a farm, and attended school in the village 
of Ciuakertown. When he was eighteen years of 
age he went to Cayuga County, N. Y., and became 
a weaver. 

After several years of residence in New York 
Mr. Beaty set out for Michigan in 1835. He lived 
in Adrian a year, then came to this county and 
bought land near Strait's Lake. There he built a 
log bouse and cleared and improved a farm. Dur- 
ing early years be did bis marketing in Detroit, 
making the trip to and fro with ox teams. He was 
quite fond of bunting and also fished a good deal. 
About 1860 he removed to Pontiac, where he lived 
ten years engaged in various occupations. During 
his residence there he held the important office of 
Street Commissioner. In 1870 he bought a fine 
farm on section 36, Waterford Township, and lo- 
cated thereon. The property boiders on Otter and 
Timber Lakes, among tiie most beautiful sheets of 
water in the State, and the elegant modern resi- 
dence built by Mr. Beaty in 1881 occupies a spot 
of ground from which the blue waters may plainly 
be seen. Manj' marked improvements have been 
made upon the farm since Mr. Beaty took posses- 
sion of it, and the evidences of refined taste are 
manifest. 

In 1833 ]\Ir. Beaty and Miss Kurna Wheeler were 
joined in wedlock, and for more than fifty years 
they shared life's blessings. Mrs. Beaty exchanged 
time for eternity in 1884. The only child of the 
union died in infancy. In 1886 Mr. Beaty made 
a second marriage, wedding Mrs. Eliza Mack, an 



618 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



estimable lacly, wlio presides with gracious dignity 
and cordial hospitality in the beautiful home. By 
lier former marriage she has one daughter: Carrie 
M., who has been legally adopted by our sul)ject. 
In an early day Mr. Beaty became the owner of 
eight hundred acres of fine land in Montcalm 
County, which he iield several years and sold at a 
large advance on its original cost. For over twenty 
years he was Postmaster at Strait's Lake. He has 
been a standi Republican since the party was or- 
ganized, and he has a broad knowledge of party 
policy and public aEfairs on which to base his polit- 
ical faith. He has been a member of the Methodist 
E|>iscopal Church at Pontiae for many years, and 
he has an excellent reputation far and wide. He 
built the gravel road running from Pontiae to 
Orchard Lake, and has in every way possible aided 
the development of this section of the country. 



^^ 



bHADDKUS A. SMITH is senior member of 
'ff(i^. the firm of Smith & Roe, proprietors of the 
^^^' Hotel Hodges in Pontiae. The house is an 
old established one, known for many years as the 
Hodges House, and has been managed by Mr. Smith 
but a comparatively short time. He bought the 
property in 1S88, repaired and refitted the hotel, 
and made it in appearance as it is in patronage, 
the principal hotel in the place. He put in asteain- 
lieater and electric lights and other first-class ap- 
pointments. The rooms are large and well fur- 
nished, the table first class, and the service efficient. 
Mr. Smith enjoys an extensive patronage and is 
well known to the traveling public. He has had 
an experience in hotel-keeping of a score of years 
and combines vvith bis knowledge of the business 
the corilial manners and intelligent mind of a well- 
bred gentleman. 

Mr. Smith is of English descent in the paternal 
line and his maternal ancestors came from Holland. 
His father, Ira 1). .Smith, was born in Connecticut, 
and his mother, Sarah (Snyder) Smith, in New 
Yt)rk. (iran<lfather Snyder emigrated from Hol- 
land and Grandmother Snyder was born on liic 
island of Nantucket. Ira Smith was married in 



Columbia County, N. Y., and in 1844 leuioved to 
this .State and located on a farm near Pontiae. He 
lived in that vicinit3' until liis death in 1863. His 
wife survived him twenty years. Of the nine chil- 
dren born to them five are living, Thaddtus A. 
being the second in order of birth. He was born 
in Columbia County, N. Y., October 25, 1823, and 
when about six years of age moved with his par- 
ents to Livingston County, Western New York. lu 
18-14 he followed his parents to this State and be- 
came connected with the hotel business. He kept 
an inn at Commerce, this county, until 1877, after 
which he was variously engaged for some five years. 
He then resumed his former business in Pontiae. 

In 1851 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Maria 
Shattuck, a native of New York and a daughter of 
Lyman Shattuck. They have had three children, 
the second of whom, Marion, died when five years 
old. The first-born, Alice L., is the wife of De- 
Witt W. Grow and lives in Bay City. Kittie B. 
married Charles Roe, Jr.. who is a partner in the 
hotel and also is partner in a jewelry Imsiiicss in 
Detroit, living in Pontiae, however. 

Mr. Smitli held the office of Township Clerk 
some twelve years, was Supervisor two years and 
Register of Deeds four years. He was elected on 
the Democratic ticket and always cast his influence 
with that party. He belongs to Commerce Lodge, 
No. 121, V. &. A. M., Milford Chapter, II. A. M., 
and Pontiae Coramandei^-, No. 2, K. T. 

AVID PATCilETT, one of tlie pioneers 
\' of this county is a farmer on section 10. 
Bloomfield Township, and was born April 
6, 1808, in Lincolnshire. England. His 
parents, John and Mary (Hurry) Patchett, came to 
America and lived on the farm now occupied by 
their son where they spent the remainder of their 
lives. They wenMuembers of the Church of Eng- 
land and the parents of sixteen children, eight of 
whom lived to the age of maturity. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on the 
farm in England and received only common advan- 
tages for education. When thirteen years old he 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



619 



began to make his own living and was married at 
the age of twenty-three years. He was .a farmer 
wliile in England and in 1838 he and his wife with 
tliree children sailed for America. The voyage 
lasted for live weeks and tliree days, and sore 
afliiction was theirs on tlie wa}-, as they were called 
to lay one of tlieir little ones in a watery grave 
wliile on the voy.ige. They landed in New York 
City with their surviving cliildren and came 
directly b\' rail to Detroit and from there to Bir- 
mingham. After remaining there for two and a 
lialf j'ears he bought seventy-nine acres where he 
now lives, in 1840, and for ninej'ears resided in an 
old log cabin. 

Mr. Patchett then built his present home which 
he has now occupied almost forty years. AVhen he 
bought the farm there were not more than twenty 
acres cleared. Me now owns one hundred and 
thirty acres of land all in one body. AVhen he 
came to America he had no means and began work- 
ing by the month. He thi-.s got his first start 
toward his present prosperit}'. He has pursued 
farming all his life and until this spring he has 
superintended and worked his own farm. He is 
now eighty-three 3'ears of age and has always been 
a hard worker and has enjoyed excellent health. 

The political views of Mr. Patchett are in ac- 
cordance with the platform of the Republican party, 
and he cast his first vote for William Henry Harri- 
son. He has filled to the acceptance of his fellow- 
citizens several township and school offices. On 
June 6, 1831 he married Elizabeth Trollope of 
Lincolnshire, England, where she was born Decem- 
ber I, 1811. She is a daughter of Thomas and 
Mary (Squires) Trollope, of England, who came to 
America and settled in Birmingham, this county, 
and resided there until their death. 

Nine children form the family of Mr. and Mrs. 
Patchett. Tliey are: Mary, deceased, who was 
the wife of Clark Pearsall, and the mother of fiye 
children; Cassius, George, Alice, Fred, Maiy; John 
died in infancy; Thomas who died in infancy while 
crossing the Atlantic in 1838; Jane also died in 
infancy ; Sarah, the wife of Joseph Allen in this 
county, a sketch of whom appears in tliis volume; 
Robert, who died when eighteen years old; Eliza, 
the wife of William Hagerman, residing at Bloom- 



field Center, who has three children, Mary, Edwin 
and Blanche; Pollen, the wife of Fred King of 
Bloomficld, who has five children — Grace, Mary, 
Arthur, Mabel and Bertha; and Emma, wife of 
Aaron Heacock who has seven children — Minnie, 
Sarah, Robert, Grace, Edwin, Alta and Luther. Mr. 
and Jlrs. Patchett are suitably proud of their chil- 
dren and especially of their twenty beautiful grand- 
children. Mrs. Patchett is a worthy member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church with which she has 
been connected for over fifty years. 



AMES VAN EVERY, a prosperous and rep- 
resentative farmer of Bloomfield Township 
was born in AVayne County, Mich., in the 
town of Ilam Tramick, on the farm where 
the Detroit City water works are now located. His 
natal da}' was September 18, 1822. His parents, 
Peter and Amy (Deer) A'^an Every, were natives of 
New York State, and the father was in the AVar of 
1812, and was present when Gen. Hull's army sur- 
rendered. 

After thiit war he located in Ham Tramick, 
AVayne County, Mich., where he resided until 
1837, when he traded his property' for a tract of 
about fifteen hundred acres near Franklin, Oakland 
Countj'. Here he settled and built a gristmill 
which is still standing, lliis mill has been in the 
family for three generations, as it was managed 
b}' the father of our subject and after him by his 
son Peter, and it is now owned and managed by 
his son Peter, a nephew of our subject. 

The father and mother of James A'^an Every, 
passed their lives at Franklin. Besides carrying 
on farming the father managed a large mercantile 
business at Franklin and for a few years after com- 
ing to Michigan he engaged in the meat and also 
in the hotel business in Detroit. He was a thorough 
business man and well educated, being unusually 
well informed. He had a Slate reputation as a 
politician and was for a number of years a member 
of the Michigan Territorial Legislature from 
AA^ayne County, and at the time Michigan was ad- 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



niitted to the Union as a State he was a member 
of its Legislature. He was a prominent man in 
every way, and was always kept in one or another 
official eapaeit}'. He was very strong in his Dem- 
ocratic principles in his early days, but finally be- 
came a Whig and later was an earnest adherent of 
the principles of the Repul)lican party. He was 
at one time a man of considerable wealth but lost 
most of his means before death. He died Decem- 
ber 23, 1859, at the age of sixty-four years. His 
wife survived until 1875 when she completed her 
four-score years. 

The parents of our subject had fourteen children, 
named: Peter, Polly, William, Martha, James, An- 
drew .]., Susan, Amy, John, George, Louisa, La- 
vinia, AValter, and an infant who died unnamed. 
James is the eldest survivor of the family. He was 
reared on his father's farm in Wayne Count}', and 
received a common-school education. In 1837 he 
came to Franklin, this county, with his jiarcnts, 
remaining with tiiem, and giving iheu) llie benefits 
of his labors until his majority, when lie then en- 
gaged in various pursuits around Franklin until 
1849. He tlion bought his farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres and has since given all his atten- 
tion to farming He has a good residence and sev- 
eral excellent barns. His farm was the first one 
taken from the Government in Bloomfield Town- 
ship, (ien. Wing being the man who pre-empted 
it. AVing Lake, upon which the residence is lo- 
cated is named for the General. 

James Van Every was attracted to California in 
1.S52 b)' the gold excitement and remained there 
until June, 1855. He engaged in mining all the 
time he was there and met witii only ordinary suc- 
cess. As a farmer he is thorough and skillful and 
has always achieved success. In 1882 he left his 
farai and moved to Birmingham where he lived 
until the spring of 1890, when he returned to the 
farm. He has been Township Treasurer and Jus- 
tice of the Peace and is a Democrat in his |)olitical 
principles. 

Our subject was niarrie<l October 30, 1811, to 
Caroline Durkee, of this townsiiip. where she was 
born July 18, 1825. Her parents, Wilkes and Maria 
CWeed) Durkee, came to Michigan in 1823. A 
sketch of the Durkee family will be found in an- 



other place in this work. Five children were the 
result of this union. They are Mary, wife of 
George Finister of Detroit, who has one daughter 
Nellie; Martha A., deceased, was the wife of 
Mathew Baldwin, of Genesee Count}', Mich., who 
had one child, Eddie, who has died; Amy L., died 
in infancy; Lillian J., wife of Harvey Higby, of 
Wichita, Kan., has three children, Carrie, James 
and Addle. James the youngest child and only 
son of Mr. Van Every, is attending commercial 
college at Detroit. 




RANCIS A. EMMENDORFER, a farmer 
on section 15, West Bloomfield Township? 
U^ " is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he 
was born January 10, 1829. His parents were 
George and Eva (M.ark) Rinmendorfer. The father 
was a butcher and kept an eating house at Funf- 
stetton. He was a man of considerable means at 
one time but lost most of his property before his 
death, which occurred in Germany. The mother 
still survives, having reached the extreme old age 
of one hundred and two years. 

The subject of this sketch was one of eigiit chil- 
dren, who were named John, Lena, George, Michael, y ] 
Sophia, Francis A., Xavier and Victoria. Francis 
S[)ent his boyish d.ays in helping his father and at- 
tending school in his native town. When nineteen 
years of age he went into the German army. Lour- 
ing the three \ears he spent in the army he was 
sent all tlirough Turkey, Russia and Italy. 

The young German came to America in 1852, 
bringing with him liis brothers, George and 
Michael. The)' had 1100 each and loaned the 
money to a man in Buffalo, N. Y. They could not 
speak English and were easil}' imposed upon and 
lost ever}' cent of their money. They had bought 
eighty acres of land near Lockport, N. Y., but 
owing to the loss of their money had to lose the 
farm. Francis spent one summer on farms near 
Lockport, and then entered the eraplo}' of \V. H. 
Craig of Lockport. After four years with him he 
emigrated to Michigan with ^400 which he had 
saved from his wages. He brought with him a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



623 



letter from a banker in Lockport to Judge Joseph 
CopelaiKl,of Detroit. He c.ime West in 1857 and 
worki'd for tiie Judge more than eight j-ear.s in tlie 
vicinity of Orchard Lake. For twelve years he 
'•onliiiiied working out on wages by the montli and 
being economical and frugal he saved money to 
buy propertj-. His first purchase was ninety acres 
and he afterwards added forty acres more. It all 
lies on the south siile of Orchard Lake. During tiie 
past two years he has sold off considerable of his 
farm to parties desiring summer homes along the 
lake. He also owns another tract of land on the 
upper end of Upper Straits Luke. He is a princi- 
pal stockholder in the Orchard Lake gravel road. 
He ia a man of intelligence, abundant means and lias 
a rich store of information. He has his farm finely 
improved and is raising considerable fruit. The 
view fiom his residence is one of tlie most delight- 
ful in the county. He is independent in his poli- 
tics and he and his family are members of the 
Catholic Cliurch at Pontiac. 

In I8G0 Mr. Emmendorfer married Miss Mary 
Riley, of Pontiac. Mich., who was born in 1829 in 
Rochester, N. Y. .She is a daughter of Patrick and 
Elizabetii Riley. Five children have blessed this 
home, namely: Elizabeth, Eva, Joseph W., Johan- 
nah M., now Mrs. Edward M. Murphy of Pontiac, 
and Frederick A. Industry and integritj' have been 
essential factors in the success of Mr. Emmendorfer, 
and he reflects with special pleasure on the relations 
of confidence, which have ever existed between 
liimself and his neighbor, Mr. Hartwell Green. 



^f^ICHARD H. ELLIOTT. In an elegant 
h^ frame residence, built in modern style in 
'■^\ the midst of extensive and handsome 
grounds, resides Richard U. Elliott, whose 
portrait is presented on the opposite page, and 
who is one of the stanch business men of Pontiac. 
He was born in Sharon, Litchfield County, Conn.. 
April 1, 1829, and is the youngest of eight children, 
three sons and five daughters. His parents were 
Charles and Marcia (Ga}-) Elliott. The former 
was a native of Connecticut, born at Salem in 



1799. He was a hatter bj' trade and later in life 
took up farming. He died in 1877, in Pontiac. 
The mother was born in Sharon, Conn., in 1809, 
and was a daughter of Daniel Gay, of Scotch and 
English extraction. The Elliott family was of 
like descent. Charles Elliott married in Connecti- 
cut, and in 1837 removed his family to Oakland 
County, and located in Pontiac Township. In 
1840 he removed to Bloomfield Township, where 
lie spent the remaining years of his life. His de- 
voted wife followed him to the grave within ten 
days. Their eight children were named as fol- 
lows: Elizabeth, Charles, Clarissa, Julia, Washing- 
ton, Richard H., Sarah L. and Daniel H. 

The subject of this sketch spent his early days 
in the school at Pontiac and in work upon the 
farm. He began his mercantile experience in 
1844 by clerking in the store of James A. Weeks. 
He was an apprentice for three years and spent 
twelve \'ears with Mr. Weeks on salary. He was 
also employed by others in the same line of busi- 
ness. In the year 1867 he formed a partnership 
with Dr. I. Paddack and did business under the 
firm name of I. Paddack & Co. After seven years 
Mr. Elliott sold out his interest and clerked until 
1879, when he formed a partnership with C. M. 
Crofoot under the firm name of Ellliott ife Crofoot. 
This continued for three years when Mr. PJlliott 
purchased his partner's interest and carried on the 
business alone until 1889, when he took his son 
Morris into partnership. The present firm is R. 
H. Elliott & Son, dealers in drugs, medicines, oils, 
paints, glass and groceries. The store is situated 
at No. 24, North Saginaw Street. The building is 
20x140 feet, and he occupies all three stories with 
his business. 

Mr. Elliott's marriage in Juno. 1858, united him 
with Miss Laura Paddack, daughter of his partner. 
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott %re the happy parents of 
four children, namely: Minnie, wife of C. J. 
Peirce, of Detroit; Morris, his partner; Lizzie and 
Myrtie, who remain at home. Our subject is a 
Republican in politics, a member of Pontiac Lodge 
No. 21, F. <fe A. M., and of the Chapter Council 
and Commandery, and in all these capacities is 
considered a leading member. With his wife and 
family he belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 



624 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




He is one of the stockholders and directors in the 
Edison Electric Light and Motor Company at 
Pontiac, and was one of the prominent promoters 
of this enterprise for the advancement of the city. 
In fact, he is, in all matters pertaining to tha com- 
mon good, a public-spirited citizen. 



BIRAM PARKER, grocer and dealer in 
drugs and medicines in Pontiac was born 
in Oneida County, N. Y., August 3, 1831. 
He is a son of Dr. Abiram Parker, who 
was a successful physician in Oneida County for 
many years, and who went to the West Indies in 
search of health and died there December 9, 1831. 
He was the son of Eri Parker, who descended from 
an English family. His wife was Julia A. McCon- 
nell, a native of New York and daughter of Jo- 
seph McConnell, Esq., who died in McConnells- 
ville, N. Y. Mrs. Parker came to Michigan late 
ill life and died in Jackson in 1883. Her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. W. L. Seaton, lives in Jackson. Mr. Par- 
ker h.is a half brother and sister, his mother having 
been married twice. 

T'he subject of this sketch was educated first in 
the common schools and afterward in the academy 
at Rocliester, N. Y. There he pursued his studies 
for three years from his eleventh to his fourteenth 
year. He tlien came to Pontiac and resided for 
a while after which he returned to New York and 
entered Casanovia Seminary, where he completed 
his studies. Coming to Micliigan he entered the 
store of Willard M. McConnell, and served as clerk. 
Later he went to Detroit and became Assistant 
Teller in the Michigan Insurance Bank. After two 
years service here he returned to Pontiac and em- 
barked in the grocery and drug trade, and he is 
now the oldest business man in Pontiac, having 
continued in this branch of the mercantile business 
to this day. His store is capacious, measuring 30 
xI35 feet, and is neatly fitted up and well arranged 
for dispatching business. He has taken on a stock 
of drugs and medicines, oils and paints, in addition 
to family groceries. He does a large business and 
is highly respected. Mr. Parker was united in mar- 



riage to Miss Sarah E. Beach, at Pontiac, Mich., in 
which place she had grown to womanhood. She 
was brought here by her parents, Eben and Eliza- 
beth Beach, from Monroe Couut3-, when an infant 
of three months. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been given two 
children, Grace P., the wife of F. W. Fletcher of 
Alpena, and Louise, the wife of Hon. Mark S. 
Brewer, former member of Congress for the Sixth 
District. Mr. Parker is an adherent to the princi- 
ples of the Republican party and he has served one 
term as Alderman in the city council of Pontiac. 
He is a member of Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. it A. 
M., and of Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., also 
a member of the Council. He and his excellent 
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He 
has an elegant residence on Auburn Avenue in the 
eastern part of town. 



^p^EORGE H. FOSTER, one of the firm of 
f|[ ^— George H. Foster <fe Co., dealers in boots 
^^^5'; and shoes, in Pontiac, is numbered among 
the enterprising business men of the cit^-. The 
firm carries a full line of boots, shoes and rubber 
goods, all of the latest st^'les and of the best man- 
ufacture, and occupies a favorable location on North 
Saginaw Street. Mr. Foster has a special interest 
in the welfare of the city, as he was born here Oc- 
tober 14, 1853. He is the onlj' son of John P. and 
Delia E. (Whitman) Foster. His father was horn 
in Kent, England, in 1826, and died in Pontiac in 
January, 1886. He came to the United States 
when a mere bo)', and worked at various occupa- 
tions, finally becoming a carpenter and joiner, and 
following that trade for a number of 3-ears. 

The mother of our subject was born in Saratoga. 
N. Y., and is still living, now in the sixtieth year 
of her age. She is the mother of four children, the 
daughters being Ada L., Cora P. and Kate C. The 
eldest is the wife of James Cash, and is now living 
in Duluth, Minn.; Cora married R. W. Bell, who is 
a member of the firm of Foster & Co.; Kate is the 
wife of W. C. Owen, now of East Saginaw. Our 
subject received a common-school education in his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



625 



native city and began Lis mercantile experience as 
a C'lerli in the grocery store of Gilchrist Bros., 
vvilli wlioni be remained two years. He then en- 
tercii the employ of Tliomas Fairljairn, anfl later 
became a clerk for Dowd Bros., dealers in dry- 
goods. 

After a year passed in the emploj' of the firm 
just mentioned he resumed his studies, taking up 
the high school course and giving his close atten- 
tion to his books for a twelvemonth. He next 
became Deputy Postmaster under Col. S. S. 
Matthews, a position which he held two year?, and 
then bought an interest in the furniture business, 
associating himself with a Mr. Yoorliees. The con 
nection existed three years, during whicii time Mr. 
Foster not onl}' sold furniture, but did consider- 
able in the undertaking line. After the period 
mentioned he sold out to E. H. Tompkins and en- 
gaged in the produce business with his fatlicr, 
under the firm name of J. P. Foster & Son, con- 
tinuing thus until 1879. In September of the fol- 
loiving year our subject formed a partnership for 
the sale of boots and shoes under the style of 
Rowand & Foster. After a time a change was 
made, but the present firm occu])ies the old stand, 
wliere Mr. Foster has been a familiar figure for 
more than a decade. 

The lady who makes the home of Mr. Foster 
cosy and attractive, bore the maiden name of Eliz- 
abeth Staidey, and became his wife March 4, 1890. 
The wedding ceremony was performed at the home 
of the bride's father, John W. Stanley', a prosper- 
ous citizen of New York City, where the daughter 
was born and grew to womanhood. Mrs. Foster 
is educated and refined, and dispenses the hospital- 
ity of her home witli cordiality and grace. The 
dwelling of Mr. Foster is on one of the pleasant 
resilience streets, with good surroundings and is a 
tasteful edillce and attractive home. 

In bis political views Mr. Foster is a Democrat. 
He has served as Chief of the fire department since 
1885. He is of a decidedly social nature and inter- 
ested in the orders that are represented in the city. 
He belongs to Pontiac Lodge, No. 21, F. & A. M.; 
Oakland Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M. ; Pontiac Com- 
mandery No. 2, K. T.; Pontiac Lodge, No. 19, 
K. of P.; and the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 




183. He has held all the Chairs to that of Emi- 
nent commander, in the Masonic fraternity. He 
has a good reputation as a busiuess man, and friends 
and acquaintances speak well of him as a citizen. 



LBERT HUSTED, an intelligent and pop- 
ular farmer, has resided in .Springfield 
Township since 183-1, longer than any 
other man now living there. He was born in 
Ontario County, N. Y., May 30, 1834.- His father, 
Harry W. Husted was born in New York, May 15, 
1802. His grandfather was Stephen and his great- 
grandfather was a native of Ireland, who came 
to America in the early day^s. His grandfather 
came to Michigan in 1834 and was killed in Grove- 
land Township, this county, by a tree falling upon 
him. 

The father of our subject was a carpenter and 
built the first church in Batavia, N. Y. He came 
here in November, 1834, coming witli an ox-team 
through Canada and bringing with him his wife 
and four children. They took up Government land, 
erected a log cabin and cleared up a farm ; the patent 
for the laud was signed by Gen. Jackson. No set- 
tlers were near them. Pontiac was the nearest 
postoHice and trading town, and fever and ao-ue was 
prevalent. He was a hard worker and did heroic 
work in clearing and improving the one hundred 
and twenty acres of land which he took, besides 
building a large number of houses and barns in 
the county. Harry \V. Husted removed to Siiia- 
w.assee County in 1857. After living ihere about 
fifteen years he removed to St. Louis, Mich., where 
he still resides. He is a Baptist in religion and a 
Republican in politics. His wife, Nancy Colvin,a 
native of Vermont, where she w.as born in 1801 
departed this life in 1852. Six of her eight chil- 
dren are yet living. Her eldest son, Henry, was 
in the Mexican War and died from the effects of 
the malaria contracted there. She was also a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. 

The parents of our subject came to Oakland 
County when he was only six months old. He 
was educated in the pioneer schools which were 



626 



PORTRAfT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



run on the rate-bill system and his boyhood days 
were spent in the log schoolhouses and on the farm. 
He saw more Indians than whites in those days. 
When sixteen years old he began to learn the car- 
penter's trade with his father. This he followed for 
many years, not only in the country but in Davis- 
burg and has erected more buildings here than any 
other man. He began life for himself at nineteen 
years of age and has farmed more or less all his 
life. 

Mr. Husted was married, February 19, 1857, to 
Tilda Shuman, who was born in Erie County, 
N. Y., October 26, 1835. Her father, George Shu- 
man, was a native of Connecticut, and her mother, 
Mary Hosier, was born in Gettysburg, Pa. They 
came to this county and settled in Groveland 
Township in 1836 where they carried on farming 
prosperously and extensively. The father died in 
1881 and the mother in 1862. He was a Democrat 
in his early life and later a Republican. 

Five children blessed the union of Mr. and j\Irs. 
Husted, three of whom are still living, namely : 
Cora, Etta (Mrs. Cook), and Nettie. Their par- 
ents are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. Husted is a member of the Masonic order at 
Davisburg, also a member of Charter Oak Lodge, 
No. 56, A O. U. W., at Davisburg, in which he 
served as Master for three successive years. He 
has a fine farm of eighty acres all under cultiva- 
tion. His pleasant, neat and commodious two- 
story house was erected in 1881. 



-^^ 



PHRAIM BURCH, one of the wealthy 
farmers of Commerce Township, is a son 
of Ephraim Burch, Sr., a native of Pom- 
fret, Yt., who was born February 13, 1793, and was 
formerly in the lumbering business and later a 
farmer. His mother, Electa (Sessions) Burch, a 
native of Porafret, Vt., was born February 17, 
1803. She is a sister of Mrs. Delano Bowen, wiiose 
sketch appears in this Album. Our subject's par- 
ents were married in Yermont, and afterwards 
resided in Canada on a farm until 1832, when they 
came to Michigan, and settled in Commerce Town- 



ship. The country was new, settlors were few and 
there were no roads. Inrlians, deer, bears and 
wolves were plenty. The farm was of tinrbcred 
openings. This pioneer couple made their homo in 
a -log house, and here spent the remainder of their 
days. He died December 4, 1861 and she April 
13, 1886. 

Our subject was one of nine children of the 
parental home, six of whom are now living. The 
mother was an adherent to the faith of the Baptist 
Church. In politics the father was a Whig and 
later a Republican. He was one of the organizers 
of the township. Young Ephraim was born 
February 6, 1826, in Canada, and although only 
six 3'ears old when brought to Michigan, distinctly 
recalls the trip by ox-teara from his home in Canada 
to Detroit, and from there on b^' the same convey- 
ance to the homestead. He attended one of the very 
first district schools established here, and remained 
at homo until he was twenty-one years of age. He 
had to work hard during his youth. At twenty- 
one he hired out to work at the trade of a carpen- 
ter, but soon gave it up, as he preferred farming. 
He returned home and bought forty acres of land 
on section 20, and began clearing the land. He 
thus continued until he was thirty-three years old. 
Ephraim Burch was united in marriage with 
Lucy J. Bowen, daughter of Cromwell and Delano 
Bowen. The marriage took place December 8, 1858. 
Tne lady was born October 26, 1835, and died Oc- 
tober 29, 1879. They were the parents of two chil- 
(iven — Ford B., born November 3, 1862, and Jennie 
L., May 29, 1873. The second marriage of our sub- 
ject took place in December, 1882. The present 
Mrs. Burch was Anna E. Rauch, a daughter of J. 
H. and Anna E. (Snively) Rauch, both natives of 
Pennsylvania, who came to Michigan about thirty- 
five years ago where they made their permanent 
home. Mrs. Rauch died in 1865. Her husband 
still survives, and now at the age of seventy-three 
lives on the homestead in Monroe Count}'. Both 
were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which 
he has long served as Deacon. He was in politics 
a Whig and then a Republican. Their eight chil- 
dren are all now living. 

Mrs. Burch was born February 19, 1848, in 
Pennsylvania. She has taught school in Michigan. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



627 



^*- 



-T^JJ-S 




^^ ARSHALL M. FROST, one of the sue 
cessful and valued citizens of Orion, was 
born in Genesee Count}-, N. Y., July 14. 
\ *" 1836. His father, Samuel Frost, was a 

Vermonter and was born MayTOT 178S." He re- 
moved first to Pennsylvania and afterward to New 
York, and finally came to Oakland County, in 1841, 
and located in Southfield Township, where he 
passed the first winter and then took a farm in Troy 
Townshii) for four years. He next removed to 
Berlin Township, St. Clair County. He had been 
there but eighteen nujntbs when he was called from 
earth, May 20, 1847. He was an active member of 
the Baptist Church. When he emigrated to Michi- 
gan lie came by water to Detroit and from there 
journeyed by team across the country. His wife 



There were no children by this second marriage. 
Mr. Burch has ever taken an active interest in 
school matters, and helped to organize tins district. 
He is now Treasurer of this district, and has been 
Director for many years. He h.as given his children 
a good education, sending them all away to school. 
He has taken a lively interest in local politics, 
affiliating first with the Democracy and later with 
the Republicans, but he has ever steadfastly refused 
to accept offlce. 

The subject of this biographical sketch owns 
three hundred and eighteen acres of farm land, 
besides two lots at Milford and a house and lot at 
Wixom. His home farm is highly cultivated, one 
iiundred and forty acres of it being under the 
plow. One farm of one hundred and thirty acres 
in Hartland Township has ninet^'-five acres im- 
proved, and has on it a good frame house, aud barn 
34x4 6 feet. The residence built by him twenty- 
three years ago cost him §1,800 beside his labor 
and incidental expenses. Two good barns are on 
the home farm, one of them measuring 34x60 feet, 
and the other 22x60 feet. He has always been 
successful in his farming, and what he possesses be 
gained b}' hard work, as he started for himself 
empty-handed. His consistent, temperate habits 
have been a bulwark of strength to him. 



bore in girlhood the maiden name of Lydia Bixby. 
She was a Vermonter by birth and first saw the 
light February 6, 1792. Her death took place 
August 27, 1861. Earl}' in life she united with 
the Baptist Church, and after coming to Michigan 
she joined the Methodists. 

The subject of this sketch is the youngest of 
twelve children, ten sons and two daughters, eight 
of whom are living. He received his primary edu- 
cation in the pioneer log schoolhouses furnished 
with slab seats. He never attended school in sum- 
mer after he was ten years old. When he was 
thirteen he went to work on a farm by the month 
and labored in this way for eight years. The first 
summer he received the large sum of $4 per month. 
In the spring of 1850, he and his mother were left 
alone to run the farm in Berlin Township. St. Clair 
Count}'. He was then thirteen years old. One of 
his eldest brothers before leaving home tapped a 
sugar bush, and young Marshall gathered the sap 
and boiled it and made one hundred and fifty 
pounds of sugar himself, some of which he has yet 
in his possession. His mother about this time 
broke up housekeeping, and the bo}' started out 
for himself. After eight years of labor for others 
he came to Oakland Township, Oakland Count}-, 
and took his brother's farm on shares for two 
years. He then bought a small place on section 9, 
in Oakland Township, took to himself a wife and 
settled down to housekeeping and farming. He 
sold this farm and purchased one in Brandon 
Township. Two years later he sold out and went 
to Lansing, and engaged in the bakery and confec- 
tionery business for a few months. Then return- 
ing to Oakland Township he bought a farm on 
section 15, and two years later disposed of this, 
and going to Pontiac, clerked in the hotel for al- 
most five years. 

In January, 1874, Mr. Frost purchased a gen- 
eral store in Oakwood, and conducted it for more 
tlian five years. He then removed in 1880 to Pon- 
tiac, and boarded for four years. He then came 
to Orion, and purchased a handsome residence which 
he now occupies. His marriage, January 12, 1860, 
united him with Emily Lomis, who is a native of 
Brandon Township, Oakland County, where she 
was born May 14, 1837, the first white child born 



628 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in tliat township. Her parents were Thomas N. 
and .liilia (Miller) Lomi^ of New York. They 
settled in Brandon Township in 1836, and were the 
first settlers in that township. Mr. Louis passed 
awa3' February 20, 1879, having been bereft of his 
wife in 1854. Seven of their nine children are slill 
living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Frost was born one child, Ada 
B. She came to them October 24, 1860, and was 
taken away by death March 16, 1862. Mr. F'rost 
is a prominent Democrat and often sits as a dele- 
gate in county, district and State conventions. For 
twent3'-two years he has been identiSed with the 
Masonic order. He has a farm in Sanilac County. 
He began life on the bottom round of the ladder 
and has been more than ordinarily successful. 



--^ ^>^ ^ 

\i?ULIUS CARPENTER, of Orion Township, 
I was born in AVorcest€r, Mass., July 19, 
j 1836. His father, Cliarles A_^, was born in 
^^^ Barre, Washington County, Yt., February 
11, 1813, and his grandfather, Stephen, born in 
1778, was a native of Providence, K. 1. The 
grandfather lived in Yermont and Massachusetts, 
spent eight years in Canada, and Qnally came to 
Michigan, where he died in 1854 at the age of 
seventy-seven 3'ears. Charles A. Carpenter came 
to Michigan with the intention of locating in La- 
peer County, but finally chose a farm in Orion 
Township, in 1836. The country was new, roads 
were few and traveling was almost an impossibility. 
The trip from Detroit was maile bj' team by way 
of Pontiac and the family were obliged to walk 
most of the w.aj-, so muddy and bad were the roads. 
In the spring of 1845 he sold the farm he had 
owned for nearly ten years, and purchased a large 
tract of land farther west, in the same township. 
He ultimately addeil to this until he owned at one 
time over seven hundred acres of fine land. 

The fatlicr of our subject was a carpenter and 
joiner and worked a good deal at his trade during 
the early part of his life in INIichigan. He came 
here with but limited means and at one time worked 
for thirteen days at his trade to purchase a barrel 



of flour. He was an excellent manager, a hard- 
working man and one who had unusual intelli- 
gence and judgment. He retired from farming in 
1862. He was a stanch Republican but never a 
politician, although he was at one time a candidate 
for the Legislature, but his party was in a hopeless 
minority and he failed of election. He was active 
in securing the Pontiac Ar Oxford Railroad which 
passed through his farm in front of his door. He 
was a liberal contributor to all charitable purposes, 
and died August 12, 1888. 

Oursubject's mother, Persis(Eames) Carpeuter,of 
Worcester, Mass., was born February 2, 1813. She 
is the mother of five children, three of whom are 
living. She still survives and is active and bright, 
having full possession of her faculties and leading 
a life of usefulness. Julius Carpenter was three 
months old when his parents removed to Michigan, 
and being the eldest of the famil}-, he early learned 
to assist his father on the farm. He received a 
district school education and remained at home un- 
til he was twenty-seven. He then fitted himself 
out with a supply of stock, farm tools, etc., and 
began farming independently. 

Rebecca Rolison became the wife of our subject 
March 14, 1 86 1. She was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y., February 21, 1836, and is the 
daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Hummer) 
Rolison, who emigrateil to Michigan in 1838 and 
made their home in Avon Township, Oakland 
County-. The}' subsequently removed to Brandon 
Township, where they ended their days. The gen- 
ealogy of the Rolisons runs biick to the times of 
King William H I. of Holland. Elizabeth Hummer, 
the mother of Mrs. Carpenter, was born August 
22, 1801. Five of her uncles served in the Revo- 
lutionary War. 

Mr. and INIrs. Carpenter have been blessed with 
four children, who are named, Minnie E., born 
Miiy 3, 1862; Oscar M., March 13, 1864; Charles 
Augustus, deceased, born November 13, 1870; 
and Charles Albert, November 23, 1873. To all 
of these children their parents gave excellent op- 
port\initics of education, sending them awa^- to 
school. Their mother is a lady of excellent char- 
acter and delightful qualities as a friend and neigh- 
bor. She is an earnest and cfHcienl member of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



629 



Methodist Episcopal Church, and her work in the 
cimrch is highly prized by those who know her. 
Mr. Carpenter is a Republican, but takes no active 
part in politics. His excellent farm of two hun- 
dred and sixtj-'five acres is above the average in 
productiveness. He h.is an annual yield of five 
thousand bushels of rutabagas, and fifteen hundred 
bushels of potatoes. His elegant home is finely 
located and at once attracts the attention and ad- 
miration of the traveler. 



■^~*^^" 




LBERT RICHARDSON is one of the larg- 
est land holders in Commerce Township, 
and one of the most prominent citizens of 
the county. He has held county offices 
and is respected for his good sense and excellent 
judgment. His father, Martin Richardson, was a 
native of New York. His mother bore the maiden 
name of (Caudace) Comstock. Thej- were mar- 
ried in New York State and resided there until 
they came to Michigan in 1834. The next jear 
the famil)- settled on the farm where our subject 
now lives, which comprised two hundred and forty 
acres of Governmeut lan<l. Here Martin Richard- 
son built one of the first frame houses ever put up 
in this township and brought on a sjian of horses, 
which was a great curiosit\' in those days. He 
died in 1851 at the age of fiftj'-one years. His 
wife survived him until 1881, when she breathed 
her last at the age of seventy-six years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Richardson were the par- 
ents of eight children, six of whom are now liv- 
ing, but none except our subject reside in this 
township. At the time of his death the father had 
four hundred and forty acres of land, two-thirds of 
it under cultivation. He was a strong anti-slavery 
man. and cast the first ballot for that cause in that 
township. He was an active church member and 
was connected with the Baptist Church. He was 
an Assessor in this township. 

Albert Richardson was born October 31, 1833, 
in Otsego Count\% N. Y., whence he was brought 
when an infant to Michigan. When eighteen _\ears 
old he began life for himself. He has always been 



a farmer and resided in the same house. He had 
forty acres of improved land to begin on and 896 
in money. He was married December 30, 1853, 
to Mary Ann, a daughter of William and Mary 
Bennett Smith, both natives of New York. Mr. 
Smith was both a mechanic and a farmer. He came 
to Michigan in 1834, and settling in Commerce 
Township, plied his trade and improved his farm. 
He sold out during the Civil War and removed to 
the township of Ovid, Clinton County. His first 
wife died in 1847. His second wife was Mary E. 
Knight. He again married after her decease and 
was then united with Sallie Wilson. Mrs. Rich- 
ardson is a child of the first marriage, and was born 
Februrary 8, 1834, in Erie County, N. Y. She was 
an infant when she came here. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have been blest with 
two children, Martin, born April 2, 1856, now 
married to Frances M. Dandison, and William, 
born October 23, 1860, now married to Harriet 
M. Porter. Our subject has added to his farm 
from time to time and is now the possessor of 
eight hundred acres, much of it under cultivation. 
He is himself actively engaged in farming and has 
raised much stock. His mother was a Quaker and 
gave her boys a good education. He has been for 
some time a member of the School Board and is 
now its Moderator. 

Mr. Richardson always lakes a lively interest in 
politics and votes the Republican ticket. He has 
often been a delegate to conventions and has served 
as Supervisor of Commerce Township for five terms 
and as Township Treasurer, and is now Draiua<re 
Commissioner. He was also United States Revenue 
Assessor for several years for the Western District 
of Oakland County. In 1873-74 he was Register 
of Deeds. He was candidate for County Treasurer 
and w.as defeated by seven voles. He w.is also 
candidate three time's for Register of Deeds. He 
has been Treasurer of the Grange, and liis wife was 
"Ceres" in the Grange. 

The brothers and sisters of our subject are citi- 
zens who are highly respected in their communi- 
ties. Jonathan, who married Mary L. Haskins, 
lives in San Bernardino. Cal., and is engaged in min- 
ing and lumbering. Nathan is now Judge of Pro- 
bate Court in Morrison County, Minn., and also 



630 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mayor of Little Falls, the county seat. He has 
been a member of the Minnesota Legislature and 
is prominent in politics. He has five children. 
William, who married Rhoda C. Dye, lives at San 
Bernardino, Cal.,and is engaged in the business of 
artesian wells. Emma .T. is the wife of Andrew 
J. Van liiper, a farmer of Shiawassee County, this 
State. Chioe A., the wife of Milton Cahoon, lives 
in Ionia County and is the mother of five children. 
Altogether this family- is one which deservedly re- 
ceives the respect of the communities in which the 
members reside. 



-f^5^"* 



-♦j-fc-j 



Vli'OHN B. HEITSCH. Among the men now 
cultivating a portion of tiie soil of Water, 
ford Township with good results and whose 
financial prosperity has resulted from indus- 
trious application to the work in hand, together 
with prudent control of expenditures, the subject 
of this sketch deserves prominent mention. His 
fine farm of one hundred and eiglit3--five acres is 
a standing monument to his zeal and industry', and 
with its substantial buildings attra<'ts attention from 
the passing traveler. The owner enjoys an envia- 
ble reputation as an upright, honest man, and 
stands high in the esteem of his fellow-men. 

Mr. Heitsch was born in France in 1823. His 
[Jhrents, who were natives of Switzerland, reared a 
family of eight children, of whom onr subject and 
a brother who lives in Pontiac were the only ones 
wlio came to America. During his boyhood, our 
subject received good educational advantages and 
became proficient in the text-books of French 
schools. At the age of fourteen years he was ap- 
prenticed to learn the trade of a carpenter and also 
became a millwright, working at these trades until 
1852. In that year, having resolved to seek a home 
across the ocean, he took passage on a sailing-ves- 
sel, and after an uneventful voyage reached the 
New World. 

Upon his arrival in the United States, Mr. Heitsch 
l)roceeded directly to Pontiac, Mich., and for 
eleven j'ears found steady employment at his trade 
of a carpenter. By unremitting industry he was 



enabled, in 1863, to purchase one hundred and 
twenty acres of wild land on section 22, Wateiford 
Township, where he still resides. He has now one 
of the finest homes in the township, and tiie finely- 
tilled fields and substantial buildings bespeak the 
thrifty character of the owner. The most of the 
improvements on the place have been made by 
Mr. Heitsch; they include orchards, groves, good 
fences and a full line of farm buildings. The resi- 
dence is tastefully furnished and complete with all 
modem conveniences, while its bountiful hospital- 
ity is often extended to a large circle of friends. 

In 1'850 Mr. Heitsch was united in marriage 
with Miss Catherine Blint. They have four chil- 
dren, as follows: .'^ophia, the widow of Isadore 
Houser, who was killed by a railroad accident; 
Louisa who remains at home; Charles, who mar- 
ried .Tennie Dawson and resides on a farm given 
him by iiis father; Joseph, also at home. Mrs. 
Houser, with iier three children, is an inmate of her 
father's home. Politically, Mr. Heitsch is a Dem- 
ocrat and is a regular attendant at the Catholic 
Cluucli. Honorable in private life, peaceable and 
law-abiding as a citizen, and disi)laying energy in 
whatever he undertakes, he is looked upon with 
respect by ail who know him. 

ICHAKD MOORE, of Milford Township, the 
son of Henry and Sarah (Wilsey) Moore, 
i4li\\\ of Herkimer Counlj-, N. Y., came with his 
parents to Michigan in Octobei, 1833 and 
settled in Milford Township. The father was born 
December 6, 1776, and died July 10, 1842. The 
mother was born April 19, 1800, .and died Febru- 
ary 11, 1879. The}' were married in 1818 and 
resided in Herkimer Count}', N. Y., whence they 
came toMichgan. After the death of the father the 
sons carried on the farm for 3'ears. Of their nine 
children seven are now living. 

Our subject w.as born June 21, 1827, in Herki- 
mer County, N. Y. He was fifteen years of age 
when his father died and he continued to work on 
the farm and made his home there until he was mar- 
ried. After the estate was settled Judge Stephen 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



633 



Reeves Inviterl the widow and her three boys to 
his office. He then gave them a strong, able talk, 
picturing out the benefits to boys wlio staid at 
liome and tool< care of tlieir niotiier instead of scat- 
leiing to ef.cli look out foi' liimself. All the l)o_\s 
were so thorough!}' impressed that they have ne\er 
yet forgotten it. 

The marriage of our subject, April LS, 1819, 
united liim with IMiss Melissa Hosner, a daughter 
of Jacob and Asenath ( Wait) Hosner, natives of 
New York and Massachusetts respectively. Their 
marriage took place in New York, August 3, 1825, 
and they resided there until they came to Michi- 
gan in 183G. The}' settled in West Bloomfield 
Townsiiip, on a farm now owned by Almon Hosner. 
The}' remained^there until 18G7, and then removed 
to I'onliac, where the father died, .luno 9, 1871. 
His widow survives him at the age of eighty-four 
years. Thej' were the i)arents often children, five 
of wlioni are now living, and were members of the 
church. Mr. Hosner was a strong Re[)ublican and 
a man of strictly temperate habits. 

Mrs. Moore was born Ai)ril 20, 1830, in Monroe 
County, N. Y. She received a district school edu- 
cation in Michigan. Mr. Moore bought a farm of 
eighty acres, a part of what is now his property 
having upon it a log house. Into this be moved 
and began cultivating the land. They were very 
poor and for a long time he was ill and they passed 
through many hard trials. He now has one hundred 
of his one hundred aad twenty acres under cultiva- 
tion. This was, when he purchased it, covered 
with stumps and stones. He built his present brick 
residence in 1863. It cost him §3,500. He built 
also at that time a barn and added to and repaired 
another. He divided his labors equally between 
stock and grain. Of the former he keeps a high 
grade. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of five 
children: Asenath, born March 4, 1852, is the 
wife of Fred Schalhon, they live in lij'on Town- 
ship and have two children; Alva and Alvin 
(twins) born April 2, 1857, both died in infancy; 
Augusta M., born Maj' 1, 1860, is now the wife of 
Frank E. Burch of Commerce Township, and has 
one child, Nellie; EdaM.,born December 31, 1872, 
died in infancy. 

The family attend the Baptist Church at Wixom 



and are active supporters of the same, having helped 
to build the church. Mr. Moore lias been a member 
of the .School Board and takes a lively interest in 
politics, having been a Republican since the organ- 
ization of that party. He is a man of temperate 
habits and of strict integrity, and has gained all 
liiat he has by hard work. His credit is good and 
lie can at any time obtain what mone}' he needs at 
the i)ank. 



•€-*-^- 




^, HARLES D. HOWARD, M. D., the leading 
physician at Oxford, was born in Morrow 
Count}', Ohio, April 13, 1852. He is a son 
of Leonard and Maria (Chilson) Howard, natives 
of New York State. The ftiiher died in Morrow 
Count}-, Ohio, on a farm which he had oecuiiied 
for over fifty years. He had reached the limit of 
four score years and six when his death occurred 
November 13, 1889. His wife had preceded him 
to the better world February 7, 1872. To them 
were born eight children, of whom six are living. 
our subject being the youngest of the family. 

The gentleman of whom we write was early 
trained in the practical work on the farm, and he 
improved to their utmost the educational advan- 
tages afforded him. He attended for some time the 
C)hio Wesleyan University and began teaching at 
the early age of fifteen years. After teaching 
three years he entered the medical department of 
the University at Ann Arbor, but sul)sequently 
changed to Detroit, and took his diploma in the 
class of '75 from tl>e Detroit Medical College. He 
then removed to Marengo, Ohio, which is about 
two miles from where he was born, and there es- 
tablished himself in practice. 

After three years spent in Marengo, the young 
Doctor went to Richmond, Mich., and practiced 
tiiere for a similar term of years. He then went 
back to Ohio, but in 1886 came to Oxford, where 
he has built up an excellent practice. His mar- 
riage, February 8, 1883, with Mary McKay, was 
an event of great importance in the life of the 
young man. His wife is a daughter of Henry JIc- 
Kay, a native of Scotland, now reiiding in Oak. 



J34 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land County, Mich. The union of the Doctor 
and his wife lias been blest by the birth of a 
(laughter, Jennie M. The Doctor is a member of 
the Knights of tlie Maccabees and the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he affiliates 
with the Republican party. 

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Howard appears 
on another page of this volume. 



'^OHN P. SWAYZE, one of the young, intel- 
ligent and progressive farmers of Spring- 
field Townshi[!, was born in this county Sep- 
tember 13, 1858. He is the son of Anthony 
J., the son of Israel, of Scotch descent; two 
brothers having come over to this country during 
Colonial times. The grandfather, who was a well- 
to do farmer, came to this county in 1854. He 
owned three hundred and twenty acres adjoining 
what was then the village of Springfield, and lived 
to a good old age. 

Tlie father, who was a miller and a merchant of 
experience, came liere in 1854 and bought eighty 
acres, which he in time increased to two hundred 
and twenty-five. He was a hard-working and suc- 
cessful farmer, and died in 1871. He was a devout 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Re- 
publican in politics and a man of unusual intelli- 
gence and remarkable memory. For manj' years 
he served as .Instice of the Peace. He married 
llanua AVamslej', who is now living with our sub- 
ject. She was born in New Jersey April 1, 1816. 
She is the mother of ten children, eight of wliom 
are still living to cheer iter declining days. The^' 
are: Mar3' J., Mrs. Hollister; Sarah, Mrs. Sbu- 
inan; Gertrude, Mrs. Waugii; James AV. ; Esther 
A., Mrs. Ellis; Edgar J.; Tanisen, Mrs. Tarter; 
Arabella, Mrs. Smith; 'William H. and our subject. 
Their mother has trained them all in the faith of 
the Methodist Church. 

After a training and education on the farm and 
in the district school, John began life for liimself 
at the age of fifteen years. lie and his brother 
took the home farm on shares and farmed it for 



nine years. He then worked the farm of his 
father-in-law two years. In March, 1884, he went 
to California and engaged by the month on the 
Derry farm, about forty miles north of San Fran- 
cisco. He returned in January, 1887, and settled 
on the home farm. 

An event of great importance took place in the 
life of our subject December 20, 1881, when he was 
wedded to Sophronia McLees. She was born in 
this township February 6, 1859. Two children, 
Anna and Clare S., brighten this home. Both Mr. 
and Mrs Swayze are prominent and active mem- 
bers of the Methodist Church. Mr. Swayze is a 
Republican in his politics and has been made 
Drainage Commissioner of his township by his 
fellow-citizens. His own farm of forty acres is 
most of it under cultivation, and he farms besides, 
the homestead place on shares. He is much inter- 
ested in stock-raising, and is a bright, intelligent 
j'oung man of progressive tendencies. 



-^^ 




DWAKD E. GIBSON, a farmer of Bloom- 
field Township, was born in Lincolnshire, 
7j England, December 18, 1842. He is the 
son of Thom.as and Thomison (Cross) (Jibson, who 
spent their whole lives in England. Our subject 
was one of twelve children, and his early life was 
spent on the farm. He never received any school- 
ing after he was eight \ears old, and began doing 
for himself before he was twelve. AVhen fifteen 
j-ears of age he came to America with his brother, 
James C, and located in County Simcoe, Canada, 
where he worked out by the montli on the farm. 
After sis years residence in Canada, Jlr. Gibson 
came to Michigan. After working upon wages for 
a jear he rented a farm and carried it on in that 
waj' for seven years, and then bought one hundred 
and fifteen acres, on which he now resides. He has 
since added to his estate till he now owns two hun- 
dred and twenty acres of fine farming land in the 
township of Bloomfield. He gives all his attention 
to farming and stock-raising, a«d although he 
started in life a poor boy he has attained a hand- 
some competence, all through his own hard work 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



635 



and active enterprise. He handles a orreat deal of 
stock of a bigli grade. 

PvlizaljeUi J. Kerr, of Vaughn, York Count}', On- 
tario, became the wife of our subject, June 6, 1866. 
She was born in Cilasgow, Scotland, March 7, 1841, 
and is a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Wilson) 
Kerr, who came to America in 1844 and settled in 
Toronto, Canada. Later they removed to Vaughn, 
where they still reside. 

Six children have blessed the home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Gibson, namely: Robert E., who died at the 
age of seventeen years, Thomas W., Elizabetli M., 
George "\V., Harry C. and John L. Our subject 
votes the Democratic ticket but has never dabbled 
in politics. He and his wife ami daughter are act- 
ive members of tlie Presbyterian Church at Poutiac. 







ENRY H. PENNINGTON. It has been 
but a few years since this gentleman estab- 
lislied himself on a farm in Avon Town- 
v^/ ship, but he is known to other settlers in 
tliat vicinity as a fust-class farmer and has an ex- 
cellent reputation in other parts of the country', 
lie is one of the veterans of the Civil War, to 
wlioni honor is due for toilsome and hazardous 
enterprise in the country's behalf, and who receive 
the grateful plaudits of all lo3al hearts. lie 
comes of old Virginia slock in the paternal lino 
and his mother w.as a native of the Buckeye Stale 
and of German ancestr}'. His father, Henry II. 
Pennington, Sr., removed from Virginia to Ohio 
about 1828, locating; in Wyandot County, while 
Grandfather Pennington, whose given name was 
Jacob, crossed the Ohio at the same time and es- 
tablished his home in Seneca County. Eight 
children were born to Henry H. and Mary (Jliller) 
Pennington, but he of whom we write is the only 
survivor. Two of the sons gave up their lives for 
their country — Levi having been killed in Georgia 
and Jacob having contracted a disease, from which 
he died. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Wyandot County, September 2.5, 1840, and 
reared to agricultural pursuits, in which he was 



engaged when the Civil War began. He enlisted 
August 22, 1862, in tiie One Hundred and Twenty- 
third Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in as a 
|)rivate in Company D, but was promoted to the 
rank of Corporal before he reached the front. The 
command was sent into West Virginia, where it 
did considerable service before the winter set in, 
when the regiment went into camp at Petersburg 
on New Creek. There Mr. Pennington contracted 
a disease which necessitated his going to the hospi- 
tal at Cumberland, remaining there until March, 
1863. He was then sent to the convalescent hos- 
pital eight miles distant, and in April rejoined his 
regiment at Wincliester and took part in the cam- 
paign of that name under Gen. Milroy. Mr. Pen- 
nington served as a jn-ovost guard when iiis Cap- 
tain was Provost Marshal, and with other members 
of the regiment guarded prisoners during the 
battle of Gettysburg and conveyed them to 
Bloody Run, and thence to Ilagerstown and Har- 
per's Ferry. 

Mr. Pennington took part in the engagement at 
Snicker's Gap, where the regiment lost quite a 
number of men and was repulsed and driven across 
the river. He was one of liie baud tliat guarded 
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad until the mid<lle of 
May, 1864, when he was pronounced unfit fur licld 
duly and made clerk of an ordnance train. At 
Charleston, on the Kanawlia River, he was re- 
lieved and returned to his company, with whicli 
he remained until after the battle of Winchester, 
where' he fought under Gen. Crook. Early in 
July he became afflicted with rheumatism and was 
carried to Harper's Ferry, but he subsequently was 
able to fight at Opequan, near Winchester, and 
while actively engaged was wounded in the right 
thigh. He was carried to the rear and sent to 
Philadelphia, Pa., to enter a hospital there, Sep- 
tember 19, 1864. 

JIarch 26, 1865, Mr. Pennington rejoined his 
company near City Point, whence he went to 
Hatchie's Run and followed Grant until the sur- 
render of Lee. His command then went to Lynch- 
burg to recoTer some Government property, then 
to Richmond and on to Camp Chase, Ohio, where 
he was mustered out June I'J, 1865. Mr. Penning- 
ton made his home with a cousin and resumed 



636 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farm work, doing what a worn-out soldier was able 
to do, and gradually arriving at a better phj'sical 
condition. He was married December 24, 1867, 
to Almeda, daughter of George R. and Eliza- 
beth A. (Blair) Corwin. After his marriage Mr. 
Pennington farmed in Seneca County, Ohio, six 
)'ears, then spent four years in Hancock County 
and one in Wyandot. He next came to this State 
and for two j'ears resided in Charlotte, and at the 
expiration of that period bought one hundred and 
twenty acres that have since been his place of 
abode. 

Few men are more interested in political issues 
than Mr. rounington, wlio is to be found at the 
polls on every election da^y and takes an active, 
though not an olHc-e-seeking. part in the work of 
the party. He is a pronounced Republican and no 
one can long be uncertain as to his political faith 
or its reasons. He and his wife are members 
of the Metliodist Episcopal Cluirch. The^' are 
respected members of society and do their part 
toward advancing the interest of the section in 
which they have made their home b}' promoting 
social life and culture. 

. SS?^' 



K)H]S' DECKER is an old settler in Com- 
merce Township, whom prosperity has not 
spoiled, neither have the hardships of pio- 
neer life embittered his bature. He is the 
son of John Decker, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
was born February 13, 1787, and who wjjs a cap- 
tain in tlie War of 1812. His granufather, John, 
was a Pennsylvania farmer, and the family is of 
Pennsylvania Dutch stock. 'J'he rrother of our 
subject was Phcabe Mather, who was born August 
2!), 1793, in Connecticut. They were married in 
Lima, Livingston County, N. Y., where they made 
their permanent home on a farm in the unbroken 
woods. He lived until June 2, 1863, having lost 
his wife April 10, 1857. Six of their twelve chil- 
dren are now living. The}' were attendants at the 
services of the T'^niversalist Church, and Mr. 
Decker"? pulitical views were of the Whig order, 
and later Hepublicau. He was a successful farmer. 



Our subject received a district school education, 
and grew to manhood upon the homestead where 
he first saw the light, April 17, 1820. He remained 
at home helping his father until he was twenty- 
four years of age. About that time he was mar- 
ried to Harriet Moore, a daughter of Cyrus and 
Sallie (Bowman) Moore, natives of New Hamp- 
shire, members of the best families of that State. 
They early removed to Livingston County, X. Y. 
and remained there until their death, hers occur- 
ring in 1837 and his in 1840. They were the par- 
ents of six children, three of whom are now living. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Decker took place 
October 15, 1844. Mrs. Decker was born June 2!t, 
1817, in Clermont Township, N. H. The young 
couple settled on part of Mr. Decker's father's farm. 
In 18IC they came to Michigan and rented farms, 
first in Commerce Township and then in Water- 
ford Township. They then bo.ught forty acres in 
the latter township, nearly all unbroken, and after 
living upon it three years and putting in some im- 
provements, soUl it and bought one hundred acres 
on section 23, Commerce Township. He now has 
two hundred and fifty-five acres, two hundred of 
which is under cultivation. 

Five children of the six granted to Mr. and Mrs. 
Decker are now living: John Albert, born 
March 14, 1846, married Esther .Smith, b}- whom 
he has had two children. They live in this town- 
ship. Ella E., born Januarj- 25, 1848, is the wife 
of Charles 1). Woodman and the mother of two 
children, and lives in Northville. Marcus H., 
born October 28, 1849, and married to Hattie 
Green, lives on section 23, and has seven children. 
Malic A., born January 16, 1854, makes her home 
at Walled Lake. The youngest is Emma J., born 
October 13. 1856. 

Mrs. Decker has been for manj- years an active 
and efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. She takes a great interest in temperance 
movements, and is a wc>mau of intelligence and 
character. Mr. Decker has been a Director of local 
schools and is always interested in the political sit- 
uation, especially in the movements of the Repub- 
lican partj", to which he is attached. He has been 
Road Overseer. The children of this family have 
been granted excellent opportunities for education. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



637 



Miss Mfttie is now a student at tlie State Normal 
School at Ypsilaiiti, wheie she is taking a supple- 
mentar}' course, after having taught for many 
terms. The other two daughters also hold certiQ- 
cates to teach. The home of tills family is one of 
more than ordinar}' happiness and intelligence, 
the parents being alwa3'S ready to lead the younger 
members of the family in happy reunions and jolly 
times. Tlie father has given a\\'a.y to his sons two 
farms of eighty acres each, and still has a fine 
tr.act of land left for himself. 



^^EORGE GERMAN, a retired farmer who 
ill (— , has resided on the farm where he now lives 
^^^5^4! si'ice 1837, and who owns two liundred and 
sixty acres of as fine land as Oakland County af- 
fords, was born in Devonshire, England, Septem- 
ber 9, 1814. His parents, John and Gr.ace (Essary) 
German, came to America in 1837, and settled on 
the farm where their son now lives. The\' spent 
the remainder of their days in this county. The 
father was a lifelong farmer and owned a farm in 
England, just outside of Bi<ldeford. He was in 
comfortable circumstances at the lime of his decease. 
He paid ^1 per acre for his laud in 1837, purchas- 
ing at that time two hundred acres, which he pro- 
ceeded to clear up and cultivate. 

John German and his estimable wife were de- 
vout members of the Episcopal Church, in which 
they were brought up in the old country-. He was 
an intelligent citizen and attached himself to the 
Whig part}- and joined the Republican party after 
its formation, but he never took an active part in 
politics. He had eight children, namely: Richard, 
Ann, John, George, .Mary, Betsey Jane, William, 
and Grace. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in England 
and received a common-school education in Biilde- 
ford. He has followed farming all his life and has 
ujion his tine farm a pleasant home and excellent 
farm buildings. He has now retired from active 
labor, yet his interest still centers in his farm, 
upon which he concentrates all his financial and 
personal efforts. He is a Republican in bis politics 



and has been Supervisor of his township four times, 
and h.as held almost all of the other town oflices. 
He is a Director of the Monitor Insurance Com- 
pany of Oakland County. lie is liberal in his 
support of churches but is not connected willi any 
denomination. 

Tli€ marriage of Mr. German took place Sep- 
tember 9, 1813. His good lady bore the maiden 
name of Henrietta I'ins. She was a resident of 
Farmington, this county, but was born in Alost, 
Belgium, August 5, 1823. She is a daughter of 
Peter J. and Ellenor (Debeer) Pins, who came to 
America in 1840 and settled in Farmington; the}' 
are both now deceased, Mr. Pins dying at Balti- 
more, Mich., and his wife at Detroit. 

Tlie eight children of Mr. and Mrs. German are 
as follows: Emma, deceased; IMatilda, wife of Will- 
iam Adams, a farmer in Southfiold Township, who 
has six children — Willie, Cora. Frankie, Archie, 
Georgie and Ross; George IL, a farmer on the 
old home, who with his wife, Carrie Durkee, has 
three children — Frankie, Leon and Amy ; Henry E., 
a farmer also on the home farm, married Lucv 
Simmons, of Ponliac, and has hail five little ones 
— Harry, Gertie, AUie, Wellington and Ilovrard; 
Minnie is the wife of Mark Armstrong, of North 
Farmington; and AUie, Mrs. Clarence Seeley, of 
Farmington, has one child — Clayton; Alfred and 
and Edwin are deceased. In the society of their 
beloved children and beautiful grandchildren Mr. 
and Mrs. German are preparing to spend their latter 
days in happiness. 



E 



UGENE B. WILHELM is the Superinten.l- 
ent and Manager of the Highland Vinegar 
and Pickle P'actorj', in which he has a third 
interest. Tlie establishment furnishes employment 
to an average force of forty hands and the sales 
amount to *!100,000, yearly. Mr. Wilhelm is also 
a lumber dealer, and is engaged in the mercantile 
business, having a general store in which well- 
selected stock is to be found. The fact that he is 
succeeding wliile handling so man)' business affairs 
is a proof of his ability and good judgment. That 



638 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



be is stirring and energetic no one can doubt wbo 
sees iiim in any of the establishments in which he is 
interested. 

The paternal line of descent is traced back to one 
John Wilhelm, who was killed in the battle of Ft. 
Erie. Following him was George, who was born 
in New Jersey, went to Milo, N. Y., with his pa- 
rents, and there married and reared a family of 
seven sons and three daughters. One of his sons 
was John, who was born at Milo and lived with his 
father until he was twenty-two years of age. The 
family had removed to Livingston County some 
years before John Wilhelm became a man, and 
there he married Leora Humphrey, daughter of 
Ozias and Parnal IIumphre3-, who were natives of 
Simsbury, Conn. For two years after his marriage 
John Wilhelm made his home in Springwater, and 
he then bought one hundred and sixty acres of 
land in the town of Conesus, N. Y., on which he 
now lives. He has increased his landed estate to 
two hundred and eighty-five acies. He is one of 
the stock-holders and Vice President of the Milford 
State Bank in this county. His familj' consisted of 
the following children: Emil}' A., Sidney S., Elsie 
J., Solon II., Eugene B., IMarlin (deceased) and 
Martha. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Conesus, Livingston County, N. Y., February 
12, 185(). He remained with his parents until after 
he had become of age, pursuing such studies as are 
usual and learning mucii of the work in whicii his 
father was engaged. When he attained his ma- 
jority lie formed a partnership with his father, car- 
rying on farming and stock-dealing, and the con- 
nection continued four years. Previous to this 
period he had taken up the higher branches of 
study at Genesee Weslcyan Seminar^' at Limp, N. 
Y. In 1883 he came to Milford, this count}', and 
tlie ne.\l year established himself in Highland, buy- 
ing a one-fourtli interest in the vinegar and jiickle 
factor}-, wiiich lie is now so satisfactorily managing. 

In Steuben County, N. Y., December 27, 1882, 
]\Ir. Wilhelm was united in marriage with Miss 
Carrie E. Patchen, daughter of Ira and Elizabeth 
(Ellis) Patchen. Her parents were born in the 
Empire State and had tvvo children, a son, Sprague, 
and the daughter mentioned. To Mr. and Mrs. 



Wilhelm there have come two children — Eugene 
B., Jr. and Philip — bright little lads who are rap- 
idl}' advancing in knowledge. 

Mr. Wilhelm is a Knight Templar and is enrolled in 
Genesee Valley Commander}', No. 15, at Flint. His 
political allegiance is given to the Republican party, 
as after investigation of its principles, he became 
firmly convinced that it was founded upon the 
truest theories of government. He has been Super- 
visor of Highland Township three consecutive years, 
and this fact alone is sufficient to indicate his stand 
ing in the community. An incident of consider- 
able interest connected with his ancestiy is the fact 
that during the War of 1812 his grandfather, Ozias 
Humphrey, beat the alarm at New London. Conn., 
when the British attacked that place. 

^^i)ENJAMIN F. DAVISON owns and occu- 
. pies a good farm in Highland Township, 
•j)) If' comprising one hundred and seventy acres 
^aS^ on section 21. Mr. Davison formerly 
owned a much larger tract, but has given away 
one hundred and twenty acres, reducing his own 
estate to the acreage mentioned. He finds suffi- 
cient occupation with that which he now possesses, 
as he is ambitious to have it in as perfect ('ondi- 
tion as possible, and he is advancing in years, so 
that he does not have the physical strength to do 
as he once did, allhough by no means incapacitated 
from the oversight of affairs, or from the share in 
the labor necessary to reap good results from the 
farm. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Paul 
Davison, a native of Connecticut, who in an early 
d.ay went to Pennsylvania, and thence to Livingston 
County, N. Y., in 1788. He and three others were 
the first to settle in that county, and in making 
their w.ay there followed an Indian trail. They 
built a cabin, and the next year Mr. Davison re- 
turned to Pennsylvania for his family. They 
made their journey to the new home in an ox cart, 
cutting logs and building bridges on the way. 
The first crop of turnips and oats gathered in 
Lima Township was harvested by Mr. Davison. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



639 



The corn used in the home was ground with a 
stump and mortar. Mr. Davison died in 1804, 
at the age of forty-one years; his wife survived 
liim forty years, reaching the age of fourscore. 
He had been in the Colonial army during the Rev- 
olution, and fought in Sullivan's forces in subdu- 
ing the Indians in Western New York; he held 
the commission of Captain. His family consisted 
of three sons and four daughters, namely: Norman, 
Marlin, Jonathan, Lavina, Olive, Betsey and 
Fanny — the last named being the first white female 
child born west of Geneva. Siie married Amos 
Otis. 

Norman Davison was born in Connecticut and 
accompanied his parents to New York when an in- 
fant. At the age of twenty years he marrie.l 
Huldah Brown, a native of Albany, N. Y., and to 
them were born the following named children: 
Sar.ili, Paul G., Olive P., Sylva, UeWitt C, Ben- 
jamin F., .Tane A. and Marietta. In 1831 Mr. 
Davison removed to Genesee County, this State, 
locating twelve miles from Flint, and being one of 
the first settlers in that localit3\ There he died 
ten years after his arrival. The patent for the 
first land he entered was signed by Andrew Jack- 
son. He w.as a delegate to the convention at De- 
troit, in 1835, which framed the first constitution 
of the Slate, and he w.is a delegate to the conven- 
tion held at Ann Arbor to settle the dilliculties 
between Indiana, Ohio and Michigan regarding 
tlie boundaiy. He was Postmaster and Justice of 
the Peace for years. 

The subject of this notice was born in Avon, 
Livingston Count}', N. Y., April 12, 1821, and was 
ten j'ears old when he accompanied his parents to 
tins State. lie worked on his father's farm after 
bis school d.'i}s were ended, until 1812, when lie 
came to this county and estal)lislied himself in 
Highland Township. He has cairied on general 
farming with good results, and has secured a good 
standing as an agriculturist and a citizen. He has 
served as Township Treasurer a year and Super- 
visor four years. He exercises the right of suffrage 
in behalf of Democratic principles and the candi- 
dates who are pledged to support them. He is 
connected with the social order of the Grange. 

In 18i7 Mr. Davison was married to Miss Hul- 



dah N. Gue, who bore him four children, named 
respectively, Ann, Ella, Norman and Frank. The 
wife and motlier exchanged time for eternity in 
1866, and January 1, 1867, Mr. Davison made a 
second marriage. His bride was Sarah S. Wells, 
daughter of Philip and Sophia (Fuller) Wells, who 
were natives of Rhode Island and Massachusetts 
respectively. Mr. Wells came to Michigan in 
1842, and settled in Milford, where he died in 
1853. The year of his birth was 1799. Mrs. 
Wells died September 16. 1867, at the age of 
sixty -six years, having been born in 1801. Mr. 
Wells owned and operated a foundry. He served 
as Justice of the Peace, was a Mason and Odd 
Fellow, and, with his wife, had good standing in 
the Presbj'terian Church. The children of Mr. 
Davison and his present wife are still residing with 
their parents, although both are engaged in teach- 
ing. Their names are Bertha and Jlargaret S. 
Mrs. Davison is a consistent member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 



DAVIN PHELPS. The farm of this gentle- 
man maj- certainly be called A, No. 1, on ac- 
count of the fertility of the soil, the careful 
tillage it receives, the order of its arrangements 
and the number and worth of the farm buildings. 
It consists of one hundred and eighty acres on sec- 
tion 23, Pontiac Township, and bears a good line 
of outbuildings, while the dwelling is a handsome 
brick, shaded by fine trees which also lend their 
cooling influence to other parts of the farm. Mr. 
Phelps is one of the prominent cattlemen of South- 
eastern Michigan, and is the pioneer breeder of 
Herefords in the State. He has made two impor- 
tations from Holland, of Holstein Friesian cattle, 
and belongs to the Hereford Association of Amer- 
ica and the State and National Holstein Friesian 
Associations. 

Elnathan Phelps, tiie father of our subject, was 
born in Massachusetts In 1799 and was the son of 
Benjamin Phelps, a native of Pittsfield and a sol- 
dier both in the Revolution and the War of 1812. 
The ancestry in the Phelps line is traced back to 



G40 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Wales. In 1833 Elnatlian Phelps came to this 
county, removing via the canal to Buffalo, steamer 
to Detroit, and across the counlrj' by teams to Pon- 
tiac Township. He took possession of a partly- 
improved farm where the woods were full of "In- 
juns," bear, wolves and smaller animals. AVhilc in 
Massachusetts he belonged to a military company. 
He belonged to the Presbyterian Church for many 
years and was a worth}' and highlj'-respected man. 
He died in 1870. The motiier of our subject was 
Clara Colt, a native of the Bay State, who died 
in 1832. She had but two children — our subject 
and a sister, who are twins. She was a member of 
the Baptist Church. 

Edwin Phelps was born at Pittsfield, Mass., April 
7, 1828, and reared to farm life. He pursued his 
studies in the old-fashioned log house with slab 
seats, and before he was ten years old walked with 
his sister two miles along an Indian trail to the 
schoolliouse. During his boyhood he associated 
with Indians more than with whites. He often 
heard wolves howl and catamounts scream in the 
forest near iiis father's dwelling. For a short time 
he attended a select sdiool in Rochester, then un- 
der tiie charge of R. C. Kedzie, now Professor of 
Chemistry in the Michigan Agricultural College. 

When of age Mr. Phelps started out for himself, 
and in the spring of 1850 crossed the plains to Cal- 
ifornia, being four mouths and a half on the way. 
He returned home in the fall of 1851, via Nica- 
raugua, after a more successful experience as a 
miner than was often the case. He bought the 
homestead, paying for it in gold, and he has since 
carried on farm work. He has not only surrounded 
himself with the conveniences of the modern ag- 
riculturist and stockman, but he has furnished his 
dwelling with substantial and tasteful appointments, 
and made many arrangements for the comfort of 
his family. He has also catered to their tastes, and 
given them opportunities for mental culture and 
enjoyment such as are not often found in the rural 
districts. He has a good library where standard 
literature and periodicals of the day await the 
perusal of family ajid friends. 

In 1858 Mr. Phelps was married to Mary Irish, 
a native of this county, born in 1838. Her parents 
Merwiu and Sarah (Biglow) Irish, were born in the 



Empire State and were early settlers liere. Mr. 
Irish died in 1857 but Mrs. Irish is still living. 
Mrs. Mary Phelps became the mother of two daugh- 
ters — Mary and Jessie. .She was called from time 
to eternity in 1870, leaving a sorrowing household. 
After having lived a widower until 1875 Mr. Phelps 
brought to his home a second wife, formerly Miss 
Adelia Kimball. This estimable lady is a native 
of this count}' and is a member in good standing of 
the Presbyterian Church. Their union has been 
blest by the birth of three children — Clara, Ella and 
Edwin. All the sons and daughters have received 
and are receiving good advantages, and the family 
as a whole ranks high in the scale of intelligence 
and culture. 

Mr. Phelps has .served as Justice of the Peace 
twent}- years, and this fact establishes his standing 
in the community. He has been prominent in 
local political circles and has served as a delegate 
to State and other conventions. Politically he is a 
Democrat. He founded the Grange in this county 
and is a member also of the State and National or- 
ganizations. For many years he has been connected 
with the Knights of Pythias. He was recently ap- 
pointed by the Governor a laember of the State 
Board of Agriculture, and no man in this vicinity 
possesses better qualifications for such a position, 
as he is keen in his judgment, well informed by 
observation and experience, and deeply interested 
in the prosperit}' of the class to which he belongs. 

NT^IDWARD BROMLEY, one of the industrious 
tsg farmers ()f Avon Township, was born in 
J^^ Clinton County, N. Y., March 31, 1829, 
and is a son of Bethuel and Eliza (Brand) Brom- 
le}\ The Bromlej' family originated in England, 
'frricr three brothers of the name emigrated from 
that country to America in the early Colonial d.ays, 
the branch to which our subject belongs making 
New England their home for several generations. 
Fldward Bromlej' traces his lineage backward 
through Bethuel, who was born in Rutland County, 
Vt.; Barton, who was also a native of the Green 
Mountain Stale; and Bethuel who was born in Con- 




{pLJjz: ^^^1^^^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



645 



iiecticut. Agricultural pursuits were followed bj' 
the successive generations and our subject is a 
f.irnier b}' inheritance and training. 

The fatlier of our subject came to Michigan in 
1833, driving through from his former home in 
a covered wagon. lie entered eighty acres of land 
tliree miles northwest of Rochester, and there he 
lived out his days, dying September 16, 1880, in 
the eighty-sixth year of his age. His widow, who 
was born in Clinton County, N. Y., Novemlier 13, 
1806, is still in quite vigorous health, and her pres- 
ent home is with a daughter in Detroit. To them 
were born eleven children, three sons and eight 
daughters. The survivors are Martin, a resident 
of Macomb County; Edward, subject of this bio- 
graphical notice; Charlotte, widow of Henry Allen, 
whose home is in Geneva, Wis.; Rebecca, wife of 
Charles A. Baldwin, of Owosso, this State; Olivia, 
wife of Newton Baldwin, of the samejilace; Nettie, 
whose liome is in Detroit; Julia, wife of William 
Burbanks, living in Petoskey ; Favor A., wife of 
RoUin S|)rague of Detroit. 

Although Edward Bromley was but four j'ears 
old when his parents came AVest he retains a vivid 
lecoUection of the trip. They came through 
Canada, crossing into this State at Detroit, and 
from that point passed over a long stretch of cor- 
dui'oy road, built through the low ground. Mr. 
Bromley had the usual school privileges of the 
early territorial years and participated in the pleas- 
ures that were enjoyed by pioneer families as a re- 
lief to the danger and ardor of toil that beset them. 
When he had attained his majority he began work- 
ing avv«3' from home by the month, day or job, as 
opportunity offered, and at night fiddled for [jar- 
ties, finding much enjoyment in drawing the bow. 
Wlien he was twenty-eight years old he established 
a homo of his own on land he had previously 
boLiglit in Jackson C'ount3'. There he remained 
three years, then spent seven years in Macomb 
County, and subsequently bought a tract of one 
hundred and tvventy acres. From that farm he re- 
turned to the homestead and after a lime took pos- 
session of the Hamlin farm, and in 1872 bought the 
eightj'-seven acres on which he has since been lo- 
cated. 

The lady who became the wife of Mr. Bromley, 



February 19, 1857, bore the maiden name of Mary 
Elizabeth Summers. Her parents, Jacob and Jane 
(Davidson) Summers, were born in New Jersey 
and came to this State in 1834, making a location 
near Utica. Mr. Summers died October 1,1885. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Bromley four children have been 
born — Juliette, Josephine, Mary Elizabeth (de- 
ceased), and Clinton A. The last uamcd resides at 
home. Juliette is the wife of David W. Butts, a 
farmer near Rochester; Josephine married Judson 
Stiff and lives in Rochester. 

While he resided in Jackson Count}', Mr. Brom- 
ley served as Township Treasurer. The first Presi- 
dential ballot he cast was for Franklin Pierce, and 
he still remains a straight Democrat. In carrying 
on his farm work he is industrious and sufficiently 
progressive to adopt new methods when by so do- 
ing he can increase the productiveness of his land 
or gain better crops than before. As a citizen, he 
is reliable and steady-going, and as a neighbor and 
friend he is respected as he deserves. • 




UGUSTUS G. DEWEY, a farmer on sec- 
tion 3, Bloomfield Township, was born in 
East Bloomfield, Ontario Count}', N. Y., 
June 13, 1830, but has spent his life from 
childhood in this count}'. He is now located on 
one of the finest farms in Bloomfield Township 
and is giving his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
His property consists of one hundred and fifty-one 
acres which is marked by a full line of improve- 
ments, so substantial, well arranged and attr.active 
in design as are seldom seen even in so fine an 
agricultural region as this. There are several large 
barns on the farm and the residence, which is built 
of brick, is also large and well designed and set in 
the midst of suitable adornments. In former years 
Mr. Dewey was a breeder of light harness horses, 
but at [jresent he has almostentirely abandoned the 
business. Much valuable information regarding 
trotting-bred horses can be obtained from him, as 
he is one of the best-informed and most fluent 
talkers on ''horse flesh" to be met with. 



646 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The immediate progenitors of our subject were 
Berdsey and Sarah (Jersey) Dewey, natives of 
New Yorlc, who came to this State in 1836 and set 
up their home in Macomb County. The next year 
they came to this county and for a tince made 
Avon Township their residence, then removed to 
Troy and still later to Pontiac Township, and are 
now living in the city of that name. The father 
followed farming during his entire active life, lie 
and his wife have been members of the Baptist 
Church for titty years. They are of the same age, 
eijility -seven years, lie is a Republican. They 
have nine children who bear the respective names 
of Isabella, Augustus G., Miles M., Laura, Eunice, 
Henry, Edwin B., Albert and Lucy. 

The memories of Augustus G. Dewey reach back 
to his childhood's home in New York, which he 
left in his seventh year. From that time until he 
was of age his days were spent on his father's farm, 
and as he was the eldest son the cares of the family 
were shared by him when he was still quite young. 
He obtained but a limited education, and that in 
the district school, but he made good use of such 
opportunities as were afforded him to gain praetica 
knowledge from other sources and is a well-in- 
formed man. He helped to clear and break raw 
land and took part in the varied labors in which 
his father was engaged, until he had attained to his 
majority, and then began working out as a farm 
hand, receiving SIO per month. His employer was 
Solomon J. Matthews of Troy Township, with whom 
he remained two years. 

At the expiration of that period young Dewey 
bought eighty acres of land in Kent County, but a 
year later applied it in a trade for a threshing out- 
fit and began threshing in this count}-. He fol 
lowed the occupation fourteen years, during which 
time his home was on a rented farm in Avon Town- 
ship. In 1864 he bought the Northern Hotpl in 
Pontiac and ran the same until March, 1866, when 
he sold out and bought his present farm. His work 
since he came hither has already been spoken of. 
A satisfactory degree of success has crowned his 
efforts in life and his home is one of which any 
man might well be proud. Mr. Dewej- paj's no 
attention to politics other than that which lo3'alty 
demands of every citizen. He has firm faith in 



Republican principles and the ticket of that party 
is the one that receives his support. 

Mr. Dewey was fortunate in his choice of a life 
companion and February 28, 1854, was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Hixon, at that lime a resident of 
Shelby. Macomb County. She was born in Warren 
County, N. J., November 4, 1835, and is a daugh- 
ter of Richard and Mary (Fanckboner) Hixon, who 
came from that State to Michigan in 1836. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dewey have had five children — George 
R., Leora B., Ellsworth, Delia M. and Ralph B. 
The eldest son lives in Pontiac, and so does Leora, 
who is the wife of Alvin Knight. The youngest 
son is with his parents. Ellsworth and Delia are 
deceased. Miss Delia, who was one of the most 
talented young ladies of the counl}\ died August 
8, 1888, in the dawn of womanhood when eighteen 
years old. She was a graduate of the Pontiac High 
School, where she had been a general favorite, and 
she had already taken a prominent place in society 
and her friends were looking forward with high ex- 
pectations, as she gave promise of doing much 
good in the station in which she was placed. In- 
tellectual, refined and earnest, she made and re- 
tained friends and wielded an influence over her 
associates such as few young ladies exert. 

Elsewhere in this volume are presented litho- 
graphic portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey. 



'^-^^^^4-l-^ 



^^, OL. JOSEPH SUMNER ROGERS, the 
jll^-^ fijunder and Superintendent of the Michi- 
^^^ gan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, 
was born at Orrington, Me., July 5, 1844. He is 
the son of Joseph and Joanna (Harriman) Rogers, 
natives of Orrington, Me., where the father spent 
all his days, passing away in 1890. The ancestry 
of this family is traced back to Thomas Rogers, 
who came over in the "Mayflower" and settled in 
.Massachusetts. The grandfather of our subject 
was also Joseph Rogers, and his father was Sloses. 
The maternal grandfather was James Harriman, a 
native of Goffstown, N. H., who settled on Gov- 
ernment land in Maine, which was granted to his 
father, Peter, for services rendered in the Revolu- 
lutionarj' War. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



647 



Col. RogLMs' father was a stone-cuUer by trade 
ami took large contracts, as well as devoting a part 
of liis time to farming. He was in comfurlable 
circumstances and was a | rominent man in his 
community. He and his good wife were lifelong 
member.^ of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their 
cliildren numbered six, and were named James, Jo- 
se[)h S., Belle, Sidnej', Flora and Susie. The.y are 
all still living. Young Joseph remained u|)on 
the farm during the summers and attended school 
in the winter until lie was sixteen years of age. 

In April, 18G1, being then iu his seventeenth 
year, this youth left school to enter the volunteer 
service of the United States iu defense of the 
I'nion, enlisting as a private in Company A, .Sec 
ond Maine Infantry. This was the first regiment 
which left tlie .State, and the first battle iu which 
it took part was the lirst Bull Run. They went all 
through the Peninsular campaign, and at tlie sec- 
ond battle of Bull Run young Rogers was severely 
wounded in the head. After being disabled for a 
short time he rejoined liis regiment, and at the 
termination of his period of enlistment he received 
an honorable discharge. His taste for military life 
impelled him to again enter the service, and in 
September, 1864, lie was appointed Second Lieu- 
tenant, Company L, Thirty-first Maine Infantiy_ 
October 17, 1864. he was promoted to the position 
of Captain of Company M, of the same regiment, 
and served with his regiment iu the front of 
Petersburg iu the Second Division, Ninth Corps, 
of the .\rmy of the Potomac. He [larticipatcd in 
the capture of Petersburg and in the pursuit and 
capture of Lee, and received his final discharge at 
Bangor, Me., in July, 1865. He was mustered out 
with the rank of Captain and Brevet-Major. This 
promotion of a mere boy in j-ears speaks well for 
his military record. The character that could so 
well assert itself in the soldier is admirably re- 
flected in the discipline, the order and the execu- 
tive ability that mark the management of the 
Michigan Military Academy. 

After the close of tlie War Maj. Rogers served 
as clerk iu the War Department at Washington, 
D. C, for one year, and then entered the Regular 
Army, October 1,1867, as Second Lieutenant of 
the First Infantry. He saw duty at various points 



in Louisiana and at Ft. Wayne, near Detroit. In 
1874 he was detailed by the President as Professor 
of Military Science and Tactics in the Detroit 
High School. 

The project of the military Academy was first 
conceived by Maj. Rogers while on duty in the 
Detroit High School and as military instructor of 
the Pelouze Corps, an organization of Detroit 
boys. He came to Orchard Lake in that year in 
quest of a place for holding an encampment. Here 
he found what he desired, and his natural military 
enthusiasm led him to entertain the idea of estab- 
lishing here a military school. The general situ- 
ation was all that could be desired. The Cope- 
laud pro|3erty, as it was then known, was in the 
market at a reasonable figure. Negotiations were 
opened which resulted in the purchase of the 
property, comprising about one hundred acres of 
land, ami its conversion to the uses of the Mich- 
igan Military Academy. The buildings were at 
that time suHicieut for a beginning, and an Acad- 
emy was opened in September, 1877, with small 
financial means, but with faith and enercry on. the 
part of its projector as its chief capital stock. The 
school opened with six teachers including the 
Superintendent, and an attendance during the 3'car 
of forty. The first commencement was held in 
June, 1878, at wliich one graduate, Edward McE. 
Benson, of Detroit, received the diploma of the 
Aeademj', he having entered with an advanced 
standing. The attendance has steadily grown from 
year to year until it is now a school of one hun- 
dred and seventy-seven cadets, witii certainty of 
a larger attendance next year. 

The full academic period is four years, divided 
into four ci.asses. There is also a post-araduate 
course, making in realit)' five classes. Five courses 
of study are open to the election of cadets viz: 
English, Acadeuiic, Scientific, Latin and C]as>ical. 
Tlie English course may be completed in three 
years, the studies being designed to fit graduates 
for the average business of life. The Academic 
Course comprises four years and is an extension 
of the English, giving more advanced instruction 
iu the sciences willi the option of Latin, German 
or French. It is designed to be a finished course 
short of the classics. The Scientific Course sup- 



648 



PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



plpments the Acailemic Course so as to ailmit 
graduates to a scientific course in any university. 
The Latin Course {jives more attention to the lan- 
guages. The Classii'al Course Qtsthe graduate for 
admission to tlie Classical Course in the University, 
and tlie Acat'emy's diploma is accepted from can- 
didates who apply for admission to the higher col- 
leges without examination. Military science and 
tactics necessarily form a part of the instruction 
in each course. 

The Academy presents a complete militarj' or- 
ganization of a battalion of four companies, under 
command of an officer of tlie LTnited (States army, 
detailed for duty at the institution. The battalion 
has its Adjutant, ( Juartermaster, Signal Officer, 
Sergeant- Major. Color Sergeant, band and trump- 
eters, and each company has its full complement 
of officers. This sj'Stera involves a military dis- 
cipline and instruction as well as a thorough aca- 
demic work. 

The officers and teachers reside in or near the 
Academy and have a continual oversight of the 
pupils, partaking of the family relations. While 
the Academy is not conducted in the interest of 
any religious denomination, its managers desire to 
make it decidelj a Christian school. There are 
daily prayers in the chapel and religious services 
every Sunday which all the cadets are required to 
attend. The students are forbidden to use tobacco 
or to partake of intoxicants in an}' form. In no 
case are applicants received without proper tes- 
timonials of good moral character. 

Tlie students are in ''cadet grey" similar to that 
of cadets at West Point. The charge for instruc- 
tion, room, board, washing, mending, fuel, lights, 
use of arms and equipments, etc., is 1450 per 
annum. The cost of uniforms and incidentals is 
about $150 per year. The circulars of the Acad- 
emy, which are supplied on application, give full 
information on this head. 

The institution consists of six massive buildings, 
lighted by electricity and heated by steam through- 
out, and others are contemplated to accommodate 
the continually increasing patronage of this most 
excellent school. The castle, the family residence 
of the superintendent, is the only one of the original 
buildings left. The Barracks are of brick, 30x120 



feet, and three stories high. The rooms are steam- 
lieated and lighted with electricity. The building 
is finished in hardwood throughout and is prac- 
tically fire jjroof. Bath and washrooms are lo- 
cated in this building. To complete this building 
two new towers will be added, affording accommo- 
dation for two hundred cadets. 

The new Academic building, 50x12.5 feet, three 
stories high, is a ra.assive building of the castel- 
lated order of architecture and contains the recep- 
tion room and offices of the Superintendent and 
Principal and Commandant, the assembly room, 
library, physical and chemical laboratory, and 
eight schoolrooms. It is pronounced to be one of 
the most complete school buildings in the West. 

The Mess Hall is about 32x65 feet, one stor^' 
high, and the kitchen adjoining is about 28x60 
feet, two stories high. It has accommodation for 
about two hundred cadets. The windows of this 
building arc of stained glass, the finest of any 
buihiing of the place. 

In the power house are located the boilers for 
heating and the engines and dynamos for the 
waterworks and for lighting. The water supply- 
is drawn from Orchard Lake, a sheet of the purest 
of water some two miles in diameter. 

The new Quartermaster's building in course of 
erection is 40x100 feet. In this building will be 
located the Quartermaster's office, the tailor, shoe 
and barbers' shops and the matron's room. 

The riding hall for use in winter and stormy 
weather is a one-story building 160x85 feet with a 
truss roof, leaving the entire space free from ob- 
structions. 

A number of guns and caissons for artillery 
practicc occupy a depressed plateau in the fore- 
ground to the west of the buildings, imparting a 
decidedly warlike aspect to the scene, while on 
a rise of ground above stands a huge mortar 
as if doing sentinel duty. To the equipment has 
also been added a Gatling gun. The grounds occu- 
pied by the buildings and the parade ground com- 
prise about thirty acres, and there are in addition 
seventy acres of the farm under cultivation. 

Tlie business management is in the hands of a 
Board of Trustees, consisting of the Hon. A. C. 
Baldwin and the Hon. J. D. Norton, of Pontiac; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



649 



Gen. R. A. Alger, Col. Sylvester Larned and Col. 
Henry M. Durtield, of Detroit; and Col J. Sumner 
Rogers, of Orchard Lake. 

Section 1225 of the revised Statutes of the 
United States authorizes the President, upon the 
application of any established College or University 
within the United States, having capacity to edu- 
cate not less than one hundred and fifty male 
students, to detail an officer of the Army to act as 
President, Superintendent or Professor thereof. In 
pursuance of this authoritj' Lieut. Frederick S. 
Strong, of the Fourth United States Artillery, has 
been thus detailed and holds the chair of Military 
Science and Tactics. 

The State of Michigan, in a joint resolution 
passed bv the Legislature, thus gives its endorse- 
ment to the institution: 

WiiEitiiAs, The General Government has recog- 
nized the Michigan Military Academy, at Orchard 
Laiie, by detailing an otticer of the regular army 
as one of its (irofessors, and by supplying it with a 
full equiiiraent of aims, ammunition and camp 
equipage. 

And WiiKREAS, The teaching of military' science 
and tactics to the young men of this State will 
materially aid in the instruction of its militia; 
therefore, 

Be it Jiesoli'ed, By the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives of the State of Michigan that the 
Govi^ruDr shall cause an annual inspection to be 
made of the discipline, courses of study, and gen- 
eral nianagcinent of the institution; and further, 

Be it Resolced. That the gradu.'iles of the Acad- 
emy sh:tll be eligible to appointment as Brevet 
Second Lieutenants in the State troops, and m.ay 
lie cominissioiied nnd assigned to companies at the 
discretion of the Guverncu- upcm recommendation 
of the iiisi)i'Cting oHiccrs. not to exceed one for 
each company; And Further, the Governor is 
aulhorizfd to appoint and c(unmission the Super- 
intendent as Colonel, and the Military Professor. 
Quartermaster and .Surgeon, each as Mnjor in the 
Slate troops. 

Col. Rogers started this institution without cap- 
ital and now has one of the finest schools of the 
kind in the United States. About one-third of 
the cadets are from this State and the others from 
all ijarts of the Union and foreign countries. The 
Colonel's success in this enterprise is certainly very 
remarkable. 

This gentleman is a Republican in his political 



views, but has no time to devote to politics. He 
is a member of the Woodward Avenue Congrega- 
tional Church, at Detroit. He is a Free and Ac- 
cepted Mason of the Knight Templar degree in 
the Detroit Commandery; and a member of the 
Loyal Legion of the United States, and belongs 
to the Grand Army of the Republic, being con- 
nected with the Fairbanks Post, of Detroit. He is 
also a. member of the Sons of the Revolution of 
the District of Columbia. 

The lady who became Mrs. Rogers, September 
11, 18G6, bore the maiden name of Susan J. 
Wheeler. She is a daughter of John D. and Sarah 
(Jones) Wheeler, of Orrington, Me., where she 
was reared and educated. Her parents are no 
longer living, the father dying in Bangor and the 
mother in Detroit. To Col. and Mrs. Rogers have 
been given three children: Harry L., born June 
29, 1867. now Quartermaster of the Academy and 
Major of State troops; Florence B., born Decem- 
ber 19, 1877, aud died July 26, 1890; Frederick 
P., the youngest son, w.as born September 1, 1881. 



-<V\*J— ♦♦^ 



^^^ 




HILIP CALKINS, of Holly, carries on a 
business in dry go{)ds. boots and shoes, 
groceries and wall pai)er. He is one of 
the leading merchants of Holly and his 
s'.,orc' receives the patronage of many of the best 
class in the coramunily. He was born in Genesee 
County, N. Y., November 12. 1835. ami is the son 
of Henry and Ann (Piper) Calkins, natives of New 
York; the former was by trade a wagon-maker. Of 
their children our subject is the only one now liv- 
ing. The uudher <lied when Philip was only three 
years old and this motherless child was brought by 
his father to Fenton, Mich., where he was cared 
for b}' an uncle. Eber Weed. He remained witli 
him and attended school until twelve years of age. 
The subject of this sketch now left his uncle 
and went to Shiawassee County on fool. While 
walking along the road he was overtaken by a 
farmer named Chauncey Cook, who asked him to 
go with him. He remained with this kind farmer 
a year and a half, when Mr. Cook broke up his 



650 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALr>CM. 



home and sent the boy to an uncle of Mr. Cook's. 
Here he remained six raontlis, hut being dissatisfied, 
be crept awaj- by night with his clothes in a bundle 
on his shoulder. The boy came back to this 
count3-, where his grandfather was living in the 
township of Rose. Here he found his f.ather, who 
decided to bind him out at farming to Caleb 
Everett. He was to remain witli this farmer until 
he was twenty-one years old and to have in reeom- 
pense for his labor, his clothes and tliree months' 
schooling each year and at the end of that time 
cither eighty acres of land or a horse, bridle and 
saddle. He remained here four years, doing a 
man's work on the farm and receiving only three 
weeks' schooling each winter. He made u\> his 
mind to leave and started for the White Lake settle- 
ment, where his father was engaged in the wagon 
business. Here he attended school all winter, and 
the following spring he hired out on a farm in 
Rose Township at $9 a month. In the fall he went 
to Franklin Township, this county, and did chores 
for his board at Harvey .Judd's and attended school 
through the winter. The next year he spent in 
the same way, farming in the summer and attend- 
ing school in the winter. The following spring 
he entered the employ of a sawmill company in Sag- 
inaw and Bay City. He bad now educated himself 
sufliciently so that he was able to teach school the 
next winter in Commerce Township. He received 
§30 a month and boarded around. This must have 
seemed a prince!}' fortune to the struggling youth. 
In Maj", 1857, young Calkins went to Detroit and 
purchased a ticket for Kansas. Arriring there he 
found the country full of men and nothing to do, 
so he went to teaming for the Government, driving 
a wagon and six j'okes of cattle with Govern- 
ment supplies across the plains. His trip was from 
Leavenworth, Kan., to Ft. Union, New Mexico, a 
distance of some six hundred miles. For this he 
received 830 a month. In liie fall he hired out to 
chop wood on the banks of the Missouri River. 
He was taken sick with fever and ague and did not 
cliop more than five cords of wood .\ll winter. He 
again hired to the Government in the spring and 
took charge of a herd of six hundred cattle, driv- 
ing them to Salt Lake City, t^uite a detachment 
of soldiers accompanied him as this was the year of 



the Mormon War. While recruiting his strength in 
Salt Lake City he boarded with a Mormon family. 
Tiie young man now went to CampFloyd and hired 
himself to Capt. Clark, who had charge of the Com- 
missary department. In the spring he started with 
a party of thirty men for the gold fields of Pike's 
Peak. Tiiey went as far as Bridijer and then all 
slopped except five, our subject being one of the 
five. They succeeded in reacliing Ft. Laramie. 
Here three of the five, tired out by the long and 
wearisome journey, entered the employ of the 
Government. Mr. Calkins had two horses when 
he started from Salt Lake City, but by this time 
both had been stolon. His comrade had a hor.te 
and the3' both packed their goods on him and started 
for Pike's Peak. They reached Denver destitute 
of clothes and mone^', but heroically determined 
to go to work. Tins was in 1859. 

The two young men succeeded in getting a rocker 
of the miners but their gold find did not prove a 
success, as they got only seventy-five cents worth 
of gold, which they carried around in a goose 
quill. They found it a place where there was 
nothing to eat and nothing to do. Tiie horse was 
traded off for fifty pounds of flour and fifty pounds 
of beans. They lived on this and after having 
spent four days togethei, one night his comrade 
said "I have ray bridle and my saddle and I am 
going after my horse," and that was the last he saw 
of this man who had accompanied him so far. 

The subject of our sketch now fell in with two 
Iowa men who had come to dig gold and who had 
a horse and cart. They started for Ft. Union to 
seek work. Their provision was soon gone and 
for three days their only food was the game they 
could kill. When they arrived at Ft. Union they 
found that the de|)nrtment had just receive! word 
to stoi) work and discharge the men. Our friend 
had in his pocket a recommendation from Capt. 
Clark, whom he had served at Camp Floyd, 
so he applied to the Government commissary de- 
partment for food and received two weeks rations 
of flour, sugar and coffee. He fell in with a man 
by the name of Kitchen, who took the job of 
shearing six hundred sheep that were being driven 
to California. He was to have their wool for doing 
the shearing and he gave employment to the.se 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



651 



tliree seekers for work at $1 per day. Jlr. Calkins 
{jave sucli good satisfaction tiiat Mr. Kitcbeii 
oflfered him a permanent position to drive a team 
from tliere to the Missouri River. When lie reached 
Kansas City he was entirely destitute, and Mr. 
Kituhen gave him clotlics and monej'. Here he 
remained for three raontlis looking after Mr. 
Kitchen's mules, which were grazing. After this 
ho worked on a farm through the summer and 
winter, and in the spring of I860 went with one of 
ihe neighbors to drive a team to Colorado, where 
he engaged in mining until the fall of 1863. 

Mr. Calkins took the stage now for Salt Lake 
City and from there to Virginia City, Mont., where 
he engaged in mining and freighting from Virginia 
to Salt Lake, and remained there until 1866. He 
now returned home on a visit and remained until 
spring, when he returned to Montana, sold out and 
settled up his business and returned home. He 
now engaged in the grocery business at Holly. 
Here he has been very successful, adding to his 
stock each year until he employs four clerks and a 
deliver}' bo}'. His store is of brick 22x128 feet. 
He has also a Bne home in the village. He was 
married in 1870, to Mrs. Mary Cornell of this 
village. He is a member of the Masonic Order and 
an ardent Republican, and as his history shows, a 
man of almost incredible enterprise and persever- 
ance. 

y WALLACE BAILEY. This name will be 
' recognized by many readers as that of a 
farmer and stock-raiser located in Orion 
Townihip, where he and his brother own four hun- 
dred acres of fine land. Mr. Bailey devotes liis 
time entirely to agricultural affairs and, having 
been reared on a farm and had much to do with 
its management when he was quite j'oung, lie is a 
master of his calling. He has a fine large dwelling 
with attractive surroundings and a full supply of 
farm buildings, so that he is well equipped for the 
carrying on of his work and lives in much com- 
fort. He is a native of this county, born in Inde 
pendence Township, June 3, 1842, an<l all his 
interests have centered here. 



In Tioga County, Pa., in 1816, Wilson Bailey, 
the father of our subject, was born. He came to 
this State about 1831, when the country was full of 
wild game, and the part in which he settled showed 
scarce a vestige of improvement. He was one of 
the first to locate land in Independence Township, 
and the deed signed by Gen. Jackson is still in the 
possession of Mrs. Bailey. He walked from Detroit 
to his destination, there being no railroads or stage 
lines. The customar}' log house was built, a clear- 
ing made and some simple improvements, and after 
a few years Mr. Bailey returned to the Keystone 
State for his parents, having located eighty acres 
of land for them. As time passed he placed his 
farm in good condition and in 1856 bought six 
hundred acres on section 19, Orion Township, 
which has since become known as the Steam Mill 
Farm. He entered into partnership with F. C. 
Myrick, for the manufacture of pine lumber, but 
the partnership was soon dissolved. A mill had 
been built by Mr. Myrick which run seven saws, 
and a large amount of lumber was made. Mr. 
Bailey was a thorough business man and at the time 
of bis demise was engaged in various enterprises. 
He had limited means when he came West but was 
successful in accumulating property. He was a 
life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in the faith of which he died May 26. 
1862. 

The mother of our subject was known in her 
maidenhood as Miss Rachel Riker. She was born 
in Chemung County, N. Y., in 1817, and is still 
living; she has belonged to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church for many years and her character is 
one that reflects credit upon her Christian profes- 
sion. She is the mother of six children, but one 
has crossed the river of death. Wallace is the 
eldest of the familj' and was born in a log house 
built by his father in Independence Township. He 
attended the district school, which was held in the 
primitive building wilh homemade furniture, and 
became well versed in such branches as were then 
taught. After his father's death the management 
of the estate largely devolved upon him and he 
remained at the old home until his marriage. 'J"he 
property was kept together until the youngest 
brother became of age. 



G52 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALEUM. 



In 1865 Mr. Bailey was married to Sarah C. 
Case, a native of Sussex County-, N. J., born in 
1847. Her parents came to this State about 1855. 
and she completed her studies and youthful train- 
ing here. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey three children 
have been born, named respectively, Cora C, 
Mamie E. and Gracie M. The}- have had good 
privileges and careful home training and the first- 
born is now successfully engaged in teaching. In 
1868 Mr. Bailey removed to Orion Township where 
he has since lived. He votes the Republican ticket 
and has been a Mason nearly thirty 3-ears. He and 
his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which they liave good standing, as the^' have 
throughout the community. 

VILLIAM J. CLAY. One of the most beau- 
tiful farms in Highland Township is rep- 
resented by a view on another page, and 
is the Clay estate. The farm consists of one 
hundred and twenty acres on section 10, and was 
taken possession of by the present owner on tlie 
20th of October, 1851. At that time nearly forty 
acres had been fenced in, on which two crops of 
wheat had been raised several years before. There 
was an unfinished log house on the place, which 
Mr. Clay made habitable by putting in floors and 
a shingle roof. This he occupied for his residence 
until the fall of 1883. The remainder of the estate 
was in its primitive conditii)n, covered with wciods 
and having no improvements whatever. By dint 
of industrious and well-directed efforts Mr. Clay 
has brought the entire tract under cultivation, and 
has made various improvements, including a resi- 
dence that was put up at a cost of $2,000. Tlie 
dwelling is of |)leasing architectural design, is con- 
veniently arranged and well furnished, and isnlto- 
gether a pleasant and comfortable abode. 

The grandfather of our subject, Christian Clay, 
was born in 1725, near Berlin, Germany, and en- 
tered the service of his Prince at the age of eighteen 
years, serving seven years. The principality in 
which he lived became subject to Prussia, and he 
entered the service of Frederick the Great, who 



was on the throne of that countrj'. After serving 
five years he returned to his old home to find that 
the family was gone, no one knew wiiither. He 
then came to America, landing in New York some- 
time before the breaking out of the French AVar. 
After living in the city of New York for a time he 
went to Philadelphia on business, and while stop- 
ping at a tavern he became acquainted with a man 
by the name of Clay, who lived in Virginia and 
said he came from Gerraanj'. He bore the same 
name as one of the brothers of Christian C'la}-. 
while the names of thoir father, mother, brothers 
and sisters were also alike. Thej^ concluded there- 
fore that the}- must be brothers, and made an agree- 
ment whereby Christian was to return to New 
York, dispose of his interests there and come to 
Virginia to his supposed brother. 

However, when Christian Claj' was almost ready 
to start to the Old Domiciion lie was one evening 
walking along the street en route to his boarding 
house when he was seized by a compan}- of British 
soldiers and pressed into the service. The morn- 
ing following his seizure the fleet sailed out of the 
harbor, carrying him with others. After serving 
for a time in the British navy he was put in the 
ranks and fought at the battle of Louisburg. \\"\\.U 
his regiment he was sent with Gen. Wolfe to cap- 
ture the cit}- of Quebec, scaling the heights of 
Abraham during the night and in the morning 
helping to fight the battle that defeated the French, 
deprived them of Gen. Montcalm, and gave the 
city to the British though at the cost of the death 
of Gen. Wolfe and many of his heroic followers. 

Two days after that memorable event the In- 
dian.s, who were in the surrounding woods firing 
upon the soldiers, shot Christian Claj', the wound 
penetrating the knee and disabling him for life. He 
was taken to a hospital and soon discharged, after 
serving in the British arm}- and navy five years. 
When able he commenced to work, and hoarded 
sufficient monev to take him back to New York. In 
that city he met a woman whose first name was 
Mary, and who liad just come over from the Father- 
laud. He paid her passage, married her, and they 
removed to Essex County, N. J., and later to Sus- 
sex County, the same State, where they reared a 
large family, comprising two daughters and six 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



655 



sons. They were members of the First Presbj'le- 
ri.in Cluu'fh in Si>art.i as e.iil}' .is 1780. Gr.iiul- 
fallier CIny departed this life in 1820, ;it tlie age of 
ninety-five juars, while liis wife survived liim sev- 
eral years. 

Of the children of Christian and Mary Clay the 
following is recorded: Jolin passed liis entire life 
in Sussex Countj-, N. J., and his children were 
Abram, Noah, Maria and Sarah; William died in 
Oliio; Christopher, in Sangamon County, 111., at 
the age of eighty -eight years; Thomas, near Cleve- 
land, Ohio; James removed to Kentucky and there 
enlisted in the service of his country in 1812, fight- 
ing under Gen. Harrison at the battle of Tippeca- 
noe, and in the battle of the Thames. Two d.ays 
after llie latter engagement he was taken ill and 
died in Canada. 

The father of our subject, Henr}' Cin}', was born 
in llardyston, Sussex County, N. J., September 25 
1783, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. In his 
native State he was married to Catlierine Rorick, 
who was born March 5, 1 785, and shared his fortunes 
until 1845, when she closed her eyes in death. Her 
parents, Gosper and Elizabeth (JIassaker) Rorick, 
lived in Sussex County, N. J., the father being a 
farmer. Of the children born to Henry Clay and 
his good wife we note the following: Almcda, 
born October 18, 1803, married Norris Wickham, 
and later became the wife of J. Owen, and died 
April 6, 1885, aged eighty-one years; William J., 
of this sketch, was the elilest son; Gosper R., born 
January 9, 1808, married, and died April 22. 1835, 
when twenty-seven years old; Christopher C, born 
February 20, 1811, married Margaret Havens, and 
resides in Sussex County, N. J.; Mahlon, born Au- 
gust 24, 1814, died August 20, 1819, when less 
than five years old; Lucretia, born September 28, 
1817, died July 22, 1819; P:!izabcth. born Decem- 
ber 4, 1820, married Philo Wilber and resides in 
Tuscola County, Mich.; Alanson, born December 
11, 1823, resides in Orange County, N. Y.; Han- 
nah, born April 12, 1826, married Eliakim Bross 
and lives in Montague, N. Y.; Amzj', born Octo- 
ber 17, 1828, married ami now resides in Tuscola 
Countj', Mich. 

In the spring of 1852 Henry Clay, with his 
daughter Elizabeth and his son Amzy, came to 



Michigan and settled in Fairgrove, Tuscola County, 
where he died ,Jidy 6, 1871, aged eighty-seven 3'ears, 
nine months and eleven days. Flis wife died near 
Deckertown, N. J., Sejjtember 26, 1845, aged sixty 
years, six months and twenty-one days. The father 
was a farmer during his entire life. Politically- he 
was a Democrat, and rdigi(iusly a Baptist. 

The gentleman vrhoso name introduces these par- 
agraphs was born in llardyston, Sussex County, 
N. J:, November 29, 1805. and remained in his na- 
tive State until 1848. He then went to Orange 
County, N. Y., made his home in Port Jervis four 
years and then came to this county. He was married 
in his native State to Hannah Demorest, who died In 
this county in 1862. Their children are: Emily 
11., born February 22, 1829; Henry D., born Au- 
gust 24, 1830, married Elizabeth Rhodes, and died 
September 30, 1870; Marcus D. L.; Gilliam D.. 
born December 10, 1833, died August 5, 1857; 
Cornelius; Mahlon B. S., born October 26, 1839, 
and died October 18, 1884. Mr. Clay has always 
been a stanch believer in Democratic principles. 
He is now in his old age enjo3'ing the comforts to 
which years of industry and honorab'e conduct 
fairly entitle him, and the association with children 
and friends who surround him. 

The wife of our subject was born April 22, 1801 , 
in Warwick, Orange County, N. Y. Her fatlier, 
David Demorest, was born in 1761 and died in 
1825; her mother, Margaret Demorest. who was 
born in 1765, died in 1812. In an early .lay ihey 
removed from Orange Ccjunty to Sussex. Of llicir 
children we note the following: Peter, burn in 
1790, died in 1825; Catherine, Imrn in 1791, died 
in 1825; Mary who was born in 1793. married 
Paulus Ackerson, and died in 1850; Henry, horn 
in 1802, died in 1836; Nicholas married and died 
many years ago; John married Eliza Coss; Samuel 
who married Betsey' Crane, removed to Niagara 
County, N. Y.; James located in Tompkins Count\', 
N. Y.; Margaret married Peter Lantz; Cornelius was 
was united in marriage with Abigail Demorest; 
Gilliam, who married Catherine Sharp, removed 
with his family to Franklin County, Kan., in the 
fall of 1866, and died there in 1873, at the age of 
sixty-seven years. 

Cornelius D. Clay, son of our subject, was born 



656 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in New .leisev. Oetobor 7. 1836. snd su'coivipanied 
his father to this State. He worked liy the month 
for three vetirs, then eaine to live with his father 
and has since been at home. He andhis brother 
Marcus now own two hnndred acres of land in 
Hi^jhhind Township, besides having an interest in 
the homestead. Mr. CMay beg«n his life-work 
without means and has made this property by well- 
directetl and persevering efforts. In his political 
beliefs and practices he follows the custom of the 
family and is a Democrat. 

Marcus D. L. Cl»y. second son of our subject, 
was born in Newton, Sussex County, N. J., Feb 
ruaiy 14. 183>. He went from his native place 
to Port .larvis, N. Y., where he lived about four 
years, working at the painter's trade three years. 
In October, 1851, he came to this county ond per- 
manently settled in the town of Highland, where 
he became a farmer. In 18G5 he served seven 
months in Company F. Fifteenth Michigan Infan- 
trv; he was tirst sent to Hart's Island. New York 
Harbor, thence to Morebead Ciiy. N. C later 
to Goldsboro. Alexandria, Washington. Louis- 
ville and Little Hock in turn. While at the last- 
named place he was taken sick and was sent to the 
hospital at Cairo, 111., where he remained forty-two 
days. Thence he wss sent to Harper Hospital. 
Detroit, and tweuty-five daj-s later came home in 
a feeble condition. He has never regained his 
former health. 



-^♦••■$5hH1S-<H*- 



RSON H. SMITH, a prominent farmer of 
Commerce Township, is the son of John G. 
W. Smith of Connecticut, who was born at 
AA'aterford. May 2. 1796. He was the son of Sam- 
uel Smith, a native of Connecticut. The family 
genealogy is traced back to England some two hun- 
dred and fifty years, the first comers having arrived 
in this country in 16o8. settling near New London, 
Conn. The mother of our subject. De*ire (Downer) 
Smith, was born in Connecticut. October 3. 1797. 
She married the fijtherof our subject. September 16, 
1817. and they made their permanent home in 
Orangevillc, Wyoming County. N. 1'. She was 



bereft (if her hiisbaiid, November 21. 1839, and 
.*he survived until Scpieinher (i, 1871. Thoy were 
active members of the liaptist Church and Mr. 
Smith was a very |)roiiiiiieiit man. a Whig in politics 
and a man of teniperale habits, lie was Ci.nstaUle 
for nine years and filled the offlce of Assessor. lli> 
always look an active interest in schools and pro- 
moted their well-being in every way ptissilde. 

The subject of this sketch was burn in t)iange- 
ville. N. Y.. December 13, 1824. Here he grew to 
manhood and received an excellent education, and 
here he entered upon the work of a teacher. He 
began working for himself when he reached his 
majority and has always been a farmer. He re- 
mained on the home farm until his marriage. This 
important event took place May 17, 1848. His 
wife w.as.lennett, a daughter of tUirden and Uachael 
(Lee) Armstrong, both of New London County, 
Conn., but who moved to Wyoming County. N. Y., 
at an early date. They remainetl there until about 
1855, making their home with their children. Jlr 
Armstrong died in 1865 and his wife m.adc her 
home with our subject until her death which oc- 
curred in 1875. Adison Armstrong is the only one 
of their children who now survives. He resides 
in New York State. Mrs. Smith was born August 
31, 1821, and received an excellent educatiim and 
taught school for fourteen terms. Mr. Armstrong 
was a Deacon in the 1^-esbyterian Church to which 
he and his wife belonged. 

After marriage Orson H. Smith made his home 
at Orangeville N. Y. until 1855, when he came to 
Michigan and settled on his present farm. He 
bought one hundred acres of improved land and 
has added to it until he now has one hundred and 
forty-seven acres, most of it under cultivation, lie 
erected his handsome residence in 1865 at a cost of 
$1,000 and has put up all the buildings on his farm. 
He carries on .actively his farm work and raises 
grain and stock. He was bereaved of his wife, 
February 26, 1888. They were the parents of two 
children: George W. born March 27, 1850. niarrieil 
Ida .T. Donnc!s.)n; they have three children. He is 
a graduate of Hillsdale College and of the law de- 
partraent of Slate I'liiversity and is at present the 
Prosecuting Attorney of Oakland County. The 
second ehild. Fiances D., "oorn June 30, 1853, is the 



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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in that Slate until bis death. Mrs. Means was 
burn in Ohio in 1829. She was an earnest worker 
in the United Presbyterian Church. She died 
September 2, 1879, and was buried in the South- 
Qeld Cemetery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Means were the parents of six 
children. Two died in infancy, and William died 
at eleven years of age. The surviring children 
are Eva A., the wife of Frank J. Young; John M. 
and M. .Jennie. These last two reside with their 
father. Mr. Means came to Michigan in 1871 and 
made his home in Southfield Township, where he 
now resides. He has ninety-one acres of well-im- 
puoved land, all under cultivation except ten acres 
of timber. He is doing a general fanning business. 
In politics he is a Republican. His religious home 
is with the United Presbyterian Church, where he 
has been botii Trustee and Treasurer. He is a 
faithful and active worker in bis churcli and 
Sunday-school and was Superintendent of the latter 
for about ten years. He is a liberal contributor 
to worthy objects, especially in the line of church 
work. 



/^aH.-VRLES REN SHAW. To the lands 
(l(^L across the sea this county is indebted for 
^^^' many of her best citizens and most active 
and enlf'rprising agriculturalists. In Avon Town- 
ship is living a gentleman who is an excellent 
representative of the English character, manifest- 
ing in the various relations in life the spirit of en- 
terprise and persistence by means of which the 
kingdom in which he was born haa extended her 
empire into every habitable part of the globe. 
This gentleman is Charles Renshaw. who owns 
and occupies a fine farm of one hundred and 
thirty -five acres in the township named and has 
also fifty acres of v.iluable land in Troy Township. 
He is a first-class farmer and a useful member of 
the community. 

Mr. Renshaw was born in Warwickshire. Eng- 
land, February 24, 1827. and isa son of Thomas O. 
.and Maria (Hall) Renshaw. His father was a basket- 
maker .uid farmer, and the son followed the same 



pursuits until he emigrated to America. He crossed 
the Atlantic about 1852 and for two years lived in 
Buffalo, N. Y., working for a Mr. Mulligan. He 
then came to this State and to the township in 
which he is now living, and was soon thortnighlv 
identified with its affairs and interests. He bought 
the farm on which he lives about 1880. 

In England in -June, 1847, Mr. Renshaw was 
united in marriage with Miss Harriet Caslleman, 
an elficient, intelligent woman, who has been de- 
voted to the interests of her family and shown 
neighborly kindness to those among whom lier lot 
in life has been cast. Of the children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw we make the following 
mention: Maria is the widow of Charles Wilson 
and lives in Clinton Count}' ; George died on the 
ocean while the family was en route to America; 
Charles lives in this county; Mar}- is the wife of 
Louis Benson and their home is in Grayling; 
William lives in this county; Harriet is with her 
parents; Albert died April 25, 1887; Carrie is the 
wife of William H. Snale, of this county; .Tames C. 
assists his father on the home farm. Three chil- 
dren died in infancy. 

Mr. Renshaw is a man of intelligence and aims to 
keep himself well posted regarding the issues of the 
day and matters that are transpiring in the world. 
He is a believer in Republican principles and aids 
the party by his vote and his personal influence. 
He has been School Treasurer six years but is not 
otherwise in pulilic life. His religious home is in 
the Baptist Church and he is one of the foremost 
members of the congregation in his activity in all 
that pertains to her growth. 







»ILLIAM HOLCOMB. (me of the old set- 
,s,« tiers of this county, has lived on his pres- 
^ ent estate almost sixty years. He was born 
in Herkimer County. N. Y.. February 23. 1823, but 
accompanied his parents hither inl831,at which 
time his father located the homestead in Independ- 
ence Township. Our subject was reared upon this 
farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted his 
father until be was of age, when, he being the 





^^4^^--^4^iti 



'^A>CX^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



661 



youngest child, the estate was diyiried and the 
homestead fell to his share. He lias made many 
improvements and has fine farm buildings and 
pleasant grounds around the attractive resilience. 
The farm consists of three hunrlred and sixty acres, 
twenty of which are devoted to an orciiard. Since 
18.52 Mr. Ilolcoml) has been engaged in breeding 
Spanish-Merino sheep, and he now lias a fine flock 
of one hundred and thirty head lliat will shear at 
least ten pounds per head. 

Butler Holcomb, father of our subject, was born 
in the citj- of Hartford, Conn., in November, 1768. 
His first wife, Temperance Cossett, was born in 
Herkimer County, N. Y.. in Marcli, 1771. There 
were five children bv this marriage, only one of 
whom is now living, Elam, who was born August 
26, 1804, and is living in Watertown, N. Y. Hay- 
ing been bereft of his first wife by death Mr. Hol- 
comb was married to Marj' L. Knight, July 20, 
1806, and of this marriage our subject is the 
youngest and only living representative. Butler 
Holcomb is remembered with gratitude among the 
pioneers wlio developed the Territor3-of Michigan 
and fitted it for Statehood. 

December 28, 1851, William Holcomb, of whom 
wc write, was married to Avilla Vliet, who shared 
his fortunes until October 17, 1866, when she closed 
her eyes in death. The children born of this union 
are seven in number and the following facts re- 
garding them may be mentioned: Allison, born 
March 20, 1853, married Wary Scott and lives in 
S. Dak.; Williard, born September 5, 1854, married 
Ashula Barros, and lives in S. Dak. ; .James B., born 
August 1, 1856, married Ella Clark and resides at 
AVhitehall, this State; Celia, born April 21, 1858, 
became the wife of Allen Carrel and lives in Clark- 
ston; Charles H., born May ;j, 1861, lives on the 
homestead with his father; Flora, born December 

20, 1862, is the wife of Frederick Nettie, and their 
home is in Clarkston; Frederick, born August 15, 
1864, resides at Oxford. 

Septemlier 20, 1871, Mr. Holcomb made a second 
matrimonial alliance, his bride being Miss Lucy L., 
daughter of OrsoB and Melissa Hitchcock, of In- 
dependence Township. She was born November 

21, 1844. This marriage has been blessed by the 
birth of one daughter, Lillian B., whose natal day 



was August 2, 1873. and who remains with her par- 
ents. In politics Mr. Holcomb is a Democrat. He 
is interested in the social orders, belongs to Cedar 
Lodge No. 60, A. F. & A. M.; Lodge No. 85. 
K. O. T. M., and Independence Lodge No. 275, 
P. of I. He has an extended acquaintance and .".n 
excellent reputation as a man and a citizen, while 
as an agriculturist he is understood to be thorough 
and energetic. 




f LFRED F. WILCOX, a leading lawyer of 
Detroit, is well known in Royal Oak Town- 

jjl ii ship as the owner of one of the finest stock 
farms within its bounds, and as a man of 
mental ability and culture, intense patriotism and 
genuine public spirit. He is descended from an hon- 
orable line, and on his mother's side traces his line- 
age directly to the renowned Gen. Putnam, whose 
es|(loits are familiar to everj' youth in the land. His 
parents were Freeman and Philena (Putnam) Wil- 
cox, natives of New York, who died in Milan, 
Monroe County, this State, 'in 1865 and 1888 re- 
spectively. 

The father was born near Rochester in 1813. and 
came to this State with his parents early in the '30s. 
He returned East for his bride, and after his mar- 
riage located on an eighty-acre farm in Monroe 
County, and subsequently added to it by purchase. 
He had four children, and Alfred F. is the third on 
the family roll. William II., the first-born died at 
Cairo, 111., during the yellow fever scourge; Mary 
is the wife of Joshua Hanson, of Milan, this Stale; 
Julia, who died in 1864, resided there, and was the 
wife of Anson Fuller. Grandfather Wilcox, whose 
given name was Benjamin, was born in New York 
about 1780, and died near Milan, this State, where 
he located land in the early days. 

The natal day of Alfred F. Wilcox, was January 
9, 1839. am) his birthpl.ace his father's farm in Mon- 
roe County. He attended school in a log school- 
house during his early years, and when he was ap- 
proaching manhood spent two years in study iu the 
State Normal School at Ypsilanti. His peaceful 
pursuits were broken in upon by the firing upon 



662 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ft. Sumter and the excitenienl that swept like a 
tid.nl wave over the North. He vyas too ardent a 
lover of his country to remain at home when she 
was in need of strong arms and brave hearts, and 
ue therefore entered the army, as a member of 
the "Normal C'omi)any," composed mostly of stu- 
dents of tliat institution. Ere long he was talcing 
part in the terrible scenes enacted on .Southern 
battlefields. 

The first engagements in which Mr. AVilcox par- 
ticipateil were at South Mountain and Antietani, 
where he was wounded by a bursting shell. He 
was carried by a sergeant to tiie rear of the con- 
testing armies, and was later taken to an old log 
house. After being detained there '.,wo weeks he 
was conveyed to Shari)sburg, and for about two 
months was kept in an old church. Thence he was 
sent to I'hilaiielphia, and being discharged on ac- 
count of disability, returned home. Upon re- 
covering from tne effects of bis wound he again 
went to the front as First Lieutenant of Company 
K, Eleventh Michigan Infantry upon its reorgani . 
zation in Februar3', 1865, and was in command of 
that company most of the time until October, 1865, 
when his regiment was iniislered out of the service 
at the close of the war. During this time he was 
frequently detailed for special services of an im- 
portant cliaracter about Chattanooga, Knoxvillc 
and Charleston, at the latter place being selected 
to command tlie force sent to quell a riot which 
tlireateneii the life of (Jen. Keegan and his staff. 

After the close of the war he entered the Univer- 
sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was grad- 
uated in 1868 in the law department. After grad- 
uating, he took a special eourse in the literary 
department, upon the completion of which he com- 
menced the practice of law at Detroit. Here he has 
since remained, gaining an enviable reputation as 
an attorney and accumulating a handsome fortune. 

An event of sjiecial importance to Mr. Wilcox 
and Miss Mary Millington occurred April 18. 1871, 
it being their union in matrimonial bonds. The 
bride is the only child of Cicero and Mary (Camp) 
Millington, and was born May 11, 1816. She is a 
granddaughter of Dr. Aliel Millington, who was 
widcl}' known in connection with the early Terri- 
torial history' of Michigan as an able physician and 



meritorious, efficient citizen. He was Maj'or of 
Ypsilanti at the time of the cholera plague in that 
city. 

The attention of the reader is invited to a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Wilcox, which is presented 
in connection with this biographical notice. 



-N^ 



i^ 




ILLIAM H. BARNES. One of the promi- 
nent manufacturing interests of Rochester 
is the paper mill owned and operated by 
the gentleman above named. Mr. Barnes has met 
with some misfortunes since be bought the site and 
plant, but has not been deterred from the prosecu- 
tion of the work for which he was fitted by train- 
ing and in which he believed he could do belter 
than in most fields of labor. The last catastrophe 
that befell him was a fire, in 1875. by wiiich his 
mill was destroyed, but a new edifice soon reared 
its walls aloft and work was resumed with better 
facilities than before. Mr. Barnes has tlie faculij- 
of man.aging men which is necessary in carrying 
on any business wliere numbers are emplo3ed, and 
the products he sends out are well regarded by 
dealers. 

The Barnes family is of English extraction, and 
from the mother country the grandfather of our 
subject emigrated to America. The direct progen- 
itor of him of whom we write was Dimond Barnes, 
who was born in Connecticut and carried on farm- 
ing there until about 1831. He then removed to 
Greene County, N. Y., where he i)assed the remain- 
der of his life. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Ann E. Blakesley and she too was born in Con- 
necticut; her death occurred in 1875. To them 
had been born eight chiliircii, tlie living being 
Laura A., wife of William II. Drace; William H.; 
Cyrus B., of Detroit; Charles O., of Yijsilanti; 
Edward, living in Greene County, N. Y.; Mary, 
wife of George Cartwright; and George, of Ypsi- 
lanti; Lambert A. is deceased. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
at Cheshire, Conn., M.ay 5, 1829, and pursued the 
usual studies during his earli" years. In 1847 he 
entered a paper mill at West Springfield, Mass., 



P0RTRAIT AND BrOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



663 



where he remained three years, and from which he 
went to a similar establislinient in Suflield, Conn. 
After four j'ears' sojourn there he removed to Erie, 
Pa., and two years later returned to West .Spring- 
field, Mass. In 1863 he came to this .State and 
opened a paper wareliouso in Detroit, but the next 
jear lie bought the mill in Rochester. In 1865 he 
rebuilt it, and again after the destruction by fire a 
decade later. 

The ceremon}- that united the lives and fortunes 
of Mr. Barnes and Miss Jemima Parmolee took 
place August 31, 18.54. The bride was born in 
Connecticut and lias shown her capabilitj- as a 
housekeeper and her affection and prudence as a 
wife and mother, during the years of her wedded 
life. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have five children liv- 
ing, all in Rochester. The}' are Anna E., wife of 
S. C. Goodison; May E., Gertrude L., Edith L., a 
music teacher, and Clayton C. A daughter, Cath- 
erine E., who vvas liie wife of Prof. A. W. Tate, 
died in Collinsville, Ala., December 17, 1890, at 
the age of nearly lwcnt3'-seven years. 



-4- 



-^ 



-^ 



HARLES HALLSTED is one of the men 
' born in Orion Township who are pursuing 
the calling of a farmer there. He owns and 
oecu|)ies a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of 
as fine land as can be found in the county, and ca- 
pable of producing crops equal in quality and 
quantity to the best. Considerable attention is 
paid to stock raising and all kinds are sent to the 
market. The buildings upon Mr. Hallsted's farm 
are substantial, and include everything that is nec- 
essarj- for his purpose. Mr. Hallsted is one of the 
oldest native-born residents of this section, his na- 
tal day having been August 23, 1837. He was 
born in the log hous€ built by bis father on the 
farm he now occupies, and in a similar structure lie 
pursued his early studies. He remained at home, 
helping to clear and improve the property until he 
was of age, when he began working the homestead 
on shares. He carried on that operation three 
years, and in 1861 bought the place. 

Our subject is a grandson of Richard Hallsted, 
who was born in Pennsylvania and was of Ger- 



man ancestry. He served in the Revolution. The 
immediate progeiiilorg of Charles Hallsted were 
Martin and Sophia (Dickinson) Hallsted, natives 
of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. 
The mother died in the year 1846, leaving five 
childien, three of whom still live. Mr. Hallsted 
accompanied his parents to New York when but 
five 3'ears old, and there he grew to manhood and 
acquired the trade of a cooper. He came to this 
section in 1834 and entered one hundred and sixty 
acres in Orion Township. In October, 1836, he 
came out and took possession of the propert}', on 
which lie built a log house which was one of the 
first put up in the township. So sparsely settled 
was this region that he had to go to Detroit for 
supplies and carry home on his back that which he 
needed. He lived to see a great change, although 
he did not survive to note all that was accom- 
plished in half a century; he died in 1858 in his 
sixty-third j'ear. 

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name 
of .lulia E. Hunt and was a native of Pontiac 
Township. Her marriage to Mr. Hallsted was 
solemnized November 16, 1878, and to them three 
children have been born, namely : Martin, Addie 
and Elmer. Mr. Hallsted was a widower when 
married to Miss Hunt, having lost his first wife 
.June 17, 187S. She, too, was a native of Pontiac 
Township, and her maiden name was Addie Had- 
sell. She was the mother of four children, named 
respectively', Sarah. William, Martin (deceased), 
and Lena. Mr. Hallsted is a supporter of the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party. He and his wife 
are well known and are respected for their sterling 
qualities. 



AVID W. RANDALL. An honorable 
place among the agriculturists of Avon 
Township is occupied by Mr. Randall, who 
has shown himself to bo possessed of good 
judgment, perseverance and untiring zeal. His 
industrious habits and uprightness of life have se- 
cured to him what is better than silver or gold, 
a good name, and his well-directed efforts in 




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*s^i trustee of h» horfciwd i* rtie l*»d <rf iifc 

H* *^ ' ' - 

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boa»e. Tbe f*» . • ■ - 

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«stk D*T A«lT«*list Okardk aad tlvev law tera 
dCe ~k iktat tieaowiwdiiMi KvtkiitTTvai^ 

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' ^ . ^ _. - X . . <hip aad aft«r- 

wTtrd chaas«<ii its pU<c« of aMetia$r to Eo^MSi«r. 
Mr. RmxUII has b««a IVe«.^ 

•■■ - V Boan! «>f Tresi««s. 1- .. 

. f rw and assv^rria*. He is a "liwd dtiiea. 
.Hstiaa. aad ta social aad dowestir 
jd c«ieid«ntr. 



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N SIMPm^X. Less ihaa a kalf reatarv 
.^o :be{« wa$ N>ra ia Uk k««ble lK>ai« of 3l 
l^\i«T fasdilT of Oakbad Coaalr. a sob. 
^ v)k> grev ^^ a sivniT aaaalmod aaiid tfcc 
•■ -.Jj* prian^val fo(«sJs aad wiU prairies c : 
. - llff <>><sal aad edwcaltoBal adr»at«^> 

■■-viY ol V >~e cniet aad ke kad to Iw^a ik< 

.ii"' , ui9M«)f earir. He >r»s wrfl forti- 

- -ii^sie. kow^rer. as tkeprivatioas aad 
9ai0fi6c«» of tie |*»>l*e >■ * aewJv settle^l ev^ 
bad su«(^faeae«i ki« for tke eoalicC No: 
lid tkese earty expericaoes it fciai for tke w\x-x . , 
.iad to do. K«t ther kave eaaabled kiai to attaia 
ki^L - - Maoas **•<' sabstaatxal fanaers aa^i 
«t£s . - sterftecd TowKk«[^ 

Mr. SiMps«a OMaes of Irisk pai«at^<e. kis Kstke- 
A»«.i»» SJaif^oa. karii^ l«eea bora >a Iralaa*-. 
vfeef« *>e fii«low«»i Ae ttade of a wvarer. Ia eat?v 
aaakood ke mate to A«erinu kvatii^ ia tke Ssa;^ 
of Xev Y««k aad sojoaiaii^ tke*« for seT«n! 
_v««r!v Me caake to M«tki«aa aad paKkased «^«> 
an"ey* aa West BJoootfteM Tovaskip. tkis c 
lie l<«aa»e 'srelJ kao«a aad kcEkly resfoexiKv^ . 
kis koaesaj aad iate^ritr ia kaaaes. aad pcKsesse -: 
Ow ec*fideaoe of kis ae^Hns. He aieeadr' 
■<koot «*h- a {e«r acatfei. kat tke soaaevkat aeo- 
j^er ialk>na9tk>« gVa a e d frvaa hooks «as addcH to 
bT c«aa«aat ot«»r»atNia aad ciose stadr of tk-. 
-/«iarifid issaes of tke day aatil ke keoMae a «idl- 
:afona««l auta. 
Tke MO(ker of oar sakJKC Max^iarrt ^ foowa 
- ' v)$e a aatiw of Ireiaad, wkcaK 
\ »erira ia coapaar witk ker ka^ 
■;<»rAl. :*K <^Mi«a wer* koca to (keta, kat oa5> 
ire sarxire. By a faricr Miw ge Aadiev Sivp- 
soa kad fiw ckiMrea, tao of akoa a>* Ktik. 






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Ot^-fA^L 



Cr<i^'lLA^y>^-t 



X 




Ci-'^o^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



GG7 



Our subject was horn in West Blooiufield Town- 
ship, this county, July 5, 1842, and passed his 
yontli quietly on tlie home farm, where he e.irl}^ 
learncil the lessons of industry and perseverance 
that aided him in Inter life. At the age of twenty 
years lie began to work for himself and for three 
years was eniploj'ed by the month on a farm, then 
worked at home for a share in the proceeds of the 
farm. In 1869 he purchased a farm in West Bloom- 
field Township, where he resided twelve years. 

Mr. Simpson was married June 26, 1872, to Miss 
Mar}' Johnson, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., whose 
parents were boni in Norway. Of this happy union 
one child has been born. May 16, 1873, Nettie L., 
now eighteen years of age. .Siie is an accomplished 
and refined young lady, and possesses a most esti- 
mable character and rare mental endowments. Af- 
ter improving his farm in West Bloomfield Town- 
ship, Mr. Simpson was enabled to sell it at a fair 
profit, and immediately afterward he bought his 
present homestead of one hundred and twenty 
acres. This is one of the most beautiful and com- 
fortable homes in Waterford Township, while the 
genial host and hostess are noted for their free- 
hearted hospitality. Mr. Simpson cares little for 
ollicial honors, but is a strong Democrat and casts 
his votes for the candidates of that party. He is 
justl}' held in high consideration throughout the 
community where he resides, as he possesses in a 
full degree those qualities which mark him as a 
public-spirited citizen and a man of high principles 
and unswerving integrity. 

■illOHN L. CAMPBELL, M. D. Among the 
professional men located in Birmingiiani, 
not one probably had a harder time in se- 
curing the education he desired than Mr. 
Campbell. He worked his way through school and 
had to battle against discouragement, as his father 
and the family disapproved of his decision to study 
medicine and gave him no syrapathj^ in his course. 
The j'oung man was determined, however, to enter 
the profession, and in due time received his diploma 
and was ready to practice. He has been located in 



Birmingham since 1883, when he bought out Dr. 
James A. Post. lie iu\s a large and lucrative prac- 
tice, giving him all the work he can well attend to, 
and his reputation is firmly established. 

Welcome Campbell, fatiier of our subject, was 
born in Paris, Oneida County, N. Y., July 20, 
1810, to Koswell and Abigail Campbell. That good 
couple were born in New York and the husband 
was descended from an old Connecticut family of 
Scotch extraction. He eventually came to Michi- 
gan and died in Oakwood, this count}-. His wife 
had breathed her last in New York. Welcome 
Campbell was reared in his native State and lived 
there until 1834, when he came to this count}' and 
bought land in Oxford Townsliip. The place was 
known for many years as Campbell Corners but 
the name was finally changed to Oakwood. While 
he lived there he followed lumbering, merchandis- 
ing, coopering and farming. In 1859 he traded 
the property for farm land in Royal Oak Town- 
ship, whee he lived many years. When ready to 
retire f.'om active life he turned his farm over to 
his sons and removed to the village of Royal Oak, 
where he died November II, 1888. 

When Welcome Campbell cime to this State he 
was very poor, and his capital when he reached this 
county was 85 in cash. He w.as active, energetic 
and ambitious, and made a success of his life here, 
both in acquiring means and in elevating the con- 
dition of the community. He gave his children 
considerable property. At one time he owned 
eight hund.ed acres of land in this county. He 
was a Whig and a strong abolitionist, and later a 
Republican, favoring temperance legislation. In 
early life he united with the Congregational 
Church, but while at Royal Oak he joined the 
Methodist Episcopal Society. Of decided piety, 
he took an active part in church work and always 
labored for right and justice. He was marrieii 
June 9, 1839, to Mary J., daughter of Warren and 
Lucy (Pelton) Cheeney. She was born in Pen field. 
N. Y., May 14, 1824. She became the mother of 
ten children, namely: Mary J., Harvey J., Martha 
A., David L., Lucinda S., Lurinda M., Andrew C, 
Lois Esther, Albert W. and John L. 

The youngest member of this faniily was born 
in Oakwood, May 20, 1857, and reared on the farm 



668 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Royal Oak Township. In the district schools he 
obtained an undoi'Standing of the common-school 
branches. He remained with his father until he 
was twent}- years old, then went to Ann Arbor and 
began the study of raedioiue in the University of 
Michigan. After attending three years he was 
gr.-iduated in July, 1880, .and he was soon located 
in AVabash, Mercer County, Ohio. There he prac- 
ticed about eighteen months, but then by reason of 
the sickness of his wife came back to Royal Oak, 
and carried on his work there about a year and a 
half. When that time had elapsed he went to 
Goodrich, Genesee County, but remained only a 
year and then came to Birmingham. 

The wife of Dr. Campbell bore the maiden name 
of Josephine V. Gully, and their marriage rites 
were solemnized November 25, 1880. Mrs. Camp- 
bell was born in Royal Oak, this county, and is a 
daughter of Alexander and Caroline (Schilling) 
Gully. Her father was born in Molo, Province of 
Alsace, France, August 20, 1808, and was married 
to Caroline Schilling November 20, 1843. They 
came to America about 1845 and made their home 
in Rhode Island about two years; then came to this 
State and county and established themselves in 
Royal Oak. They became the parents of six chil- 
dren, viz: Caroline, Albert C, Emily, Clemenca, 
Harriet and Josepliine V. The youngest member 
of the family was reared and received her educa- 
tion in Royal Oak and Davisburg. She made use 
of her excellent eilucation as a teacher, and for 
three years followed that profession in different 
places until her failing health compelled her to 
cease. Full of ambition and energy, she was a suc- 
cessful teacher and advanced the standard of learn- 
ing wherever she was employed. Her mother, Mrs. 
Gully, is now seventy years old and still lives on 
tiie old homestead in Royal Oak Township, wliere 
the father died in 1860, aged fifty-two years. 

Alexander Gully belonged to a distinguislied 
family and finished his education in Lyons, France. 
He possessed a great intellect, was an artist of more 
than ordinary ability and a linguist who was able 
to converse in five different languages. While 
naturally a man of studious habits. Ins progress 
was somewhat retarded by the loss of his hearing 
in early life. He had been a man of abundant 



means, but going into business with which he was 
unacquainted, he lost a large portion of his money. 
Afterward he came to this county and located on 
a farm where he died, leaving his family an unin- 
cumbered estate of one hundred and sixty acres. 

Dr. Campbell is a member of the United States 
Board of Pension Examiners for his district and is 
ex.imining surgeon for various insurance companies 
and local fraternal orders. He has been a Village 
Trustee and has held other village offices, both civil 
and educational. He is a member of the Republican 
party, and he and his wife belong to the Methodist 
Episcoiml Church. The\' are the parents of two 
children who have been named respectively, Carrie 
M. and Lloyd G. 

The reader's attention is invited to the litho- 
graphic portraits of the Doctor and his estimable 
wife, presented in connection with this biograph- 
ical notice. 



IRAM G. SAXTON, a successful farmer 
I; and worthy citizen of Farmington Town- 
V ship, was born in Newpultz Township, LTl- 
(^) ster County, N. Y., August 1, 1816. The 
father, Justus, was born in the same place as his 
son. May 12, 1792. Both in New York and Mich- 
igan, to which he came in 1837, he followed the 
trade of a shoemaker, mingling with it the duties 
of the farm, upon which he lived in F'armington 
Township, and where he died M.ay 15, 1857. His 
religious belief was in .accordance with the tenets 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and be was a 
Democrat in politics. His wife, Rebecca Seaman, 
was born in Ulster County-, N. Y., in 1796. and 
died in 1858. They were the parents of six chil- 
dren, three daughters and three sons, four of whom 
are now living. 

The subject of this sketch was two years old 
when he removed with his parents to Ontario 
County, N. Y.. where he remained until he reached 
his majority, when he removed with his parents 
to Michigan. His marriage took place August 
16, 1846, and his wife was Julia E., daughter of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G69 



Levi and Huldah (Straight) Pettibone. Mrs. Sax- 
ton is a Vermonter, being born June 2G, 1820, in 
Mancliester, Bennington County. There she grew 
to womanhood and remained until she came to 
Michigan witli her parents in 1841. 

Tlie first home of the young wedded couple was 
in Commerce Township, Oakland County. Here 
Mr. Saxton carried on a farm for eighteen years, 
after which he sold the propert}' and removed to 
Farmington Village, where for nine years he fol- 
lowed the business of carpentry. He then took up 
farming again in Farmington Township, and at 
the age of seventeen years he traded this [)rop- 
erty for that where lie now resides, the old home 
of Mrs. Saxton's father. It was his first home in 
the State. He owns sixty-eight acres of excellent 
land in fine condition. 

This worthy couple were never blessed with 
any children of their own, but their warm hearts 
would not allow them to dwell in comfort while 
there were homeless children. They therefore 
adopted and brought up one child, Julia Adell, 
who was taken from them by death June 28, 1886. 
Mr. Saxton is a Democrat in his political views, 
and has filled the office of Town Clerk for one 
year. He is also identified with the Masonic fra- 
ternity, belonging to Lodge No. 151, at Farming- 
ton, in which he was Secretary for some years. He 
is a man whose liberality and integrity are con- 
ceded by all who know him, and from all he re- 
ceives the respect and good-will which every right- 
minded man desires from his neighbors. 



-mr 



SCAR DONALDSON, one of the best and 
most careful farmers in Commerce Township, 
and a man universally esteemed by his neigh- 
bors for his sound sense and neigh borl3- kindness, 
is the son of Samuel Donaldson, who was a car- 
penter and farmer in Dutchess Count}-, N. Y. His 
mother was Nancy Messenger, who was born near 
Brighton, N. Y. His father had been previously 
married and was the parent of one child, who is now 
deceased. After their marriage, which occurred 
in 1836, the parents of our subject came directly 



to Michigan. The father had visited the State be- 
fore, having come here in 1832, and worked at his 
trade in Romeo for several years. He then took 
up a farm of unbroken timber in Bruce Township, 
Macomb County. He sold his farm just men- 
tioned and bought in Lyon Township, this county, 
renting out the place until after his second mar- 
riage, when he moved onto it. He resided in his 
log cabin until 1868, and cleared up all the land. 
He then built a good house and removed to the 
farm where he no^ resides. He passed away 
from earth at the age of sixty-six years, in 1870. 
His widow, now eighty-three years old, makes her 
home with our subject. She is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Her husband was 
actively interested in politics, being formerly a 
Democrat, and later a Republican. He was a mem- 
ber of the School Board and was an earnest pro- 
moter of educational measures. 

Three of the five children of Samuel Donald- 
son and wife are now living. Oscar was born No- 
vember 28, 1842, at the old homestead in Lyon 
Township, where his father was one of the first 
settlers. He attended the district schools and 
helped his father on the farm. He remained at 
home and turned in his labor for the general "ood 
of the family until he was twenty. five years old, 
when this young man took charge of the farm and 
his father retired from active life. .Since the 
death of the father he has continued to manage the 
farm and has greatly im|iroved it. Ninety-five 
of his one hundred and eighteen acres are under 
cultivation. 

Mr. Donaldson was married in 1873 to Eliza- 
beth Hays, a daughter of Alexander Hays, who 
removed from Ohio to Commerce Township in the 
year 1857. Mrs. Donaldson was born in 1856 at 
Cleveland, Ohio, and was granted an excellent 
education. Three children blessed this union viz: 
Roy M., Ada R. and Kate. Their mother was 
called away from earth in December, 1884. (hir 
subject is a member of the Masonic order at Com- 
merce, with which he has been identified for 
twenty-one years. He is also a member of the 
Patrons of Industry at Walled Lake, and has for 
four years been a Director of Schools. He takes 
an active interest in political issues and votes the 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Republican ticket.. He is a very busy man nnrl car- 
ries on his farm actively himself and at the same 
time cares tenderly and judiciously for riis mother- 
less children, in which work of love he is ably sec- 
onded by his mother, who makes her home with 
him. His earnest life and the high esteem in which 
he is held by his neighbors make him a marked 
man in the community. 



jSlCHARD BARTLETT, of Pontiac, is a 
^ farmer and dairyman, and is the President 
IE% of the Pontiac Creamery Company. He 
was born in Erie County, N. Y., November 
^ 28, 1829. His father. Smith Bartlott, was born in 
Rhode Island and when quite young removed to 
Vermont with his parents, Abel and Drucilla Bart- 
lett. Here their son remained with them until he 
reached his majority, when he went to Erie County, 
N. Y., having married while living in Vermont 
Sarah Allen, a daughter of Zohelh Allen, a Ver- 
monter, of Scotch descent, who had emigrated 
some years before to New York. 

The Bartletls are of English descent. Smith 
Bartlett, the father of our subject, was by trade a 
tanner and shoemaker. This work he followed for 
many years but later in life turned his attention to 
farming. He died in Erie County, N. Y., in 1860. 
in his seventieth year, and his wife passed away 
two years later in her sixty-eighth year. They 
were the parents of nine children, four sons and 
five daughters, our subject being the youngest son. 
Richard Bartlett's education was obtained in 
Eric County, N. Y., in the common schools. Upon 
leaving school he went to work in his brother's 
tannery, and there spent five years. He then 
NYOrked on tlie farm until 1865, when he moved to 
Oakland County, Mich., and located upon what is 
his present farm, situated on the Pontiac and Au- 
burn road near the toll gate. This farm, which 
was formerly known as the Waldron farm, com- 
prises one hundred and eighty -seven acres of choice 
land. Here he carried on general farming but 
After a while decided to push the dairy business. 
He therefore built a large barn, 102x44 feet, the 



basement being stalieil ofl' for the accommodation 
of his cows. He milks from forty to sixt}' cows 
and at jircsent furnishes the supply for the Eastern 
Michigan Asylum for the Insane, as well as sup- 
plying many citizens of Pontiac. He has largel}' 
increased his acreage, so that bis large farm now 
embraces five hundred acres. His two sons are 
an invaluable aid to him in carrying on his busi- 
ness. 

In 1880 Mr. Bartlett helped organize the Pontiac 
Creamer}', of which he was made President. At 
the same time he turned his attention to the breed- 
ing of fine cattle, especially Jersey. His marriage 
took place January 15, 1851. His wife was Phojbe, 
daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (White) 
Smith. She was I)orn and reared in Erie County, 
N. Y. The two sons of this family are Charles S., 
and Augustus S. Both sous are members of the 
firm of Richard Bartlett & Sons. Charles S. mar- 
ried Carrie Osmun, who is a daughter of William 
H. and Mary A. Osmun. She is the motlier of 
two children — Lena and Beulah. Augustus mar- 
ried Miss Louisa Carr, of Utica, Macomb County, 
a native of Germany. They have two children — 
Lolu and Pha'be. Mr. Bartlett's political affilia- 
tions are with the Republican party, and he is in- 
terested not only in the local movements of the 
party, but iu its National success. In religious 
belief he and his family are Spiritualists. 




^^ 



ERT W. JACKSON, editor of the Milford 
\\ Tinu'S, is one of the youngest, if not the 
i59)lfi i'oungest, of the owners of business estab- 
lishments in the city. He was born here 
October 12, 1870, and from his childhood has been 
connected willi a printing otBce. His father, Isaac 
P. J.ackson, established the Times in February, 
1871, anil Bert and his sister Carrie, when mere 
children, learned to set type, and gained an under- 
standing of everything connected with the business 
After the death of their father, in 1886, they took 
charge of the office and carried it on together until 
June, 1889, when our subject bought all the inter- 
ests. He has since been conducting the business 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



671 



alone. The paper is a weekly aix-column quarto, 
with a good circulation and a satisfactory job- 
printing patronage. Mr. Jackson is the youngest 
editor in the count}', but is not too young to dis- 
l>la}' qualities which indicate that he will rise in 
journalistic circles. 

The father of our subject was Isaac P. Jackson, 
who was born April 25, 1824, at Rochester, Mon- 
roe County, N. Y. The town at that time was a 
mere hamlet, and his parents were among its first 
settlers. His father died when he was too }Oung 
to have any recollection of the sad event, and his 
mother was left with five small children to supjrort. 
His boyhood was passed near Walworth, working 
on a farm, with a short term at the district school 
in winter. In 1846 he went to live with his ma- 
ternal uncle, Luther Kelly, of Geneva, and he 
studied one year in a preparatory school there. 
He then entered Hol)art College, but at the con- 
clusion of two years was obliged to give up his 
hope of a coUeoiate education on account of a 
severe fit of sickness which seriously' affected his 
lungs. He soon embarkecl in the drug t)usiness at 
Painted Post, N. Y., and afterward removed to 
Detroit, Mich., where he carried on the same busi- 
ness until 1867. He opened a drug store in Mil- 
ford at that time, but soon afterward began the 
publication of the Times. The paper was a suc- 
cess. Mr. Jackson was a prominent and active 
Royal Arch Mason, and a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Churcli. He died August 22, 
1886, deo[)ly regretted by the citizens, who es- 
teemed and loved him. 

In Geneva, N. Y., June 19, 1851, Isaac P. Jack- 
son and Ann G. Simpson were united in marriage. 
The wife was born in S[)auldingtown, Yorkshire, 
England, January 25, 1830, and accompanied her 
parents to America when six years old. Her girl- 
hood was spent in Geneva, and for several years 
she occupied the position of teacher in both piivate 
and public schools there. In Milford Mrs. Jackson 
was very active in Church and Missionary work. 
She died October 30, 1888, after four weeks' ill- 
ness. .She was the mother of five children: Amelia, 
now Mrs. S. L. Rowe, of Milford; Anna, wife of 
Alvin Crawford, living in Milford Township; Car- 
rie, Bert W. and ^Mabel, who reside in Milford. 



At the bride's home, December 14, 1890, the 
subject of this biographical notice was married to 
Miss Ida M. Wilson. This lady was born in St. 
Clair, and is a daughter of the Rev. George and 
P^liza Wilson. She was carefully reared, had good 
educational advantages, and is an unvisually intelli- 
gent and pleasing lady'. 

In April, this year, Mr. Jackson purchased the 
Book, Stationery, Wall Paper and Fancy Goods 
business of Messrs. W. and M. Crawford, who have 
conducted the business for many years, and have 
built up a large and [)rofitable business. 



E^ 



flEROME F. ARNOLD was born on the 
farm where he now resides, August 10, 
1844. His father, Robert Arnold, was born 
/ near Rochester, N. Y., September 9, 1814, 
and came to Michigan with his parents al)0ut 1823, 
and settled in Washington Townshii), Macomb 
County, where they were among the very first set- 
tlers. The grandfather of our subject, Christopher 
Arnold, was born in Massachusetts, of English ex- 
traction, and after coming West resided in Macomb 
County until his death. 

In that county Robert Arnold was reared, and 
there he married. His wife, Amy Stitt, was born 
in New York, .lune 4, 1817, and is the daughter of 
Andrew and Hhoda A. Stitt, both of New York, 
who came to Macomb County when it was all wild 
land, and cleared and improved a farm. Their 
coming was in March, 1825. Mrs. Stitt died in 
Macomb County and her husband in Oakland 
Count}'. Mrs. Arnold's grandmother Stitt was 
captured by the Indians during the Revolutionary 
War, and was in their hands for ninety days. Mrs. 
Arnold has been a member of the Protestant 
Methodist Church for many years, and is the 
mother of eight children, four of whom are living. 
Robert Arnold took his farm on section 20, 
Addison Township, and settled on it soon after his 
marriage. He built a log house, and proceedetl to 
clear and im|)rove his farm. Ho w.as a. Justice of 
the Peace, and held other local offices within the 
option of his fellow-citizens. He was an earnest 



672 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and efficient member of the Free Will Baptist 
Chmcli, and was muth relied upon in Cburch mat- 
ters in those early days. 

Jerome Arnold has always lived on the old 
homestead. In bis school days he had to go two 
and a half miles to reach the log schoolhouse where 
he studied. AVhen only sixteen j'ears old he took 
charge of the farm, and when he was twenty-one 
he worked out by the month for three years. His 
marriage took place in September, 1868. He was 
then united with Margaret A. Snyder, by whom he 
had four children — Nora, Bruce, Eda and Je- 
rome. He is a Republican in his political views, 
and is proud to say that he cast his first vote for 
Abraham Lincoln. He often represents his party 
at county conventions, and is looked upon by his 
neighbors as a man of sound convictions and good 
judgment. Both he and his excellent wife are 
active members of the Protestant Methodist Church. 
lit has one hundred and sixty acres of excellent 
land, which is under cultivation and in good con- 
dition. 



^^^AI) CHAMBERLIN, an energetic young 
,|j farmer of Addison Township, was born 

^^^(l October 31, 1842, near the spot where he 
now lives. His father, John M. Chamberlin, 
was a native of SpringQeld, Mass., where he was 
born in 1809. He was reared in New York, and 
coming to Michigan in 1828, entered a tract of 
land in Addison Township. He milled at Lake- 
ville when white folks were less plentiful than In- 
c^ians, and w.is one of the first settlers in the 
township, when Lidians and wild game of all kinds 
were to be seen in abundance. He proceeded to 
clear and improve a farm and put it in fine condi- 
tion before his death, which occurred in February, 
1862. 

The father of our subject was a man of popu- 
larity in his community, and was placed in vari- 
ous oflices of trust by his follow-citizens. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Smith. She 
was born in New York, but met her husband in 
this State, and they were married here. She lived 
to be seventy-three years old, passing away from 



earth in 1883. They were the parents of twelve 
children, nine of whom are now living. 

The subject of this sketch was reared upon the 
farm where he now lives, and took training in 
farm duties under a wise and kind father. He also 
attended school in the log scboolhouses and sat 
upon the slab seats which were then the main 
furnishing of the schoolhouse. He always lived 
at home and was relied upon for the care of the 
family, as his elder brothers went to the war, and 
as everyone knows in those da3's the younger chil- 
dren had to come to the front to support home in- 
dustries. After his father's death he took entire 
charge of the family and home place. 

Mr. Chamberlin was united in marriage, in 
1872, with Annie Durnberger. She was a native 
of New Jersey. Six children blessed this home, 
only one of whom, Charles, has been called awaj' 
by de«th. The five who are living to be a com- 
fort and joy to their parents are; Milton G., 
Clara, Claude, Lou and Bessie. The political 
ainiiatious of this gentleman are with the Demo- 
cratic party, and he is quite a leading man among 
the adherents to that part}', being made a delegate 
to county conventions, and being looked to for 
counsel and strength during campaigns. He is also 
prominently identified with the Masonic order. 
He has one hundred and twenty' acres of good land, 
on which he has just erected a handsome residence 
and fine barn. He is a clever man ami one who 
does not let the grass grow under his feet. 



^RANCIS E. CULVER, a prominent resident 
; on section 3, Farmington Township, was 
. born in this tovynship on the 22d of De- 
cember, 1848. His father. Orange Culver, was 
born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1802, and both 
in New York and in Michigan, to which he came 
in 1825, he carried on the work of a farmer. 
He located on section 10, in Farmington Town- 
ship, when it was all an unbroken forest, and l)uilt 
a log house when the nearest neighbors north were 
at Pontiac. He proceeded to clear his place and 
to cultivate the land. After residing there ten 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



673 



years he sold this land and bought the place where 
our subject uow resides, upon which there were at 
that liino no improvements except a frame house. 
Here he remained until his death, which toolt i»lace 
in 1877. He was a strong Republican and was 
well known throughout the county as an honora- 
ble and hard-working man. 

The grandfather of our subject, George Culver, 
was a cooper by trade and served his country in 
the AVar of 1812 as Captain of a compan}' of mili- 
tia. He was a Wiiig in his political views and 
lived to a good old ago. The mother of our sub- 
ject was Mary Dixon, a native of Pennsylvania, 
where she was born in 1804. She lived to the age 
of seventy-seven years. Her father was a miller 
in Luzerne County. 

The subject of this sketch is the youngest of a 
family of ten children, only three of whom are now 
living. He was reared and received his schooling 
in his native town, having district-school advan- 
tages, and attended the Oakland Institute at Farm- 
ington. His marriage took place January 10, 1872, 
and he was then united with Beulah, the eldest 
daughter of Baldwin L. and Rosamond (Spencer) 
Heliker. This lady was born in Oakland County, 
Mich., August 31, 1851. One child has blessed 
tiiis union — Grace, now deceased. Tliej- located 
after ra.arriage upon the old Culver homestead, 
whicli is still the family home. Mr. Culver has a 
farm of ninety-three aci'es, all under cultivation, in 
a fine condition. For five years past he has worked 
at the carpenter's trade and rented out his farm. 
He is a Republican and is well known throughout 
the county. He owns a part only of the old home- 
stead, which is a flue tract of one hundred and forlv 



'^^^i;^^!t5«^*=-'- 



v^EORtiE B. FEN WICK, one of the old sct- 
jll ^_- tiers of Rose Township, was born August 
%^i 20, 1820, in the township of Galen, Wayne 



^EORtiE B. FEN WICK, one of the old sct- 

st 
c 

County, N. Y. He is a son of John and Jane 
(Breckens) Fenwick, who were born, reared and 
married in Norlluunberland Count}', England. 
Mr. Fenwick left his English farm and came to the 
United Slates in June, 1819, and settled in Wayne 



County, N. Y., where he purchased fifty acres 
which he farmed until June, 183G. He then came 
to Michigan and made his new home in Rose Town- 
ship, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres 
of land. This he improved and cultivated and 
made his home upon until his death in 1863, at the 
ago of serenty-five years. Ten years before that 
he had been bereaved of his wife by death. Six 
sons and six daughters have been theirs, ten of 
whom they reared to man's and woman's estate. 
They were named, Joseph, Anna, George B., Alary, 
Jane, John, William, Margaret, Margery and 
Charles. 

The father of our subject was a soldier in the 
English army and both he and his good wife were 
pioneer Presbyterians in Oakland County. The 
grandfather, Joseph Fenwick, was also a farmer 
in England. The maternal grandfather, George 
Breckens, was also a member of an English fam- 
ily. After receiving a common-school education, 
George came with his parents to Michigan and 
assisted his father in clearing the farm. When 
twenty-one years of age he began for himself, 
working out by the month. When twenty-three 
}'ears of age he purchased eighty acres on sec- 
tion 20, Rose Township. This he cleared and 
improved and later added forty acres more. He 
now owns one hundred and sixty acres, which he 
has in splendid condition and well supplied with 
excellent buildings. He, iiimself, struck the first 
blow with the ax and effected the first clearing of 
the timber which covered this Isnd. 

Mr. Fenwick was happily married .lune 7, 1854, 
to Orpha M. Knight, a native of Hanover, Chau- 
tauqua Couutj% N. Y. This lady is a daughter of 
Jeremiah and Rhoda (Fisk) Knight, both natives 
of Rhode Island, who came from New York to 
Lake County, Ohio, in 1836, and from there to 
Michigan in 1853. Here they settled in Sprin"- 
Reld Township and after a few j-cars went to Shia- 
wassee County, where they both died. In his 
early days he had fought in the War of 1812. He 
was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which both he and his wife were leading 
members. Their five children were Wesley, Eliza, 
Job R., Orpha M. and Rhoda F. This family is of 
Scotch-Irish descent. 



674 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Our subject and liis intelligent wife li.ive had 
two children granted unto them, but both died in 
infancy, leaving the parents sorely bereaved. They 
have reared two children — Charles E. Jacobs and 
May M. Hurd, both of whom are married. Mr. 
Jacobs is now farming the home place, and May 
M. lives near St. Louis, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Fen- 
wick have turned their activities to account for 
others, and have been very active in church work, 
being members of the Presbyterian Church. They 
have lived in the home where they now reside ever 
since their marriage. 



jF_^ ARTWELL GREEN. For many years this 
1^ gentleman resided upon a fine farm in AVcst 
Bloomfield Township, and this land through 
^ his energetic management was converted 
into one of the most pleasant estates in the town- 
ship. He dates his arrival in this county from 
1852, since which time lie has gradually built up a 
finely-improved farm and accumulated a fair share 
of this world's goods. lu 1888 he removed to 
Orchard Lake and bought his present home of ten 
acres, a view of which appears on another page of 
this volume. Here, surrounded by the comforts 
which he has gained by unceasing toil, he is living 
retired from the arduous labors which filled his 
earlier years. Ilis intelligence, uprightness and 
industry are recognized by his large circle of ac- 
quaintances who accord him their highest esteem. 
A native of Green, Chenango County, N. Y. Mr. 
Green was born June 6, 1830. His parents, Hcjr- 
ace and Poll}' (llartwell) Green, were natives of 
the Empire State, and came to Perry, Shiawassee 
County, Mich., in 1837. There they bought a 
tract of land and spent the most of their days. 
The land upon which the village of Perr}' is 
built was located by Horace Green. His last days 
were spent with his daughter, Mrs. William Wal- 
lace, in the town of Ada, Kent County, Mich., 
where his wife still makes her home. The father 
of our subject was a hatter in his early days but 
after coming t6 Michigan he engaged in farming. 
He was at one time the owner of a good estate but 



lost much of his property and was poor when he 
came to Michigan. His political convictions were 
embodied in the platform of the Republican party 
but he concerned himself little with politics. 
Seven children constituted his household, namely: 
Norman, Julia, Jane, Hartvvell, Cornelia, Cornelia 
A. aud Elnora R. 

Having received a common-school education and 
being thoroughly trained in the practical work of a 
farmer, llartwell Green remained upon the pater- 
nal farm until he was in his twenty-third j'ear. He 
came to Oakland County in 1852 and settling upon 
a farm in West Bloomfield, pursued agriculture 
until December, 1888, when he removed to Orchard 
Lake and bought one of the finest residences in the 
township. He now owns a well-improved farm of 
one hundred and forty acres and his residence is 
situated on the hank of Pine Lake, directly oppo- 
site the Inter-Laken Club House and near the Mili- 
tary' Academy. There is not a more beautiful place 
'n Michigan for a home than that wiiich Mr. Green 
has chosen. He has been a successful farmer and 
has his means invested in various places. He has 
some bank stock and is one-fourth owner in the 
Pontiac & Orchard Lake Gravel Road. He is a 
Republican in his political views. 

October 20, 1852 Mr. Green was happily united 
in marriage with Mary J. Annett who was then 
residing at Corunna, Mich. The lady was a native 
of West Bloomfield Township, where she first saw 
the light, February 28,1829. Her parents were 
William and Sarah W. (Capen) Annett, the father 
a native of Ireland and the mother of Vermont. 
Mr. and Mrs. Annett came to Jlichigan at an early 
date and took up land from the Government in 
1825. The}' made their home in West Bloomfield 
Township until they died. This place is now owned 
by our subject and the old log house, which was 
finst built upon the farm and where Mrs. Green and 
all her children were born, is still standing. 

Four children have blessed the home of our sub- 
ject, namely, Ada C.,n. Will, Myrtie F. and Albro 
E. The daughter Ada is now the widow of Mil- 
ton L. Ilinkley; she lives with her father and has 
one child who bears his father's name. Mr. Ilink- 
ley's daughter, Emma M., by a former marriage, 
also makes her home with them. Will is a farmer 







<1 















rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



677 



in this township and with iiis wife, Dora New- 
man Green, and his tli/eo children, Mark, Howard 
rnd Ernest, lias established a happy home not far 
from his father. Jlyrtie F. is a stenographer in 
Chicago. The joungest son married Bell Dodge 
and is farming on the old liouK'stetjd. 



ANIEL RUSSELL, who resides on section 
}jj 15, Southfield Township, was born on Long 
Island, N. Y., March 29, 1823. His father, 
Stephen, was born in 1797, and grew up on Long 
Island to become a farmer and fisherman. He 
came to Southfield Township in 1854, when it was 
all woods. There was a log house on the place. 
He cleared the farm and in 1870 went to Adrian 
and bought a farm of forty acres two miles from 
the citj'. Here he lived for two years, and then 
sokl the property and moved into Adrian. After 
four years' residence there he removed to Detroit, 
where he died in 1886. His father, Daniel, was a 
soldier in the War of the Revolution. At the age 
of sL'venly-Dve j-ears he made a visit to Michigan 
and walked from Detroit to Southfield. He was 
also a farmer and a fisherman, and was the son of 
an Englishman. 

The mother of our subject, Sarah Raj'nor, the 
daughter of Jothani Raynor, a Revolutionary sol- 
dier, was born in 1803, and reared upon Long 
Island. She was the mother of ten children, all of 
wliom grew to maturity, and seven of tiiem still 
survive: Emeline, deceased; Daniel, our subject; 
James and Jerusha, deceased; Anna, Mrs. John 
Cornelius, Stephen, Sarah, Mary F., William H.: 
and I'luL'be, Mrs. Joseph Staford. Sarah Russell 
has taught school since slie was fourteen years old, 
and she now resides in Chicago, .as does also her sis- 
ter, Mary F. ; William is a lawyer and President 
of a bank in Omaha. 

Daniel Russell came to ftlicliigan with his par- 
ents wlieu he was nine years old. He commenced 
going to school on Long Island when he was three 
j'ears of age, and after coming to Michigan went 
on with his education in the log schoolhouses 



of the day. He remained at homo until he was 
married, in 1851, to Phoibe Stephens, a daughter 
of Capt. Edward Stephens. She was born on Long 
Island in 1821, and was the fifth of six brothers 
and sisters. 

Our subject and his wife are the parents of six 
children. Two died in infancy'. Those living are 
named: Jennie V., the wife of Ed Casson; Harry 
M., who resides in Biruaingliam; Wilmina, Mis. 
James McKinley; and Jerry H., who married 
Alamie Young. The Cassons have three children. 
Harry is the father of four little ones, and the 
McKinleys have two daughters. Mr. Russell is 
well known in tlie county as an earnest Repub- 
lican, and yet in local matters he votes for the 
best man for the place regardless of politics. He 
is an active and efficient member of the Presby- 
terian Church, in which he acts as Deacon. His 
good wife, who was also a member of this church, 
was snatched away by death in 1887. 

Mr. Russell at one time owned two hundred 
acres of land, but has sold all except eighty acres. 
He does little work now, but relegates most of his 
active duties to his son, Jerry. Ho is deeplj- inter- 
ested in all plans to promote the welfare of the 
community and is a generous giver to all good 
causes. 



r)lLLIAM S. YOUNG. Among the most 
\r\iB noteworthy and honorable British- Ameri- 
V^<j^ can citizens of Southfield Township, we 
may well mention the name of William S. Young, 
who was born April 14, 1837, in Ayrshire, Scot- 
land, within two miles of London Castle. Ills fatlier, 
Francis Young, was a farmer and died in the old 
country. The mother, who bore the maiden name 
of Jane Woodburn, came to America with her fam- 
il3' in 1852, and located in .Southfield Townsliip. 
She was the motb.er of four sons and four daugh- 
ters, of whom our subject is the seventh child and 
youngest son. 

William Young's early education was received 
in Scotland and he completed his schooling in 
Mllford. He was fourteen years old when he came 



678 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



to lliis country and fifteen when he started out for 
liinuelf to work at $9 per month in the summers, 
going to scliool in tlit winters. When nineteen years 
old be entered the employ of Mrs. James Gamble, 
.it IMilford. He remained with her for five ye.ars 
and then came to SoutiiQeld Township and rented 
a farm where Ids mother kept iionse for liim until 
his marriage. Ann J. Rodgers, who became the wife 
of our subject in 18G3, was born in Commerce 
Township in 1840, her natal day being April 2G. 
She is the eldest daughter of Dr. James Rodgers. 
Tlie first liome of the young married couple was 
in Soutbfleld Township. In 1880 they went to 
Troy Township, where they lived for four years 
and then located where they now reside. Five 
children have blessed their union, namely: Ada J., 
the wife of Harry Russell, residing in Birmingliam; 
Nettie A., who resides at home; Mary A., the wife 
of Jerry Russell; Margaret C, teaching .school in 
Royal Oak Township, and James F. The mother 
of these children passed away from earth April 4, 
1891, and is buried in Southfield Township. Slie 
was an earnest worker in her church, tlie Church 
of tlie Covenanters, where her husband is also a 
leading member. He has belonged to this church 
for thiit3--five years and has taught in its Sunday- 
school for twenty j'cars. The whole famil}' are 
efficient and active members of the same.' His 
depaited wife was a very devoted Christian and 
her loss is felt seriouslj- bj- all who know her. Mr. 
Young has a farm of eighty acres, all under culti- 
vation with the exception of twenty acres. He is 
doing a general farming business, and aiding in 
every way in the development of his township 
and count)-. He is a Republican in politics and in 
all things desires to forward the prosperity of the 
community in which he resides. 



LMERON WHITKHKAD. Few men as 
iLUl young as Mr. Whitehead can look back 
over a business career so successful as his. 
He has been established in business in 
liirmingham little more than a decade and is al- 
ready one of the most solid men of tlie place. He 




is carrying on the sale of drugs and groceries as a 
member of the firm of Whitehead & Mitchell and 
also has an interest in the Excliange Bank and in 
the Birmingham "Eccentric," which he and liis 
partner founded. Mr. Wliitehead was born in 
Watciford, October 29, 1851, being a son of Alinc- 
ron and Ann (Mais) Whitehead, natives of New 
York, the one born in Newburg and the other in the 
metropolis. They came to this Stale in tlie' 3(is and 
settled in Waterford, where Mrs. Whitehead died. 
Mr. Whitehead breathed his last in Birmingham. He 
was a farmer most of his life, but in his early man- 
hood spent a short time in clerking. He had a good 
farm and was in easy circumstances. For several 
years he served in the offices of Township Super- 
visor and Superintendent of the Poor. Politically, 
he was a Republican. 

Tlie subject of this notice is the youngest in a 
family of nine children, eight of whom grew to 
maturity. He was reared on the farm in Waterford 
Township and received his education in the district 
schools, and High School at Pontiac. He left the 
farm at the age of twenty-two years, ap.d coming 
to Birmingham entered the employ of J. A. Bige- 
low as a clerk, at ^100 per jear. He remained 
with that gentleman four j'ears, then went on the 
road for the Detroit Paper Com pan j-, but after a 
tvrelvemonth of travel returned to Birmingham 
and formed a partnership with Mr. Bigelow. The 
connection lasted three jears, after which Mr. 
Whitehead and George H. Mitchell associated 
themselves together and engaged in the sale of 
drugs and groceries. They added to the extent of 
their business interests and have finally become the 
proprietors of the bank an<l newspaper before men- 
tioned. 

The lady who presides over the home of Mr. 
Whitehead, and whose intelligence and refinement 
tends to draw toward it a pleasant circle, (vas known 
in her maidenhood as Miss Emma Bodine. She is 
a daughter of John and Sarah Bodine, residents of 
Birmingham, in which pl.ace she has lived for a 
number of years. She has borne her husband one 
son, who is called Raynale A. 

After due consideration of political questions, .Mr. 
Whitehead decided in favor of the Republican parly 
which he aids b)' his vote and iicrsonul influence. 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



679 



He is a Mason, belonging to Birmingham Ciiapter 
No. 93, Iv. A. M., and is also connected with the 
Knights of the Maccabees. Althougli not a cluuch 
member he believes in religions societies and con- 
tributes to their support. He lins been Township 
Clerk for eleven years. He started out in the world 
without means and his success in business is there- 
fore the more creditable to him. He is a young 
man of quiet ways, but a slircwdness of mind and 
mental vigor that make their mark on every project 
into which he enters. 



-fS^' 




LEXANDEU P. PARKS is one of the 
yuli well-known business men of Birmingham, 
l)eing a member of the firm of Parks it 
Hannah, who have a large and well 
equipped meat market. Mr. Parks buys and sells 
stock in considerablu numbers and gives close 
attention to his business affairs. It is by this' 
means that he has succeeded in gaining a compe- 
tence, as he had to begin life at the foot of the 
financial ladder. He was born in County Downs, 
Ireland, March 15, 1842, and emigrated with his 
father when eleven years old. His father was poor 
and the lad was compelled to make his own way 
from an early period in his existence. He began 
by woiking on farms, and his montiily wages tlie 
first summer were $3. His educational privileges 
were very meager, and in place of book knowledge 
ho has made use of the information acquired by 
practical experience and keen observation. His 
motiier-wit lias stood him in good stead, and given 
him an understanding of business methods and 
principles, and a fair share of general knowledge. 
After saving his money for some years, practic- 
ing close economy and being careful regarding 
every expenditure, Mr. Parks bought a farm in 
Troy Townsiiip, this county, upon which he lived 
and labored until 1883. He then removed to Bir- 
mingham, and a year later became one of the part- 
ners in the meat market. His home since March 
14, 1866, has been under the charge of a lad}- who 
was previously known «s Miss Anna Robison. She 
is a daughter of Austin R. and Polly (Stanley) 



Robison, who were among the lirst settlers in this 
county, and spent their last years here. She was 
born in 'i'roy Townsiiip, obtained her education in 
the common school, and has much knowledge of 
domestic arts. The marriage has been blest by the 
birth of three children, ail living, named respec- 
tively — Austin R., Polly and Edgar A. Mr. and 
Mrs. Parks belong to the Presbyterian Church, and 
lie votes the Republican ticket. He stands well 
in the community both as a business man and a 
citizen. 

The parents of our subject, Joseph and Eliza 
(Ilcrbison) Parks, were born in the Emerald Isle, 
and the latter died there. The former, with four 
children, came to America in 1853 and located in 
Royal Oak Township, this count}'. He was com- 
pelled to go to work by, the month, but after some 
time he was able to buy a farm in that township. 
After a few years spent thereon he sold it, and 
bought in Troy Townshi|), where he lived many 
years. He finally sold out there and made his 
home in Birmingham, where lie is living in quiet 
retirement. He has never accumulated much prop- 
erty, but is an honest, upright man. He was a 
weaver in Ireland, but in America he has always 
been engaged in farming. He votes the Republi- 
can ticket and belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
He lost a son, Thomas, before he came to America, 
and the children who accompanied him across the 
water are — Eliza, William, Alexander P., and Mar- 
garet J. 




lARRETT TRUAX, one of the oldest resi- 
dents now living in Brandon Township, 
makes his home on section 16. He was 
born in Madison County, N. Y., March 26, 1821. His 
father, Isaac, was born at Mohawk, N. Y., and his 
grandfather was a pioneer and famous hunter in 
western New York. He used to spend several 
months at a time in the woods in the pursuit of 
game. The father of our subject was a glass 
blower and a farmer, and owned eighty acres of 
land in the Mohawk Valley. He moved to Oak- 
land County, Mich., in 1835, making the journey 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



down the Erie Canal to Buffalo and by steamer 
across the lake to Detroit and thence by team to 
Brandon Township, tliis county. He took up 
eighty acres of the farm now occupied by our sub- 
ject, the deed to which was signed by Andrew 
Jackson. He built a log cabin and covered it 
with elm bark for shelter. 

Here the young man made a home for his wife 
and six children, .and endured great hardships that 
he might give to them prosperil3- in the future. 
He had to go to Detroit and Pontiac to trade, and 
carried corn meal home from Pontiac on his back 
for food for his family. This was a distance of 
twenty miles. He wore buckskin clothes and In- 
dian moccasins. He improved his eighty acres and 
died at the age of eighty-seven years, bearing the 
reputation among his neiglibors, of an honest, hard- 
working man. 

The mother of our subject was Anna Jelika, a 
native of New York. She was a grand good mother, 
and bore many hardships in those pioneer days. 
She lived to the advanced age of eighty-five years, 
and saw twelve of her thirteen children arrive at 
maturity and make their mark as honest and self- 
respecting citizens. She and her worthy husband 
are laid to rest in the Eaton burial ground in Bran- 
don Township. 

The subject of this sketch came here with his 
parents at eleven years of age. He lias vivid rec- 
ollections of the journey, especially of the walk 
from Detroit to the new home, where he arrived 
after dark. Brandon Township was then a vast 
wilderness inhabited by Indians, wolves, deer and 
bears. The first money earned by the family was 
obtained by catching wolves and claiming the 
bounty then offered on them. The father of our 
subject caught a she wolf in a trap and kept her a 
few davs in a pen, when she gave birth to a lot of 
young ones. He thus got bountj' on the whole of 
them instead of on one only, and bought a cow 
with the monc}- thus earned. Besides helping his 
father on the farm, Young Garrett worked out for 
other farmers. 

Before the death of Isaac Truax he deeded his 
farm to his son Garrett, who had been his faillifnl 
helper in subduing and cultivating the land. Pros- 
perity has been granted to our subject, and he now 



owns two hundred acres of ground, half of which 
is cleared. He pays considerable attention to fruit 
and raises stock and grain. He married in 1866 
Catherine Orton, who was born in New Jcrse}'. 
She is still living and is a lad^- of unusual ability 
and intelligence. They have five children — Jen- 
nie, "William, Cora, John and Ezra. Mr. Truax is 
a Democrat but not particularly active in politi- 
cal matters. He is an excellent neighbor and is 
well thought of in tlie community. 



■^I/AMES B. TUTTLE is one of the leading 
men of Commerce Township. He is an old 
settler here and a man of earnest character 
and excellent judy;ment, and has attained 
to a strong financial basis. His father, Joseph 
B. Tuttlc, was a native of Luzerne County, Pa.; 
where he was born in 1798. His father, the senior 
Joseph B. Tultle, a native of New Jersey, was a 
farmer and miller. The mother of our subject 
bore the maiden name of Frances Jenkins. .She 
was born in 1801 in the same county as her hus- 
band. She was the daughter of Thomas and 
Eleanor (Shaunse) Jenkins. Her grandfather Jen- 
kins' family passed through the scenes of the W}-- 
oniing massacre, and one of her uncles w.as killed 
there. 

Joseph B. Tuttle and wife came to iMichi- 
gan in 1833 and settled north of Walled Lake on 
section 27 of Commerce Township. One house 
then stood on the shores of the lake and that w.'ts 
occupied by Jesse Tuttle, a brother of Josei)li. 
There were plenty of Indians and wild animals and 
but few settlers. They had but limited mean.s and 
built a small log house on the farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres of Government land, the deed to 
which was signed by President Jackson. Soon 
after, they sold out and bought eight}' acres where 
their son James now lives. Here they built what 
thev called in those days a post and beam house. 
Mrs. Tuttle taught the first school established in this 
township. It was in a log schoolhouse at Walled 
Lake. Joseph B. Tuttle added forty more acres to 
his f'lrm and cleared it all up. He helped organize 



PORTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



683 



this township and was a member of the local school 
lioaid. He toolv a lively interest in politics, being 
a strong Jacksonian Democrat.. He died October 
It, 1877, but iiis good wife survives at the age of 
eighty-seven years, with faculties bright and en- 
ergy unabated. She is a delightful talker and is 
full of old-time lore. .Siie has been for fifty-six 
years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and was one of the charter members of that church 
at Walled Lake, which had for its first pastor the 
Rev. Elijah Pilcher. The Rev. Oscar F. iS'orlh or- 
ganized this church in 1844. 

.Tames B. Tuttle, our subject, is tiie only surviv- 
ing child of the five children of his parents. He 
first saw the light in Tunkhaunock, Luzerne County, 
Pa., now Wyoming Countj'. He attended the log 
schoolhouse after coming to Michigan and was at 
school in Pontiacfor three month.s. He has always 
been a farmer, but taught school for one term in 
the home township. He also worked for two 
summers at the carpenter's trade. He remained at 
home with his parents until his marriage, Septem- 
ber 13, 1855. His bride was Eliza J. Randolph, 
daughter of Chester and .Sarah (Serviss) Randolph, 
natives of New York, who came to Farmington 
Township in an early daj'. This lad}- was born 
Scptend)er 2.5, 1836. After marriage the 3'oung 
couple lived on the homestead until 18G5 and then 
removed to the farm on section 26, near Walled 
Lake, where they resided two and one-half years. 
Mrs. Tuttle died December 14, 1867, having been 
the mother of eight children, six of whom are now 
living. They are named as follows: Mary L., born 
August 23, 1856, h.as been a cripple since she was 
four years old; H.attie and Herbert (twins), born 
July 16, 1858; .lames R. and Helen Grace (twins), 
October 5, 1861 ; Emma Jane, July 4, 1863; an in- 
fant, deceased, born May- 13, 1866; William S. 
December 10, 1867, lives in California. Herbert 
married Alice E. Ryel and lives at Walled Lake. He 
is the father of one child. Helen Grace died Aug- 
ust 28, 1862. 

Mr. Tuttle has been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Walled Lake for over thirty 
years. He fills the oflBces there of Trustee and 
Steward and has been Secretary and Libarian iu 
the Sunday -sciiool. Years ago he was a member of 



the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has 
been a member of the School Board and has taken 
an active interest in politics, voting the Democratic 
ticket. He was at one time Treasurer of Com- 
merce Township. His son Herbert was Supervisor 
one }'ear. He has been a member of the Good 
Templars and also of the Loyal Legion, as well as 
of the State Temperance Alliance. One hundred 
of his one hundred and forty broad and productive 
acres are under cultivation. He gives his attention 
wholly to his farm and carries on general farming. 
In the days of the war he furnished a substitute to 
go into the army for him. 



i. ATHAN BILLINGS COLVIN, M. D., of 

// Pontine, was born in AVaterford Township, 
Oakland County, February 19, 1857, and 
is the second son of Levi B. and Keziah E. (Hodge) 
Colvin. The father was born in Middleport, N. 
Y., in 1822, and is the son of Nathan R. Colvin. 
The latter was a native of Rutland, Vt., and died 
in 1873, in his eighty-second year, on the home- 
stead which he located in 1832. Levi B. was but 
ten years of age when he came to Michigan, and 
still resides upon land settled by his father. He 
has been engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising, making a specialty of merino sheep. The 
famil\- is of Scotch-English descent. 

Eight children were born to this pioneer, of 
whom seven are living. Nathan B. passed his 
youth on the farm and .attended the district school. 
After taking a select course at Pontiac High School, 
he taught school four winters and studied medicine 
at intervals while teaching. In 1879 he went to 
New York City and entered the medical depart- 
ment of the University of the city of New York, 
graduating with two hundred and twelve others in 
1882, at this time taking special courses iu Bellevue 
Hospital in operative surgery and physical diagno- 
sis, for which he received certificates of proScienc}'. 
He then began practice at Rolla, Mo., devoting con- 
siderable time to diseases of the eye which are preva- 
lent in that climate. After five years there, he 
returned to Michigan and located in Pontiac, where 



684 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



be is now recognized as one of the able and suc- 
cessful physicians of the county. He enjoys a large 
practice, a portion consisting of thesjiecial diseases 
for which his |)revious study and |)ractical exi)cri- 
ence eminently fitted hira. 

Socially Dr. Colvin is a member of the I. O. O. 
F., No. 3, of Pontiac, the Rolla District Medi- 
cal Societ}-, Michigan Slate Medical Society, and 
the American Medical Society. He was married in 
October, 1884, to Miss Emma E. Emory, tlie accom- 
plished daughter of Judge Azro Emory, of St. 
James, Mo. Dr. and Mrs, Colvin are members of 
the Pontiac Methodist Episcopal Church, have the 
best social advantages, are the happy parents of 
two children, Delia and Levi B., and live pleasantly 
at No. 70 Asylum Avenue. 




ORNELIUS LOSEY belongs to a New Eng- 
land family of English and German descent 
and Puritan stocU. INIany members of this 
family have proven themselves worthy of their 
lineage by llie excellent pioneer service which thej^ 
have done in various parts of the West. Our sub- 
ject was born in Orion Township, Oakland County, 
Mich., February 4, 1840. He is the son of Philip 
and Mahala (Predmore) Losey, natives of New 
Jersey, whence they came to Michigan in 1836, and 
located in Oxford, this county, where their son now 
resides. Philip was a farmer; he died in Oxford, 
in August, 1884, aged seventy-six years. His wife 
had preceded him to the belter world in July, 1859. 
To them eight children were given. Several repre- 
sentatives of tliis family live in this part of the 
State. 

The subject of our sketch was brought up to 
farming pursuits. These he followed until he en- 
tered tlie service of his country, enlisting in Com- 
pany I, Fourteenth Regiment, Michigan Infantry, 
Novend)cr 21, 1861. He entered the service .as a 
private, hut was promoted to the office of Second 
Sergeant before leaving the State. The regiment 
was attached to the Western Army and participated 
in tiie fight at Pittsburg Landing. They look part 
in the battle at Farmington, Rliss., May 9, 1862, 



and participated in the siege of Corinth. Capt. 
Losey was never away from liis command until he 
was wounded at Bentonville, N. C, March 20, 
1865. This was the last battle in which his com- 
pany engaged, and it was during the last half hour 
of the battle that he was laid aside by a gun-shot 
wound through the left thigh. At that time he was 
captain of a company, having been so commissioned 
Februarj' 13, 18G5. He had been previously raised 
to the rank of First Lieutenant, his commission 
bearing date August 10, 1864, and being granted 
because of special and favorable notice in action 
by his commanding officers. Capt. Losey was dis- 
charged May 15, 1865, on account of disability re- 
sulting from wounds received in the service. The 
following is a partial list of engagements in which 
he took part: Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862; 
siege of Corinth, May 10 to 31, 1862; Lavergne, 
Tenn., November 1 ; Nashville, Novembers, Brent- 
wood, Tenn., December 8; Stone River, January 
3, 1863; Weems Springs, July 27, the same year; 
Laurenceburg, November 4; Kenesaw Mountain, 
Ga., January 22, 1864; Chattahooeliee, July 5 and 
6; the siege of Atlanta, Julj^ 22 to August 25; 
the battle of Atlanta, August 7 ; Jonesboro, Sep- 
tember 1; Florence, Ala., October 10; Savannah. 
Ga., December 17 to 21; I'^yelteville, N. C, March 
12, 1865; Averysboro, N. C, March IC, and Ben- 
tonville, N. C, IMarch 19 and 20. 

The services of this regiment were so conspicuous 
as to attract the notice of tlie Corps Commander, 
Gen. Davis, and he manifested his commendation 
of it in special orders. At the close of the war our 
hero returned to Oakland County and bought a 
farm lying in Brandon and Oxford Townships, 
which he managed until 1885, when he moved to 
Oxford. He still onus a farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres. He was elected Justice of the Peace 
in 1887, and still retains that position. He is No- 
tary Public, and does considerable conveyancing. 

October 16. 1876, Capt. Losey was joined in 
marriage with Marietta Howser. Two living chil- 
dren, Philip Henry and Dana, bless their home. 
One son, Luther Willard, died at the age of eight 
years. Our subject is a member of the Masonic or- 
der, both Blue Lodge and Chapter, and a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he is 



POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



685 



a Comraander. He is a Republican in politics, and 
as it is said "everybody knows it tliat knows him." 
He is a ineralier of tl)e IMeUiodist Elpiscopal CLurch 
and is active in all movements to promote the best 
interests of the town. In a word, he is an excel- 
lent citi/.on, and one who is lionored by all. 




LARK VALENTINE, a prominent farmer 
of Rose Township, was born in Troy, Oak- 
^^^ land County, this State, October 20, 1838, 
and is a son of John and Amanda (Fay) Valentine. 
The grand father, John Valentine, was born in New 
York, and pursued the calling of a farmer. He 
reared to maturity four sons and four daughters. 
The sons were named — .Tohn, James, Cornelius and 
William. He died in (,'kveland, Ohio. The fam- 
ily is of Dutch origin. His son John was born in 
Cayuga County, N. Y., and was reared to follow 
the calling of a farmer. He served in the AVar of 
1812, and coming to Micliigan about 1830, settled 
in Troy Township, where he entered one hundred 
and sixty acres and proceeded to improve it. In 
his later years he retired from active work and 
made his home in Birmingham, Oakland County, 
where he departed this life about September 24, 
1867. He was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and was highly respected not only in 
his church connections but as a citizen. He was 
twice married. 

The first wife of John Valentine, Jr., w.as tlie 
mother of ten children, namely — Samuel, Jcrusiia, 
Lucinda, Edmund, Bannajah, Harriet, Ramsdcil, 
Clark, Cordelia and Charles. All except the last 
named have established homes of tiieir own. Their 
mother was a native of New York, and she i)nsscd 
away from earth, August 18, 18o9. 

Our wortiiy subject had only the advantages of 
the common school, and the faitiiful training in 
farm duties which his excellent parents gave him. 
At twenty-one he began working a farm on shares. 
He also took contracts in grading streets and 
graded many of the streets of Saginaw. For five 
years he was engaged in the hotel business at 
Flint, after which he entered the grocery- business 



in East Saginaw, which lie carried on successfully 
for three years. In 1864 he moved on to a farm, 
and in 1866 he purchased the farm near Fenton, 
which he ten years later exchanged for the one 
hundred and twenty acres where he now resides. 
This farm is in excellent condition, and has fine 
inaprovements upon it. His political views are 
embodied in the platform of the Republican part}-. 

The marriage of our subject December 4, 1864, 
with Flora S. G. Everts, led up to a life of more 
than usual domestic happiness. This lady is a 
daughter of James and Rebecca (Beach) Everts, 
who were born in New York, and Oakland County, 
respectively. She is one of a family of three 
daughters, her sisters being Celestiue E., and Lucy 
R. Her father died March 17, 1882, and his wife 
is still living. She was born February 17, 1823, 
in the town of Troy, Oakland County, and is said 
to have been the first white child born in the county. 

Mr. and Mrs. \'alentine have one child, Flora 
R. They arc considered bj' their neighbors and 
friends to be among the best citizens and most de- 
ligiitful neighbors in the township. Their home 
is ever hospitably opened to welcome their 
friends. 



-J^^{^» 



■7 UCY A. (ROOD) NARRIN,is one of three 
§) original settlers of Groveland Township, 
^ still remaining in the township. She is a 
lad}' of genial nature ami a delightful talker, and 
is the widow of DeWitt Clinton Narrin. She was 
born in Washington County, N. Y. March 14, 
1820. Her father, Asher Rood, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, mored onto a farm in New York State 
when quite j'oung, and ended his days in Michi- 
gan at an advanced ago. His wife, Lydia Gray, 
a native of Connecticut, lived to see her nine chil- 
dren all grow to raaturit}'. Mrs. Narrin was the 
youngest of the tlock. The mother passed from 
life in New York State wlien more than sixty 3'e8rs 
old. Her daughter Lucj' was educated in the dis- 
trict schools, and was married in Ontario County, 
N. Y., coming here in the spring of 1838 by canal 
aiid Lake Eric, and teaming it from Detroit. The}^ 
settled in this township, when there was not an- 



686 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



other settler within three miles. Here they resided 
ill a log house (which they had erected) witii deer 
and wolves as neighbors. Their family provisions 
had to come from Pontiac at first. 

Our subject's marriage with Mr. Narrin took 
place September 10, 1837. The latter was born in 
Ontario County, N. Y., in 1818. He was reared on 
a farm and educated in the district schools. He 
came to Michigan in 1837, and took up one hun- 
dred and sixty acres from the Government, and 
built the log house before bringing liis bride to the 
new country. Here was established a happy home, 
although hardships were much more plentiful than 
dollars. Many a jolly time did the neighbors have 
together in those old dsj's. After the day's work 
was over Mv. Narrin used to hitch up the ox team 
and lie and his good wife would drive off five or 
six miles to spend the evening with a neighbor. 

The neat frame house now occupied by Mrs. 
Nairlii was erected in 1867. She was bereaved of 
her husband September 25, 1881. He was a man of 
importance in the township, and held the office of 
Treasurer for eight years in succession. Otlier 
offices were also given to him, and he helped to l.aj' 
out some of the roads here in an early day. He had 
an honorable war record, as be served for three 
years lu the Twenty-seventh Michigan Infantry. 

Mrs. Narrin has been the mother of seven chil- 
dren, five of whom were daughters, namely: Eliza, 
deceased; Althea, Mrs. Swift; Delana, Mrs. Hart- 
well; Minnie, Mrs. Campbell, and Nettie, Mrs. 
Frick. The mother lives all alone, but her daugh- 
ter Althea, whose husband, Eugene Swift, farms 
the home ])lace of one hundred and sixty acres, re- 
sides near her. 

OLIVER H. P. GREEN. A i)rominent rank 
among the younger residents of Orion Town- 
_ ship is by general consent accorded to Mr. 
Green, who owns and occupies two hundred and 
twenty acres of choice land and raises all kinds of 
stock as well as good crops of various kinds. He 
has business sagacity and shrewdness of a high 
order, as is demonstrated in the work he has ac- 



complished since bis early launching in business 
for himself. He and his brother Elmer L. formed 
a partnership and look up the business of lumber- 
ing where their deceased father had left it. They 
repaired the old mill and manufactured lumber, 
cutting nearly half a million feet per annum for. 
seven j'ears. They also purchased three hundred 
and eighty .acres of farm land, in addition to what 
they already owned, and for seven years were 
associated in these extensive business interests. 
The}' then dissolved partnership and each has gone 
on with his own work, still showing the ability that 
made them so successful when together. 

The father of our subject was Joshua D. Green, 
of whom mention has been m.ade in the sketch of 
Elmer L. Green on another page. He was a fine 
business man, and his son comes honestly by bis 
ability in financial matters. The mother of Oliver 
Green was Martha (Shirts) Green, whose parents 
were early settlers in this State. After the death 
of Mr. Green she became the wife of Isaac Lyons, 
who breathed his last in 1882; she is still living on 
a farm adjoining that of her son. Oliver was but 
nineteen months old when his father died. He grew 
to manhood on the farm, but began business for 
himself at the early age of sixteen years. He re- 
ceived a good district-school education and with 
natural cleverness has added much valuable infor- 
mation to the knowledge gained in the schoolroom. 
He has liis farm in fine condition and has a good 
assortment of buildings upon it. 

March 10, 1886, Mr. Green was married to Jose- 
phine A. Hart, who was born in Orion Township, 
August 25, 1865. She is a granddaughter of 
William Hart, who was born in New Jersey in 1808 
and brought his family' here in 1837. He took a 
large tract of GovernHient land in Orion Township 
and passed through the usual pioneer experiences 
while clearing and improving it. He retired from 
active life about 1870 and made his home in Pontiac 
for a lime, then went to Oxford, but soon returned 
to Pontiac. He died there March 17, 1891, at the 
age of ninety-three years. His wife, formerly Mar- 
garet Hibbler, a native of New Jersey, died in 
April, 1888, when seventy-eight }"ears old. The 
father of INIrs. Green is Abram Hart, who was horn 
in Sussex, N. J., September 15, 1835, and who. 





^^lD[Xy9^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



689 



having come to this county when scarcely more 
than an infant, grew up amid pioneer scenes. He 
bought land in Orion Township in 1865, four3'ears 
after ho left home. In 1880 be purchased the farm 
he now occupies, which consists of one hundred 
and sixty acres on section 5. He was married Juno 
1, 1861, to Theodosia Beardslee, who was born in 
this State in 1840. Besides the wife of our subject, 
iiis family includes M.aggio, now the wife of Will- 
iam Colts, a f«r."iier in Oxford Township. 

Our subject and his estimalile wife are the par- 
ents of a daughter, Gracie, whose increasing intelli- 
gence and bright ways add to the charm of their 
home. Mr. Green is a Republican, has served as 
a delegate to county con ventious and has been a 
candidate for important local offices, but as the 
party is decidedly in llie minority in the township 
lie has not been elected. lie belongs to the Knights 
of the Maccabees. 



r*-^- 




lOBKRT BROWN, a retired farmer, residing 
at Pontiac, was born in County Tyrone, 
Ireland, March, 1820. He is the fifth of 
twelve children, six of tliem being sons 
and six daugliters. His parents, Robert and Sarah 
(Kyle) Brown, emigrated to the United States in 
1836, landing in New York, and tlience coming im- 
mediately to Oakland County, this State. They lo- 
cated on a farm in West Bloomfield, where they 
carried on general farming. Here the father died 
in Se|)tember, 1848, in the eighty-second year of 
his age, and the mother was called from earth, De- 
cember 13, 1860, in her eightieth j-ear. Of the 
twelve childien, only three now survive. 

The earl3- school da3's of our subject were passed 
by him in his native count}'. In 1832, lie with an 
older brother, Joseph, came to the United States, 
landing in Philadelphia, where tiiey found work 
and continued for three jears. Robert next re- 
moved to Detroit, Mich., where he worked for 
three years. In 1840 he came to Oakland Count v, 
locating in West Bloomfield Township, and here he 
began farming. He bought one hundred and sixty 
acres of land, which he partly' cleared, and engaged 



in general farming and stock-raising. By econ- 
omy' and industrious habits he made a success of 
life, and became the owner of one of the best farms 
in the neighborhood. He placed good buildings 
on it and continued working and improving it un- 
til 1865, wiien he sold it and moved to Pontiac 
Township, where he bought a farm. In 1875 he 
moved to Pontiac Citj-; this removal being called 
for ])y the failing healtii of his wife. He purchased 
a comfortable home, loaned out his money, and has 
lived a quiet, retired life since that time. In 1873 
he was electeil Supervisor of Pontiac Township, 
which position he has held continuously by re-elec- 
tion since that date. He is a Democrat in his pol- 
itics, and is a member of the Pontiac Lodge No. 
21 , F. & A. M,, also of the Chapter No. 5, R. A. M. 

This sketch would be incomplete without more 
reference to the faithful wife who has accompanied 
Mr. Brown on the journey of life. Before her mar- 
riage she was Miss Lucretia Carliart, of West 
Bloomfield, this county, and was united with our 
subject in the happy bond of wodlo'.-k, April 3, 
1844. Maryland is the State of her nativity, and 
she was born March 12, 1815. She was brought 
up mostly in New York State, and after she had 
grown to womanhood she came with her parents to 
Michigan. Iler father was Robert and her niother 
Mary (Brackman) Carhart. No children have 
been granted to the home of Roliort Brown. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. lirown appears on 
another page of this volume. 



<^f MOS BENTLEY, one of the representative 
farmers of Novi Townshii>, is a son of 
(li Benjamin Bentley, a farmer who was born 
in New Y'ork, March 16, 1814. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Cliristena Stringer, was a 
Canadian by birth, her natal year being 1820. 
Their marriage took jilace in Canada and they re- 
sided there until 1842, when they made their home 
in Novi Township, this county, and worked land 
on shares for a few years. He then bought eighty 
acres of roughl}' improved land and built a plain 
house, where they made their permanent homo. He 




690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



aftei-wards added to it until he had three hundred 
acres. Here he lived for thirty years passing away 
in 1872. His wife survived until 1890. Two chil- 
dren blessed their home, our subject and Mrs. 
Clayton McKenney. The father took a great in- 
terest in politics and was u Whig in his early days 
and later a Republican. 

The subject of this sketch was born April 12, 
1839, in Canada. He was three years old when he 
came to Michigan, and he received his scbooling in 
the district schools of this township, and his practi- 
c.il training upon the farm. He stayed at home 
until he was twenty-five years old. 

The marriage of Amos r>entley and Ellen Uloss 
was solemnized April 12, 1865. The lady is a 
daughter of John and Maria (Moycr) Bless, both 
natives of Sharon, N. Y., where Mr. Bloss was 
born November 16, 1811, and his wife July 12, 
1809. Their marriage took place March 22, 1832, 
and they resided in New York until 1839, when 
they made their new home in the unbroken forests 
of Novi Township, taking up land from the Gov- 
ernment. Here they built a log house and under- 
took to redeem the forest for the purposes of 
agriculture. Indians and wild animals were much 
more numerous than while neighbors. Mr. Bloss 
was a poor man and underwent hardships in this 
new country, lie died September 29, 1845, and 
Mrs. Bloss married Edward llazen. Her death oc- 
curred November 10, 1883. The sister of Mrs. 
, Bentley married Edwin Hazen. 

Mrs. Bentley was born September 21, 1840, on 
the old homestead in Novi Township. After at- 
tendino- the district school in the township she went 
for one term to Northville to school and then 
tauglit at home. After her marriage with Mr. 
Bentley they settled on their present farm, which 
was an improved one of ninety-six acres. He now 
has three hundred and sixty-flve acres mostly in 
cultivation and carries on general farming. He 
has some fine registered Merino sheep which he 
takes great pride in. Mr. Bentley and his able 
wife, by the exercise of industry and perseverance 
have improved both the land and buildings of their 
present home. 

Our subject is the father of eight children, 
namely : Dora J., born July 23, 1866, now the wife 



of George Nichols; they reside in Novi Township. 
Benjamin, born July 17, 1870, who resides at home; 
Edith E. born April 27, 1872, the wife of Delbert 
Smith, a resident of Lyon Township; John J. burn 
June 14, 1874; George B., March 26, 1876; Cora 
B., November 5, 1878; Mary M., April 28, 1880. 
and Daniel L., March 25, 1 882. The last fire named 
are all beneath the parcrjlal roof, and the i)arents 
have given to all their children excellent school 
advantages. 

Mr. Bentley is a member of the Patrons of In- 
dustry at Walled Lake and also member of the 
local School Board, which position he has held for 
thirteen jears. He is a Republican and takes an 
active interest in local politics. He has been for 
two terms Supervisor of Novi Township, and is 
now a member of the Board of Review. Mrs. 
Bentley's youngest brother, Lewis J. Bloss, was a 
member of the regular army and took part in the 
Civil War. He was wounded at the battle of 
Gett^'sburg and la3' in the hospital for a 3'ear. He 
was then discharged on account of his wound and 
went to Minnesota. He died there while his home 
was in Dakota, leaving a w.ife to mourn his loss. 



-s»t^>*^;H^ 



«^*c^«<^*» 




LARKSON S. LINABURY, a successful 
farmer of Oxford Township, who has made 
his own fortune from an humble though 
worth}' beginning, was born in Warren County, 
N. J.. September 10, 1835. His father, Joseph L., 
was also a native of New Jersey, where he was born 
in 1805. He owned and operated a gristmill at 
Long Bridge, N. J., and came to Michigan in 1835. 
He carried on the same business here, operating 
two mills at Pontiac several years. He then en- 
tered from the Government a farm in Independence 
Township, and building a house located his family 
in it. Even after settling on the farm he contin- 
ued to carry on milling in I'ontiac, going to and 
from home on foot, and on Saturday night carry- 
ing home the week's supply of flour upon his back. 
In these tramps he followed an Indian trail, as there 
were no roads cut through. The grim determina- 
tion to succeed and unlimited hard work made him 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



691 



a prosperous man and he is still living in Pontiac 
enjoying a hale old age. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Elsie Shotwell. She was a native' of New Jer- 
sey and died in 1850, having been the mother of 
eight eliildren. .She was a brave woman who did 
not shrink from the lonely life in the woods, where 
she cared for her children while her husband was 
doing milling in Pontiac, although the wolves 
howled about and the Indian camp was near. In- 
deed she made use of her Indian neighbors by secur- 
ing their lielp in iiarvest time. Our subject learned 
to be an excellent huntsman in those early days 
and still loves the sport and makes a -practice of 
o-oin'T north every fall to hunt. The father re- 
married and had five children by the second wife. 

Clarkson Linabury was only an infant when his 
parents came to Michigan, and his schooling was 
obtained at the winter sessions of the district 
schools. He also went five miles to Clarkston to 
school for some time. His early efforts to obtain 
an education impressed upon him the importance 
of such advantages, and now that he is a father he 
has taken great pains to obtain for his children the 
l)est ailvantages. He taught liis first term the N-ear 
lie was seventeen years old and for several winters 
occupied the teacher's desk. His first salary as a 
teacher was ^18 per month. His summer work 
upon the farm secured him wages from §8 to $12. 
He continued in this way for several years, teach- 
in"- and farming on wages until 1860, when he 
bei'an farming for himself in Oakland Township. 
He subsequently purchased a farm in Independence 
Township, which he carried on for several years. 
He now lives on section 3, Oxford Townsliip, to 
wliiih he removed in 1879. 

The marriage of Mr. Linabury- had taken place 
several years before his removal to his present liorae, 
as he was married in 1861 to Mary Earing, who 
was born in Fabius, N. Y., and is a daughter of 
Mieh.iel and Mary Earing, both of Connecticut, 
who came to Michigan in 1857 and remained here 
through the remainder of their lives. Of the four 
children who were born to our subject and his 
wife, the two eldest, Jennie and Freddie, have passed 
away from earth. The sou Charles is a graduate 
of the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, of the 



class of 1887, and is now principal of the public 
schools at Dansville, Mich. The daughter Lillie, a 
bright, intellectual girl, is a teacher in this county. 
Mr. Linabury is a Democrat in his political con- 
victions and is frequently a delegate to county 
conventions. He has served the citizens of his 
township frequently iu the office of Supervisor, Col- 
lector and Justice of the Peace. He has also filled 
the office of Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Harger. 
These offices were held while our subject was living 
iu Independence Township, this county. He has 
been identified with the Masonic Order for thirty 
years and belongs also to the Patrons of Industry. 
Besides managing the three hundred and seventy- 
four acres which he has, he spent two years in a 
store at Dryden Plains, this county. 



-#-^ 




-V*- 



THOMAS CHALKLEY SEVERANCE, a 
farmer in Commerce Township, is the son of 
a Vermont farmer and shoemaker, Charles 
Severance, and Martha Lauib, a native of New York. 
The maternal grandfather. Rev. Nehemiah Lamb, 
was one of the first settlers in Farmington Township, 
coming here as a missionary. The parents of our 
subject married in New York State and came to 
Northville, Mich., in 1835. They then removed to 
this farm where the son now resides, when it was 
in a perfectly wild condition. They^ built a log 
house and often accommodated travelers. Upon 
one occasion sixteen strangers stayed with them 
over night. He was a poor man when he came, but 
accumulated considerable i)roperty. His first farm 
was eight}' acres and he added to it until he has 
three hundred and twenty. He was born December 
21, 1805, and died July 21, 1887. The mother, who 
was born March 9, 1812, died December 4, 1872. 
She was a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Severance in early life affiliated with the Demo- 
crats, but afterward became an Abolitionist and 
later a Republican. He and his wife were the par- 
ents of eight children, seven of whom are now 
living. 

The subject of this sketch was born December 
18, 1835, in Northville, Mich. He acquired hisedu- 



692 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cation in tlie lof^ sclioolliouse and upon the farm, 
beginning work for himself when twenty years 
old. He then removed to the place just north of 
his present farm, and was married in June, 1858, 
to Martha, daughter of Clarke McCall of New 
York, in which State she was born and educated, 
and where Mr. Severance went to bring her, a 
bride, to the home farm. She was an earnest and 
consistent member of the Baptist Church and was 
the mother of nine children, eight of whom are 
now living, namely: Martha, Thomas C, Mary 
(deceased). Lewis, Irene, Ira, George, Howard and 
Mabel. The oldest son is a teacher in Minnesota, 
and the oldest daughter keeps house for her father, 
since the death of her mother, -January 8, 1884. 
Lewis, a student at Ann Arbor University, has 
already been ailraitted to the bar at Pontiac. Iia 
is a trraduate of the High School at Ann Arbor and 
Irene is atteniling the Pontiac High School. The 
three j'ounger children are at home. 

The Baptist Ciuirch at Wailed Lake, finds in Mr. 
Severance one of its active niemliers. He serves 
there as Treasurer and Clerk and is a Deacon. He 
has been a member of the Grange and also of the 
School Board, having held on the latter the posi- 
tions of Director, Assessor and Moderator. He is 
a Republican and lakes an interest in politics, and 
is strictly temperate in his habits. He is the 
residuarj' legatee of the old homestead, which com- 
prises two hundred and eiglil3' acres with good im- 
provements. 




i>ILLIAM H. OSMUN, Jit., manufacturer 
of brick, tile and hardwood lumber, at Pon- 
tiac, was born in Brandon Township, this 
county. October 27, 1841. He is the eldest son of 
William H. and Mary (Linderman) Osmun, both 
of whom are natives of New York, who came to 
Oakland County in 1836. For further particulars, 
see the family sketch in another part of this work. 
The subject of this sketcli is the oldest of six chil- 
dren. He was educated in tlie common schools of 
his neighborhood and afterward at Groton, X. Y. 



Here they remained until he reached his twenty- 
fourth year, when the young man returned to Oak- 
land Count}', and was soon after united in marriage 
with Frances Chaflfee, daughter of Stephen and 
Melle-Tiah (Leonard) Chaffee. They were among 
the early settlers of Oakland County, and their 
daughter was born here. After marriage the 3'oung 
couple returned to New York and spent two years 
there. 

Mr. Osmun then returned to Oakland County 
and purchased the old homestaad of one hundred 
and sixtj- acres, which h.ad belonged to his wife's 
father. Here in Pontiac Township he engage<l in 
general farming, in which he was successful. In 
1866 he bought the brick works and operated them 
for a number of 3ear3. He took the contract for 
making the brick for the Eastern Michigan Asylum 
for the Insane, and made sixteen millions of 
brick, the greater number going into the main 
buildings. He afterward furnished brick for the 
adjacent buildings and carried on this brick man- 
ufacturing business until 1877. About this time 
he added to his works machinery of the latest im- 
proveil pattern for the manufacture of tile, in which 
branch of business he built up a large trade. 

This enterprising man constantly saw new open- 
ings in business, and in 1879 he built a sawmill for 
the manufacturing of hardwood lumber, utilizing 
the same power which he used in his brick and tile 
factory, where he used an engine of forty-five horse 
power. He manufactures both white and red brick, 
common and pressed, for all of which he finds 
ready sale near home, but his customers at a dis- 
tance call for large shipments to different parts of 
the county and adjoining counties. His drainage 
tile varies in size from one and one-half to fifteen 
inches. His works are located in the eastern part 
of the city on Auburn Avenue. A two hunilred 
acre farm, owned and superviseil by Mr. Osmun, is 
well stocked and excellenth- managed. 

Mr. and Mrs. Osmun have two daughters. Mabel, 
the elder, is a dressmaker, and Flora, the younger, 
is a stenographer and type-writer and a teacher of 
both arts. She is now in the employ of the Pontiac, 
Oxford it Northern Railroad, and drives her horse 
and cart to and from her business. Mr. Osmun is 
Republican in politics and served as Alderman in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



693 



tlie Second Ward. He is one of the slockbolders 
of llie I'ontiac and Auburn Gravel Road, and be 
took an active pari in securing its charter and also 
in securing the charter for the Auburn and Utica 
Gravel Road, in which he was also largely' inter- 
ested as a stockholder. For the past twenty-two 
3ears he has employed from twenty to sixty men, 
and he never fails to pay them every Saturday 
night. He is temperate in his habits, never smok- 
ing, chewing or using intoxicating liquors. He is 
a devotee of hunting and a member of the State 
Trappers' Shooting Association, and won the State 
Champion medal of this association at their last 
meeting in October, 1890, at Bay City, Mich. 



\|^^ELSON E. DEUELL is one of the leading 
I jr liverymen in Ponliac and indeed in the 
jl\ //L southeastern part of the State. It is said 
by many that he can furnish more fine hacks, bug- 
gies and horses for an occasion of any kind than 
any other liveryman in the county, and no one can 
doubt that he has a fine stock. lie is well supplied 
with vehicles for funeral purposes, has also a com- 
plete 'bus line, and keeps from thirty-five to fort}- 
horses. His stable is of brick, eighty feet square 
and two stories high, and the stalls and everything 
pertaining to the appointments are in first class 
order. The office is neat and well arranged and all 
deiiarlments of the business are under the imme- 
diate supervision of Mr. Deuell. He em|)loys from 
eight to twelve men, and sees to it that their work 
is well done and their manner toward patrons that 
which is fitting. Mr. Deuell is an excellent judge 
of hoises, not only for the livery business, but for 
general and famil}' use, and lie does well in making 
sales. 

The parents of our subject were born in New- 
York and there grew to maturity and united their 
fortunes. The father. Abner N. Deuell. died in 
1842, but the mother, formerly Susan Halilwin, is 
still living. Her homo is in Genesee County, this 
State, to which she and her husband came in 1839, 
settling on a farm that was operated by the hus- 
band until Ills death. They had five children, and 



Nelson E. is the second son. He was born in Gene- 
see County, October 5, 1842, and spent his e.arly 
school days in the home neighborhood. When four- 
teen years old he went to Clarksville tu school, and 
after his course of study was completed he was va- 
riously cmploj-ed for a time. In that place he began 
the livery business on a small scale and for some 
j'ears conducted his enterprise, proving quite suc- 
cessful. 

Tn 1869 Mr. Deuell came to Pontiac and started 
in the livery business in company with J. H. Mor- 
ris, under the firm name of Morris & Deuell. The 
partnership lasted four years, during which time 
the fii-m also dealt in horses. At the end of that 
time Mr. Morris retired and Mr. Deuell continued 
the livery business. Mr. Deuell paj's little atten- 
tion to political matters, but gives his time and en- 
orgy mainly to his business. He has been a lifelong 
Democrat in p(>litics. 

The marriage of Mr. Deuell and Miss Lillian 
Stevens was solemnized at the bride's home in 1870. 
.She was a daughter of Mrs. Jane Stevens of Pon- 
tiac, and died here, February 26, 1890, after twenty 
years of wedded life, during which she had i)roved 
her faithfulness as a companion and devotion as a 
mother. She left two sons — Eugene N. and Ray- 
mond — who are gaining good educations and being 
|)repared to each take a man's place in the world. 

IMr. Deuell is a member of the Blue Lodge and 
Chapter, A. F. & A, M. of Clarkston, Mich. 



<f/OHN BASSETT, one of the hard-working 
and prosperous farmers of Novi Township, 
is a son of Samuel Bassett, a native of Litch- 
field County, Conn., who was born March 
29, 1784. The father was a farmer b}- occupation, 
but served his country' in the War of 1812, following 
the patriotic example of his father, Daniel Bassett, 
who was one of the Revolutionary heroes. This 
family originiated in America with William Bas- 
sett, who came from England in the '"Anna," the 
second ship that came. He was one of the Puri- 
tans and made his home at Bridgewator, Mass. 
The mother of our sul)ject was Mary, daughter 



694 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of John Caywood, of New Jersey, who was a Revo- 
lutionary soldier, and moved from the latter Slate to 
Seneca County, N. Y., and took possession there of 
a soldier's claim. The family is of Scotch descent. 
Mary Caywood was born August 23, 1794, and she 
married Samuel Bassett in Ovid, Seneca County, 
N. Y., in 1810. They resided there until May, 
1832, when they came to Michigan and settled in 
Bloomfield Township upon a heavii^' timbered 
farm which they bought from old Peter Desnoyer, 
of Detroit. They built a log house and having 
established themselves in the new home undertook 
to clear the farm of timber. 

In May, 1831, Samuel Bassett came to Novi 
Township and took up one thousand and forty acres 
of wild land, at 81.25 per acre. Four liundred 
acres of it were located in Novi Township, and 
the remainder in West Bloomfield. In the fall of 
1831 he came in with Sidney Hinman and helped 
the latter to get a start upon some land in the cen- 
ter of West Bloomfield Township. He then re- 
turned home and the following spring he brought 
on his fauiil}' and made his permanent home on the 
new land. He retained three hundred and twenty 
acres and had it finely improved long before his 
death, which occurred in 1873. His wife had 
been called from his side by death in October, 
1833. 

The subject of this sketch is one of ten children 
of his father's family, only two of whom are now 
living, his brother Daniel residing at Birmingham 
in this count}'. The father was a great reader and 
although exceedingly quiet in his manner was 
a tremendous worker. He was a Whig in his 
political views and later a Republican. He was 
the owner at one time of thirteen hundred and sixty 
acres of land, which was divided among his chil- 
dren. Their mother was a member of the Dutch 
Reformed Church. The son Joim was born May 
29, 1816, at Ovid, N. Y. He attended the com- 
mon school until he reached the age of twelve 
years, but after that it was necessary- for him to go 
to work upon the farm and he at once entered 
upon hird work. He was sixteen years old when 
he came to Michigan, and !ie remembers with in- 
terest the thousands of Indians and the numerous 
wild animals that then abounded. When nearly 



twenty-one years of age he located on the farm 
where he now lives without a dollar to his name. 
In the fall of 183G he sowed the first wheat here, 
ten bushels on ten acres of land. He built a tam- 
arack shanty and had a sugar bush of some three 
hundred trees. 

The marriage of our subject occurred Februarj-16, 
1837. His bride, Ervilla Coomer, was a daughter of 
David and Betsey (Cole) Coomer, who came from 
Yates County, N. Y'., to Michigan about the year 
1830, and settled in Farniington Township. These 
were the first settlers there and the}- made it their 
permanent home. Mr. Coomer was born April 8, 
1787, and died June 2, 1865. His wife was born 
October 14, 17l»0, and died July 2, 1870. They 
were the parents of ten children, three of wiiom 
still survive. 

Mrs. Bassett was born April 17, 1815, in Yates 
County, N. Y. She died in March, 1887. Nine of 
her thirteen children are still living. They are as 
follows: Samuel, born February 18. 1838. He 
married Dorinda Holmes, and with his wife and 
four children resides in Novi Township. Eugene 
was born December 10, 1840, and married Eliza- 
beth Hamlin, and they with their three children are 
living at Ypsilanti. Celestia, born May 10, 1842, 
is the wife of Bathurst Davis, and lives in Waco, 
Tex. She has been twice married and has three 
children by the first union. Irving, who was born 
January 2, 1844, married Hannah McKeudrick, 
and lives at Ironwood, Mich., with his wife and 
five children. Mary L., born Octol)er 23, 1845, is 
the wife of Edgar O. Durfee. They live in Detroit 
and have four children. Truman J., born January 
21, 1848, married Mary Baker and makes liis 
home in Detroit. Kate, who was born April 20, 
1851, is single. Antoinette, who was born July 8, 
1855, is Mrs. Orren S. Hulett and lives at Detroit. 
She has four children. Vie, born March 5, 1859, 
married Vernon Merserveau, of St. Louis. The}- 
have three children. 

The second marriage of Mr. Bassett was solem- 
nized in November, 1888. He was then united with 
Carrie McKenncy, daughter of Alexander McKen- 
nej and Jane Murphy. Both of her parents were 
natives of Ireland, who came to Michigan fort}'- 
Iwo 3'ears ago and made their home in Southfield 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



695 



Townsliip. This old settler still remains at tlie 
age of sixtj-seven 3'ears, but his good wife passed 
awa}' in 1871. All of their four children are now 
living. Mrs. Bassett was born January 14, 1856, 
in the townshi|) where her father now resides. 
She is a devout and earnest member of the Reformed 
Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Bassett built his residence some thirty-six 
j'cars ,igo. He has cleared one hundred and eighty' 
acres of his farm of two hundred and eighty, and 
removed great quantities of stumps and stone. 
He has also put in an extensive sj'slem of tiling, 
and all other improvements have been pl.iced on this 
farm by himself. He has carried on general fann- 
ing, and paj's some attention to sheep and Jersej- 
cows, of which he now has twenty-five head. For 
lift}- years ho has l)een a member of the School 
Board. _ He takes great interest irf local politics, hav- 
ing been first a Whig and then a Democrat. For four 
terms he has fllleil the oflice of Supervisor and has 
been the Justice of the Peace for fifteen 3ears. 
He has been Road Overseer. When he came to 
this part of the country sixty years ago he was 
sixteen years old and six feet tall, and did a full 
man's work. He still actively carries on his farm. 
He has been entrusted with the settlement of nu- 
merous estates for over thirty-five years. Indeed, 
he has done more in this line than any other man 
in the county. During the [).ast winter he settled 
five estates. 




EOXAUD S. JOHNSON, a prominent mcr- 
ciiant of Clyde, came to Oakland County 
at an early day. He is the son of Lyman, 
a son of Hanks Johnson, a native of Connecticut. 
This grandfather reared a family of three sons 
and two daughters. He was a farmer, ami like 
many of the New England farmers of that dav. 
was. a soldier in the Revolutionary War. II is 
son, Lyman, was born February 6, 1800. He mar- 
ried Catherine Sherwood, a daughter of Samuel 
Sherwood, a native of Connecticut, who went to 
New York at an enrl^- day and m.-ide that his per- 
manent home. The children of Lyman and Cath- 



erine (Sherwood) Johnson were Sallie A., Joel, 
Oscar, Maria, Willis, Lyraan, Leonard, William 
(deceased) and William. Lyman Johnson went to 
New York soon after his marriage, and there he 
reared most of his children. Upon his removal to 
Michigan in 1846 he settled in Highland Township, 
where ho lived and died. His first purchase was 
forty acres, but he sold this and bought eighty, 
which he owned until death. In connection with 
fanning he followed the trade of a carpenter. 
Hotli he and his good wife were Presbyterians in 
faith, and both died in Highland Township— she in 
1850 and he in 1875. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was born 
in Onondaga County, N. Y., January 15, 1838. 
He was onl}^ eight j-ears old when he removed 
with his parents to Michigan. At the age of fifteen 
years lie went away to school and attended for a 
year and a iialf. At the age of nineteen years he 
commenced teaching, and followed it for three 
years, earning the munificent sum of *25 per 
month. This, however, was considered good 
wages for teaching in those da^-s, and the young 
man was enabled to pay the debt which he bad in- 
curred for board while attending school. 

Our 3-oung man now decided to set up a home 
of his own, and he chose for his wife Catherine 
Garrett, the daughter of Charles E. Garrett, a 
native of New York. The wedding took pl.acc 
August 19, 1861, in Highland Township. Mr. 
Garrett was a ship carpenter, and had been quite a 
roamer. He was married in the Buckeye State to 
Seraphina Higgins, and one chihi was born unto 
them, who afterward became the wife of our sub- 
ject. Mr. Garrett came to Michigan and settled 
in Trenton, in 1859, where he lived for a number 
of years, and then came to Highland Township, 
where he lived until 1880, when he sohl his farm 
and went to Missouri. Mr. Garrett was bereft of his 
first wife in this county, April 5, 1872, and was a 
second time united in marriage to Mrs. Sheldon, 
widow of Edwin D. Sheldon. 

To Mr. Johnson and his estimable wife have 
been born five children, one of whom died in 
infancy, and the four others are now living. They 
are by name, Ada, who is now Mrs. Frank Fisher, 
and resides in Higiiland Township; Charles L., 



696 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wlio resides at home and manages his father's busi- 
ness; Leonard, Jr., who reside* at home and works 
in his father's store; and Maud C, still a. school 
girl. Mr. Johnson's farm embraces one hundred 
and twenty-two broad and productive acres. lie 
followed farming until 1881, when his health ne- 
cessitated his going to Florida. He took his family' 
with him, and was gone for two years. There he 
bought land and set out an orange grove, which 
he still owns. In 1886 he returned to Highland, 
where he has since lived. He then bought fifty acres, 
including most of what is now the village of Cl^'do. 
He engaged in the livery business, which he still 
follows. The following year he inaugurated a mer- 
cantile business, which he has carried to success. 
His wife was snatched from his side by death, 
January 12, 1889. His health has been poor ever 
since her decease, but he still attends to business, 
although within the past year he has given the 
matter over more into the hands of his sons. Mr. 
Johnson is a Republican, and always has been. He 
has been Township Treasurer one term, and tilled 
the responsible position of Justice of the Peace for 
eight years. He is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, Clyde Lodge No. 229. Both 
he and his excellent wife were identified with the 
Baptist Churcli. Charles L. took to wife Miss 
Myra Wood, daughter of Rev. Alva B. & Ervilla 
(HoUister) Wood. This important event took 
place at the home of Leonard S. Johnson, in Cl^-de, 
May 20, 1891. 

Mr. Johnson organized the Clyde Cornet Band, 
and was its leader for eight years, and when his 
health failed his son Charles L. stepped into his 
father's shoes, and has filled the place with credit 
up to the present time. 



^-^N|<^ 



1)AMES A. MILLER. Among the hard-work- 
ing and honorable citizens of Sou'.hfield 
Township who are a credit to the com- 
munity in every way, is the gentleman 
whose name introduces these paragraphs. His birth 
took place in the North of Ireland in 1838. His 
father, James, was an Irish farmer, and his mother. 



Jane NeiU, was also a native of that country. 
There the}' grew to maturity and were married, and 
emigrating to America in 1864 came direct to Oak- 
land Couiity. The father was called from earth 
in 1870, but the mother tirricd until Felu'uary 21, 
1891, and they are laid to rest side by side in Soulh- 
fielil cemetery. 

Our subject is one of the five sons and three 
daughters in tiie parental borne. He came to Amer- 
ica with a sister when but eight j'ears old, and re- 
mained in Philadelphia for two years. When six- 
teen years old he began life for himself by work- 
ing on a farm in Southfield Township, Oakland 
County, having the privilege of working in sum- 
mer and attending school in the winter. This of 
course was on small yearly wages and yet he man- 
aged to accumulate some property. 

Mr. Miller was married in 1859 to Helen M. Bab- 
cock, whose brother, Charles V. Babcock, is repre- 
sented in this work. She was born in this townsliip 
June 12, 1840, and is the youngest of five chil- 
dren. The young couple located on .section 1.5, 
oil a farm where few improvements had been 
made. Four chihlren have blessed their home, 
three sons and one daughter, who all yet remain 
at home to cheer the hearts of their parents. They 
are named, Alary S., Henry A., Volncy B., an<l 
James A. The youngest son has a fine stock of 
thoroughbred chickens of which he is making a 
specialty. Mary S., the only daughter, has taught 
school several terms, and although compelled for a 
time to cease from active labor on account of ill- 
health, proposes to resume her professional duties 
this fall (1891). 

Mr. Miller is an excellent judge of a good horse 
and has practiced as a veterinary surgeon for twen- 
ty- five years. He has a splendid farm of two 
hundred and thirty five acres, most of which is 
under cultivation. On another page of this vol- 
ume appears a view of his fine two-story frame 
residence, which was built by him in 1885 ata cost 
of «; 1,600. His barn, 70x40 feel in dimensions, cost 
^1,300 and he has his farm well supplied with ex- 
cellent breeds of stock. He has been an extensive 
horse dealer. He paid for forty acres of land liy 
selling horses, and has been handling horses exten- 
sively for a period of two years, buying and sell- 






'-VI*S»*'|iJ~^5^j,V,j'~-':.'S5^ft.'l4JiW^ •: 



' ''^^^0-^^ 



_.^_^^-.i^.^. -,. ^^ 




^^^^g?K.V^»^^;a 



RESIDENCE OF FERDINAND K 1 RCHOFF, SEC. 33.,50UTHFI ELD TP., OAKLAN D CO.,iVllCH 




RE5i DE^JCE OF J , A . M 1 L L ER , 5EC. I 5 . Cu Ul>-. fl ELD T R, OAKLAt 1 D CO MICH 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



699 



ing for men in Detroit. He first started dealing in 
horses during the late wa.r. He has a fine orchard 
of tight hundred trees which he set out himself, 
and he has sold as much as $700 worth of apjilcs in 
one year out of this orchard. 

In his political affiliations Mr. Miller is a Dem- 
ocrat. The first otiice to which his fellow citizens 
elected him was that of Highway Commissioner. 
He has also been School Assessor and was elected 
.Justice of the Peace. He is identified with the Ma- 
sonic Order and belongs to the Birmingham Lodge 
No. 44. He has been very industrious and perse- 
vering all his life but now relegates most of the 
hard work to his sons. He has a delightful and 
worthy family of children who are a credit to the 
parents who have reared and educated them. Mrs. 
Miller is a lady of noble character and intelligence 
and is regarded with cordial admiration by all 
who know her. 



-^^ 



\i^^KRDINAND KIRCIIOFF, one of theprom- 
■ '-" inent and influential farmers of Southfield 




Townshii). and an adopted citizen of this 
country, was born in Saxony, Germany, Octobers, 
1845. His father, Gnenter Kirchoff, came to Amer- 
ica in 1854 and located in Poughkeepsic, N. Y. In 
1858 he migrated to Detroit and in 18G8 located 
in Southfield Township. After this he removed 
again to Detroit where he died in 1888. His wife, 
Maria Marton, also a native of Germany, died in 
Detroit March 24, 1890, at the age of seven t}'-six 
years. They were the parents of four sons. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest child of 
the parental household and was eight years old 
when he came to America. He had taken two 
years of schooling in the old country and finished 
his education in New York. He remained wit'u his 
father until he was twent^'-four years old. About 
that time he was married, October 17, 1870, to Mary 
Shanklin, who was born in Southfield Township in 
1851. She was the second in a family of three 
children. They were married in Detroit and im- 
mediately after the wedding thej' came to South- 



field Township, and located on section 34, where 
they now reside. 

Three sons and one daughter have biicn granted 
to this happy couple, namely : James, Frederick, 
Frank and Sarah Elizabeth. The home farm com- 
prises one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved 
land. The beautiful home just completed cost 
$1,800 and is represented by a view on another 
page. Mr. Kirchofl carries on general farming 
and b.as his farm well stocked, having twenty-three 
head of cattle. He aims to cast his ballot always 
in the interest of the Republican partj', yet he will 
not vote for an unworthy man. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church and active in the 
work of the same, in which his wife heartily joins 
him. 



^ 







ORNELIUS SNYD?:R, a wealthy farmer of 
Addison Township, was born in Warren 
County, N. J., December 9, 1815. He was 
reared on a farm and received only limited educa- 
tional advantages, going to school in all only about 
three months. Being the eldest of the family he 
.assisted his father upon the farm, and when he was 
fifteen and sixteen }'ears of age he worked out for 
a neighbor at $4 a month, turning over his wages 
to his father. He came to Oakland County, Mich., 
with his parents, in 1833, coming on a steamer from 
Newark to New York City, thence b}' canal to 
Buflfalo, and from there across the lake by the 
"Commodore Perry" to Detroit. Buying a yoke 
of oxen in Detroit they came the rest of the way 
by wagon. The father entered land in Addison 
Township and they cut their own road for four 
miles through the woods where they had to fol- 
low Indian trails. The Indians encamped near by 
and the deer and wolves were plentiful, and the 
boy was well acquainted with old Tuckatoe, the 
Indian chief. 

The subject of our sketch made many a trip to 
Detroit in the early daj's with an ox-team. During 
the winter of 1835-36 he hauled one hundred bar- 
rels of flour to that city in this wa}', selling the first 
load at $5.50 per barrel. The roads were in a 



700 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



II 

II 



terrible condition and it took several daj's to make 
the trip. He was married in 1837 to Mary M. 
Boice, wLo was born in New Jersey in 1821, and 
for fifty-four years she has been his failliful and 
affectionate companion. In Ibe spring of 1839 
he bought eighty acres of land on section 28, that 
had on it a little log house. Here the young 
couple began their first home. This land they 
cleared and improved as their means would per- 
mit. Eight cliildren were gr.xnted to them, as 
follows: Dennis; Marinda, wife of Merritt Walker 
a farmer in IVIecosta County, tliis Slate; Sarah J., 
wife of Charles Joshlin, a farmer in Lapeer County ; 
Jacob; Eliza, the wife of Ezra Newman, of (lene- 
sec County; Emma; Hulda, now Mrs. A. Close, of 
thiscount}-; and Cornelius. 

After bis marriage, Mr. Snyder began tlie study 
of text-books and made himself familiar with the 
principles of arithmetic and otl)er branches which 
he had been obliged to neglect in early childhood. 
He is a Democrat in his political views and has 
acted as Commissioner of Highways. He has sev- 
eral times served on the petit jury and has acted as 
administrator for a number of valuable estates. 
Mrs. Snyder is an active and efficient member of 
the Presbyterian Church. Jlr. Snyder began life 
at the bottom round of the ladder. He now owns 
three hundred acres of fine land and had bought 
and paid for every acre except thirteen before re- 
ceiving anything from his father's estate. He is 
justly entitled to great credit for iiis success in 
life. 



<S^ LMER L. GREEN. A good example of the 
l3 spirit of progress that animates the Amer- 
/'^ — ^ leans of the present generation, is furnished 
b}' the gentleman above named, who owns and oc- 
cupies a fine piece of property' in Orion Township. 
He is not yet thirty years old, his natal daj' having 
been May 26, 18G2, but he already owns three hun- 
dred and twentj' acres of land, well equipped for 
farming, and has been doing an cxteulive lumber 
business. He and his brother, Oliver H., have 



been in partnership for seven years, but the con- 
nection was dissolved this spring (1891), and our 
subject is now carrying 0)1 the lumber business 
alone. From five iiundred thousand to one million 
five hundred thousand feet of lumber has been 
manufactured yeaily, nearly- all pine. Bui little is 
sold at retail. Mr. Green has the plant for dress- 
ing lumber, and ships a great deal in this form. 

Joshua D. Green, the father of our subject, w^as 
born in New York in 1830 and came to tiiis count}' 
when a young man. He engaged in milling and 
became the owner of considerable land, mostly in 
the forest, and followed hiiubering until his death. 
He (lid some agricultural work but gave his prin- 
cipal altenlion to the preparation of timber for the 
market; he died in 18(J8, when comparatively 
young. His father, Samuel Green, had come to 
this State and died here. Joshua Green married 
Martha Shirts, a native of this State, who is still 
living. They had but t wo children, the sons above 
named. 

Tlie gentleman whose name introduces these par- 
agrapiis, was liorn in the township that is still his 
home, and having been reared on a farm, gained a 
thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs and 
also learned all about the lumber trade. He pur- 
sued his studies in the district school, which gave 
him an opportunity to acquire a good fund of 
practical knowledge. In 1882, when not jet of 
age, he began his career in life as a farmer. The 
fine estate he now owns is devoted to cro|)S and 
stock, and all kinds of domcsti(! animals are raised 
upon it. Not long after he began for himself Mr. 
Green embarked in lumbering with the results al- 
ready mentioned. 

In 1882 Mr. Green was married to Sarah C. 
Walter, who was born in this county in 18G6. .She 
is a daughter of George W. and Mary (Wycoff) 
Walter, natives of this State, who are now living 
in Independence Township on a farm. Mrs. (ireen 
is a well-informed, agreealile woman, and is (juite 
popular among her acquaintances. She has three 
children, named respectively, Jennj' I., Jay I. 
and George W. Mr. Green is a Democrat and has 
been a delegate to county conventious. He is a mem- 
ber of the Board of Review and belongs to the 
Knights of the Maccabees. He is possessed of more 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



701 




than an ordinary fund of infonnalion, which he is 
quiclv to apply to practic*! purposes, and he lias an 
abundance of the spirit expressed in the slang word 
"go-aheadativcness." 

-~ t - :=;i=:8 ' ^ ; t=i=:" i '^- 

YLVESTER A. DEWEY, a dealer in coal, 
wood, flour, feed, lime and cement at Pon- 
tiac, was born in Canandaigua, Ontario 
County, N. Y., December G, 1847. He is 
a son of Jliles and Margaret R. (Olivet) Dewej'. 
The father was from Genesee County and the 
mother from Dutchess County, N. Y. The grand- 
father Dewcj' served in the Revolutionary War 
and his widow drew a pension up to the day of her 
death. The Dewey family is of English blood and 
the mother's side of the family Is of Holland de- 
scent. 

Miles Standish Dcwe}-, the father of our subject, 
spent his active life in Western New York, and in 
his later daj^s came to Michigan and died at Pon- 
liac. The mother died in Detroit where she 
was visiting with a son. The}' were the parents of 
seven children, five of whom are living. Sylvester, 
our subject, passed his early days in the district 
school. He began his mercantile career by clerk- 
ing in a grocery store in his native town. He after- 
ward went to Elmira, N. Y., and after a while 
received an appointment to act as messenger, his 
route being from Washington to Manassas Gap and 
Culpeper, Va. He served about three months, 
con)i)leling his service in the spring of 186.5. 

Our subject now returned to his home in' Canan- 
daigua, and in June, 1806, he came to Pontiac and 
bought grain on tiie street for Waller .t Foster, 
and continued in this line of business for eight 
years for different parlies. He then became a trad- 
ing salesman for a firm doing business in Phila- 
delphia, and fo'r the Walker-McGraw Tobacco 
Compan}-, or the Globe Tobacco Works, remaining 
in this line of work for two years. He tiien for 
three j'ears clerked in the store of F. S. Stewart. 

In 1878 Mr. Dewey entered the employ of his 
brother, as clerk and book-keeper at the Lord Ele- 
vator. In 1880 he bought this concern and in 



1881 he formed a partnership with two friends 
under the firm name of Jewell, Kelley, & Dewey, 
for the purpose of operating mills and handling 
coal, wood, lime and cement, etc. For three years 
they carried on a large business until they decided 
to divide the affair between them, Mr. Dewey tak- 
ing the coal, wood, lime and cement, carrying on 
the business at the old stand. In 1888 he removed 
his office to No. 20 South Saginaw Street, where he 
may now be found. 

In January-, 1869, a marriage was solemnized be- 
tween Mr. Dewey and Emma Eugenie Going, 
daughter of Henry J. and Celesta (Beach) Going. 
This couple have two lovely and amiable daugh- 
ters, Clara B. and Lotta. Mr. Dewey has held the 
office of Treasurer of the First Ward for two terms. 
He is a member of the Pontiac Lodge No. 21, A. F. 
& A. M.; also the Knights of Pythias of the Uni- 
form Rank; and a member of No. 3, I. O. O. F. He 
is also a member of the Cass Lake Aquatic Club and 
is a citizen whose judgment and opinion are highly 
esteemed by his neighbors. For twenty years he 
has been a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church of the city in which he resides. 




UGUSTINE W. IIOVEY,oue of the prom- 
inent citizens of Pontiac, and well known 
IM through that Congressional District, now 
fills the position of County Superintendent 
of the Poor, of Oakland County. He was born in 
Lima, Livingston County, N. Y., June 19, 1817, 
the oldest son of Levi and Betsey (Bishop) Hovey. 
both New Englanders. The mother was a daugh- 
ter of Asa and Chri.«tiana (Dart) Bishop, and was 
of French Huguenot stock. The Hovey family 
came to America in 1630. Levi, the father of our 
subject, was a carpenter and joiner. He spent most 
of his life in the East, but died in New Orlcat.^, 
whither he had gone on a business trip. His wif 
died in Lima, N. Y. She was the mother of Ihrct 
children, our subject. Charles, of Oakland County, 
and Jane, the wife of Isaac I. Voorhies. She died 
in Lapeer Countj-, Mich. 

The school days of our subject were spent in 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Lima and at Temple Hill, where he attended the 
old High School. At the age of thirteen 3'ears he 
went to learn the printer's trade in the office of 
the Livingston Journal, at f4encseo. Here he re- 
mained for two years and then went into the office 
of the Niagara Courier, at Lockport, where lie re- 
mained until 1835. In the spring of 183G he came 
to Pontiao, Mich., where he has since resided. IIo 
was first employed in the printing office of Samuel 
N. Gaiitt, who was editor of the Pontiac Herald. 
In 1838 he became managing editor of that paper. 
He then formed a partnership with S. W. Denton, 
and published tlie Pontiac Jacksonian, which he 
continued uutil the spring of 1844, when the firm 
of Denton & Hovey sold out the Jacksonian to 
Julius C. Smith and A. W. Adams. Until this 
change the j)aper was run on strictl}' Democratic 
lines. 

Abandoning the newspaper business, Mr. Hovej' 
in 184 4 embarkeil in tiie drug trade, in which he 
continued for a period of forty years. He is the 
okiest druggist now living in Oakland Count}'. For 
many 3'ears he was associated with a Mr. Dean, un- 
der the lirin name of Dean it Hovey, w!ii('h corn- 
pan}' was only dissolved by the death of Mr. Dean, 
April 1, 1883. Selling out, Mr. Hovey retired 
from tiie business, since which time he has been 
engiiged in looking after his various interests. 
His otHcial life has been as follows: he wrs clerk 
of the House of Representatives in 1844 and 
1840-47-48-49. Also for liiree years he was a 
member of the local School Board, and in 1852 was 
made Superintendent of the Poor, which arduous 
position he has filled for a [leriod of twenty-five 
years, and lie is still holding the office at the pres- 
ent time. 

Mr. Hovey was married in May, 1840, to Janette 
Wilcox, daughter of Abner Wilcox, Jr., of Liv- 
ingston County, N. Y. She died in 1842, leaving 
one little daughter, Gertrude, now Mrs. Stephen 
Baldwin, whose husband is largely interested in 
pine lands. Mr. Hovey 's second marriage occurred 
in April, 1847. He was then united to Laura 
Jlerrill, of Springfield, Oakland County, who was 
boin in Or.ange County, N. Y. By this marriage 
one child was born, who is now deceased. 

Politically our subject is a stanch Democrat. He 



cast his first Presidential vote for Martin Van Bu- 
ren,and his last for G rover Cleveland. His pleas- 
ant residence is situated on South Saginaw .Street, 
and was erected in 184G. It has extensive grounds 
which are delightfidly ornamented with trees and 
shrubs. The house stands on a ten-ace. Mr. 
Hovey is now in his seventy-fourth year hide and 
hearty. He attends regularly to business as well as 
his official duties. He is of medium height, strongly 
built, and active on foot. He is now enjoying the 
prosperity which he attained in younger days. 



URNETT A. HORVITZ. Among the many 
causes that add to the population of the 
'^1 I United States by bringing to its shores peo- 
is*^' pie from foreign lands, not tiie least is the 
treatment received in other countries by those who 
are not in fympathy with the mass of the nation in 
religious or political ))elief. The cruel treatment 
and unjust persecutions to wliich the Israelites ia 
Russia have been subjected, is arousing the indigna- 
tion of the lovers of mankind, and has become a 
prominent topic of conversation in circles where 
Christian charity and brotherly kindness are pro- 
mulgated. It has caused the emigration of many 
a man who has sought an asylum in America, and 
found here a place in which to push his business 
affairs, and join with his fellow-men in advancing 
the mutual interests of the residents in the town he 
chose for his home. This class is represented in 
Rochester by the subject of this biographical no- 
tice. 

Mr. Horvitz was born in Russia, October 6, 1851), 
and his parents, Samuel and Hannah (Starsky) 
Horvitz, were natives of the same Empire. The 
parental family included six children, of whom 
Burnett is the eldest. The father, who was a con- 
fectioner, crossed the Atlantic in 1-867, located in 
Boston and sent for his family. He of whom we 
write, made liis voyage to the New AVorld in 18G3, 
and remained with his parents until he had become 
a youth of fifteen years. He then began traveling 
and selling goods, and several Slates were visited 
by iiini in the prosecution of ids calling. He finally 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



705 



stoi)ped in Rocheslei- iu NoTember, 1880, niicl has 
leniaiiied here, building up a fine trade. lie car- 
ries a full line of dr}' goods and clothing, is shrewd 
in advertising and disposing of the same, and 
reaches out for and secures his share of the public 
patronage. Associated with him in business is his 
brother Rlax, who was born in Russia, February 
22, 1864. The average sales made b}' the Messrs. 
Horvitz, amount to from |il3,000 to $14,000 per 
annum. The father with the younger members of 
the family lives in Detroit, and he has retired from 
business. 

Mr. Ilorvitz has given due consideration to the 
political questions that agitate the people, and has 
decided in favor of the Republican party. As a 
citi/.en he is held in esteem, as he is law-abiding, 
enterprising and intelligent, and in the social circles 
which he frequents he is deservedly [lopular. 

i"^**^, KV. IIKNRYSUMNKR WHITE, pastor of 
the Methodist ICpiscopal Church at Mil- 
ford, to which charge he was sent in the 
^^® fall of 1890, has been engaged in the min- 
istry for several decades and has do:.e ellicient ser- 
vice for the cause of Christianity. He has been 
useful in his day and generation in other ways .as 
well, and is a fit subject for representation in a 
biographical album. His portrait is also pre- 
sented to our readers. Without laying claim to 
perfection it can be said of him that his character 
and his life can be taken as models worthy of imi- 
tation and that they are good e.vam pies of strength 
and usefulness. Mr. White is descended from old 
New England families, being in the maternal line 
connected with Gen. Stark, of Revolutionary fame, 
and in tlie paternal line descended from the White 
family, of Puritan origin. 

Newman Sumner White, father of our subject, 
was born in Rliode Island and in his manhood lo- 
cated at North Iloosick, N. Y., at the period of its 
early development. He was a mechanic and car- 
riage-builder and manufactured wagons and sleighs 
for years. He died in North Iloosick in 1843. 
The mother of the Rev. Mr. AVhite was born in Paw- 



let, Vt., and bore the maiden name Abigail Stark; 
her father's name was Samuel. Her grandfather, 
Capt. John Stark, was a cousin of the renowned 
General and fought with that hero at Bennington. 
When the centennial of the battle was celebrated, 
Mrs. White, who was then almost fourscore, was 
sent for, she being the only living relative of Gen. 
Stark present. She w^as drawn to the grounds by 
four white horses and there met Gens. Grant, Sher- 
man and other heroes, to whom she was introduced 
with considerable ceremony and enthusiasm. She 
survived several years longer and died in Flint 
when eighty-nine years old. She reared her chil- 
dren carefully and took the place of the father they 
had lost, as well as she was able. She made a sec- 
ond marriage, wedding a Mr. Prentiss, and for some 
time her home was at Bennington, but the last few 
years of her life were spent with the family of our 
subject. 

The Rev. Mr. White is the first-born of six 
children comprising his father's family. He was 
born at North Hoosick, on the old Bennington bat- 
tlefield, April 7, 1828, and lived there until he was 
sixteen. He lost his father when he was fifteen 
years old and some months later went to White 
Creek, where he finished his apprenticeship as a 
carriagesmith — a trade he had already worked at 
somewhat. After a sojourn of two years he went to 
Troy, where he worked at his trade until 1848, 
when he removed to Concord, N. H. He had but 
$15, with which he rigged up an old shop he 
had rented, and began ironing carriages. He had 
lieen converted when sixteen years old and had led 
an active Christian life and shaped his course to 
study for the ministry. He took a four years' 
course of stud}- at the Methodist Biblical Institute, 
since removed to Boston, and now tiie theological 
department of Boston University. At Concord he 
hired help and init in two hours each daj- and all of 
Saturday in the shop and so made money to [)ay 
his cxi)enses through school. His four years' 
course of study with the attendant expenses cost 
nearly $1,500, but he had plenty of means, being 
ver3' successful in managing the shop. He was 
graduated from the College of Theology in Con- 
cord in 1852 with the honors of his class. 

After completing his theological studies Mr. 



706 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



White supplied the Danielsonville, Conn., Metho- 
dist Episcopal Cliurch for six months and in 1853 
ioincd the Piovidence Conference and was stationed 
at South Manchester, Conn., a 3C(ir. During the 
time be brought to completion a new house of wor- 
ship. The next year he was sent to East Hartford, 
and l-.e spent two years in charge of the Matthew- 
son Street Church, Providence, R. I. His next 
station was at New Bedford. Mass., where he built 
the large County Street Church, and the ensuing 
two years were spent over the Marlboro Street 
Church at Newport, R. L Tiie next cliarge of the 
Rev. Mr. White was the Broadway Church at Prov- 
idence, and just before the expiration of the two 
years which he was allowed there he became Chap- 
lain of the Fifth Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. 
This was in January, 1863, and the following sum- 
mer while home on a furlough he procured one 
hundred tons of ice and §4,000 worth of stores and 
took them by Government ship to Newbern, N. C, 
for the benetit of the soldiers of his regiment. Mr. 
White served in the army two years and was mus- 
tered out December 24, 1864, on account of the 
depletion of the regiment, which reduced the regi- 
mental staff. 

May 5, 1864, Chaplain White was helping the 
boys with a twelve-pound Napoleon gun, on the 
railroad near Croton, N. C, when he was captured 
by the rebels. They could not understand how he 
used that machine for praying, which his Chaplain's 
epaulets showed was his especial work, and so he was 
sent with his comrades to Andersonvilje. He saw 
all the horrors of that notorious prison pen and did 
what he could to cheer the captives, even though 
he could not relieve their ph3'sical sufferings. 
'I'hence he was sent to Macon, Ga.. where an at- 
tempt was made to prevent him from praying 
for the President and the army and nav}-. A 
cannon was trained on him but he insisted that his 
captors had no I'ight to interfere with acts of wor- 
ship. Capt. Tabb approached him with a guard and 
Mr. White drew that gentleman into an argument 
by propounding the proposition that he was inter- 
fering with religious liberty, and finally' won him 
over. The party with which Mr. White messed 
was subsequentl}' taken to Savannah, thence to 
Charleston, where be was under fire of the '"Swamp 



Angel" and nineteen other guns for twenty days. 
On September 23, 1864, he was put on the steamer 
''Delaware" near Ft. Sumter and taken to Hilton 
Head. He was scut home on a furlough, but soon 
rejoined his regiment, although he was not in good 
health and was emaciated by the privations he had 
endured. 

After his discharge from the army Mr. White 
was transferred to the Detroit Conference and his 
first charge was at Ann Arbor. He remained there 
three 3'ears and during that period a fine ciiurch 
W.1S built b}' the congregation. Thence he was 
sent to SummerBeld Church, Milwaukee, Wis., and 
after a year of pastoral work there became Presid- 
ing Elder for the Fond du Lac District of the Wis- 
consin Conference. He labored in that capacity 
four 3-ears. then returned to this State and was at 
Alpena, JInrquette and Port Huron in succession. 
At Port Huron the church blew down during a 
storm and he rebuilt it. Mr. White was next sent 
to Remeo, then to Vassar and next to Flint, where 
he had the Garland Street Church for five years, 
the limit of service having been changed bj' the 
General Conference. Here again a church was |)ut 
up under his guidance and the congregation estab- 
lished in a beautiful home. The next removal of 
our subject was to Milford. 

The wife of the Rev. Mr. AVhite bore the maiden 
name of Nancy Holmes Hutchison and their mar- 
riage rites were solemnized in Franccstown, N. H., 
August 4, 1852. The briile was the third child of 
.Stearns and Nancy (Huston) Hutchison and was 
born in Franceslown, N. H., March 10, 1830. She 
was educated in the New Hampshire Conference 
Seminar}' at Sanborn ton Bridge, where her active 
mind and desire for knowledge, together with her 
amiable character, endeared her to teachers and 
pupils. She has been a great help to her husband 
in his pastoral work, and as a hostess has made 
welcome the many to whom the dwelling of a min- 
ister is always open. She is very active in mission 
work, both home and foreign, and her name is 
often to be seen in religious papers where the work 
of the Boards is recorded. She is now serving her 
second year as Departmeni Chaplain of the Wo- 
man's Relief Corps. auxiliary to the Grand Arm}' of 
the Republic of Michigan. Her father was born in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



707 



Wilton, N. H., where her granrlfather had located 
on coming from England. The latter entered a 
large tract of land in the two townships — Milford 
and AV'ilton — in Hillsborough County. Stearns 
Hutchison was a farmer at Francestown and died 
there aged sixty-two. The mother of Mrs. Wiiite 
was a daughter of Caleb and Nancy (Holmes) 
Huston and in both lines w.as descended from old 
New England families; she died in New Hamp- 
shire. 

Our subject and his wife have had seven children ; 
two died in infancy, Charles Henry when sixteen 
years old. and Alida Electa when eight. The 
living are Dr. Frank Newman White, a graduate of 
the University of IMichigan in the medical depart- 
ment, and now in the employ of the Rumford 
Chemical Works of Providence, R. I.; George 
.Sumner, first mate on one of the large lake steamers ; 
William Stearns, a graduate of Albion College and 
now Principal of the High School at Mt. Clemens. 

The Rev. Mv. White is a very prominent Grand 
Army man and takes active part in all movements 
for the good of the order. At the Stale Encamp- 
ment at Bay City in 1888 he was elected Chaplain 
for the Department of Michigan and re-elected in 
Adrian in 1 889. At Muskegon in 1890 he was again 
re-elected by acclamation. That year he was Aid- 
de-camp on Gen. Alger's staff at the National 
Encampment at Boston. Politically Mr. While is a 
standi Republican an<l he is an earnest worker for 
temperance. His best monument when he shall 
have entered into rest, will be found in the lives of 
those whom he has intluenced for good and his best 
epitaph written in the hearts of his Christian and 
patriotic friends. 

— • c<.ii ' 

EVI 15. COLVIN. The history of this 
/g) county is best told in tiic record of the 
lives of its pioneers, and it gives us pleas- 
ure to place on the pages of this BiOGUAriiiCAi, 
Album, these paragraplis concerning an early set- 
tler of this part of Michigan, who has passed the 
greater portion of his life within the borders of 
this county, and has greatly aide<l in developing 
its resources. He has a comfortable home and 



substantial farm buildings on his estate, which is 
pleasant!}' located on section 32, Watcrford Town- 
ship, and comprises one hundred and fifty-seven 
acres, mostlj' under cultivation. 

A native of the Empire State, Mr. Colvin was 
born in Niagara County, July 6, 1822, and is the 
son of Nathan R. and Margaret (B.acheldor) CoU y/ 
vin, both natives of Vermont. The father emi- 
grated to New York in 1813, and there engaged 
in farming. He did not, however, make his home 
there permanently, for in 1831, accompanied by 
his family, he started out for the new West, and 
after a tedious journe}- arrived in Michigan, where 
he took up a tract of Government land on section 
32, Watcrford Township. The deed to this farm, 
the most of which is still in possession of the faui- 
ily, was signed by President Jackson. Mr. Col- 
vin was a hard-working, unassuming man, who 
never aspired to public honors, but devoted his 
attention exclusively to the development of his 
farm. Politically he was a Democrat, and was 
prominent in ^Masonic circles. 

In early life the parents of our 8id)jcct belonged 
to the Methodist Church, but later afliliated with 
the Church of Believers. They were excellent 
people and were highly esteemed throughout the 
community where they passed the closing years of 
their useful lives. The father died in 1873, but 
the widowed mother survived until 1887, when she 
too, peacefully closed her eyes in death. The pa- 
rental family included three children, all now liv- 
ing in Oakland County. Oursuliject enjoyed very 
meager advantages in youth, as schools were few 
and opportunities of attending them enuallj- lim- 
ited. He was reared to a stalwart manhood amid 
the |>ioneer scenes of this county and was early 
called upon to assist his father in develoi)ing a 
farm, and while doing so acquired a practical 
knowledge of farming in all its branches. 

Mr. Colvin has not been unassisted in his 
labors, as by his m.arriage with Keziali E. Hodge 
he secured the active co-operation of a most ex- 
cellent helpmate. Mrs. Colvin is the daughter of 
Billings J. and Eleanor (Borden) Hodge, natives of 
New York, wlio came to Jlichigan at a very early 
da}' and settled in the town of Commerce. Our 
subject owns a part of his father's farm, and by 



708 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



industry and economy has made a comfortable 
home, which is ranked among the liest in tlie town- 
ship. Of liis marriage eight children were liorn; ail 
except one of whom reached years of maturity 
and are flUing honorable positions in life. P^mnia 
A., Mrs. Heatli, who was horn November 13. 1846, 
lives in California; Ellen, wife of the Hon. W. E. 
Carpenter, resides in Waterford Townshiii, this 
county; Homer is a well-known lawjer in Pontiac; 
Esther, who is single, lives with her parents and 
is a teacher, as is also Evangeline; Nathan Billings 
is a physician in Pontiac; E. Serepta is deceased; 
Hiram C. is a teller in the Pontiac National Bank. 
The children received excellent educational .advan- 
tages in youth, and are prominent in the various 
communities where they reside. 

Mr. Colvin was formerly a Democrat, but is now 
a Prohibitionist, and has served as a delegate to 
Prohibition conventions. In various official capaci- 
ties he has served the people, having been Justice 
of the Peace, Road Commissioner, and held other 
minor offices. He is a member of the Church of 
Believers, and they arc people of warm hearts and 
noted for their kindness and hospitality. Mr. 
Colvin's honesty and integrity of purpose are as 
widely known as he, and when his word is passed 
all are cognizant of the fact that he will stand by 
it, whatever betides. 



lb 



ORENZO D. RUGGLKS. This worthy cit- 
izen of Highland Township is carrying on 

, farm work on section 33, where he owns 
one hundred acres of land, ninety-five of which is 
under cultivation. By his own efforts, thirty acres 
of the tract was cleared and placed in condition 
for tillage, and under his supervision the house and 
barns were built and other arrangements made for 
the comfort and convenience of the occupants. A 
glance orer tlie tract would le.ad to the belief that 
Mr. Rugglcs understands his l)usiness well, and 
such is found to be the case. He was reared amid 
the surroundings of farm life and his active brain 
assimilated all the information possible regarding 



his father's calling, together with a large store of 
other knowledge which he has found useful. 

The Ruggles fatnil}' was represented in Connect- 
icut throe generations ago. but the grandfather of 
our subject removed from thut State to New York. 
In Brown County Noble Ruggles, the direct pro- 
genitor of Lorenzo D., was born and lived until 
1834, when he came to this State. He bought one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he 
brought his family the ensuing year. He was mar- 
ried in his native county to Anna Merchant, a 
native of Connecticut, and their family comprised 
the following named sons and daughters : Mary, 
John, Merchant, Lorenzo D., Amanda, Alraon, Su- 
san, Lorena and Oji'ar. The last named died in 
Andersonville prison, and John and Merchant also 
served in the LTnion army. Their father had been 
a musician in the War of 1812. Noble Ruggles 
was always engaged in farming, and in his native 
Stale he also carried on the lumber trade. He and 
his wife belonged to the Baptist Church. 

Our subject was a lad of seven years when he 
came to this State and with the exception of a few 
years he has continued to make his home in High- 
land Township. He was born in Brown County, 
N. Y., January 3, 1829. During his boyhood and 
3'outh he resided witlrhis jiarents, attending school 
as did other lads until he was old enough to teach, 
and then devoting the winters to pedagogical work 
and the summers to further study, until he was of 
.age. Altogether he taught fourteen terms of school, 
one j'car having charge of the High School at ISlil- 
ford. In 1856 he engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness and for three j'ears carried on a general store 
in Milford. 7n 1HG3 he bought the farm he now 
occupies and he has since devoted his time to agri- 
cultural work. 

The lady who [iresides over Mr. Ruggles' home 
became his wife in Hamlin, N. Y., in 18.")8. She 
bore the maiden name of Lydia A. Cary, and is a 
daughter of Richard and Polly (Sutton) Cary, wiio 
were natives of the Empire State. Mr. Carj' always 
lived in New York and died there in 1877. His 
widow is still living in that State and is now sev- 
ent3'-two years old. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ruggks are the parents of four 
sons, named respectively Frank (deceased), Fred 




EDWARD COAXES 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



C, Cliarles E. aud Hari'y O. Fred was inanied 
December 24, 1890, to Annabel McCall, daugliter 
of Robert and Mary (Ladson) McCall; Fred has 
taught school for six j-ears and also paid consider- 
able attention to fanning; be is now in Sanilac 
Count)-, engaged in the latter occupation. Charles 
E. was married February 12, 1890, to May Baily, 
daughter of Adelbcrtaud Elizabeth (Kemp) Baily, 
and a native of this State. 

Tlic first vote cast by Mr. Ruggles was for Zach- 
ary Taylor, and since the organization of the Re- 
publican party he has been identified therewith. 
His intelligence, energy and public spirit have been 
recognized by his election to .several otlices of local 
ijuportance. He was School Inspector for a num- 
ber of years and has been Treasurer and Clerk in 
Highland Township, and in Milford was Justice of 
the Peace. He is a member of the Free Will Bap- 
tist Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal denomination. Both endeavor to order 
their lives aright and, while giving their first 
thought to their own famil3', to do unto others as 
they wish others to do unto them. 



S>?«|^— ■ 



>-^o^^ 



I DWARD COATES. One of the most beau- 
tiful places in Michigan is found on the 

shores of Pine Lake in West Bloomfield 

Township, and consists of a quarter section of land 
belonging to the gentleman above named. It is 
located on the east bank of the lake and lias eighty 
rods of water frontage, from wIulIi lots have been 
platted and some already sold for summer resi- 
dences. Mr. Coates is now giving his entire at- 
tention to his farm, on which he lives, although he 
is unmarried and alone. Not only has he good 
standing with his fellow agriculturists, but he has 
a fine war record, having spent some of the best 
years of his life in the service of his country and 
filled a rank that took hira constantly in danger 
and exercised to the full his soldierly qualities and 
executive abilitj\ 

Mr. Coates was born in Yorkshire, England, April 



25, 1825, and left his native land in the spring of 
1832, when his parents, Joseph and Mary A. (Rich- 
ardson) Coates, bade adieu to their native shire, 
determined to make their home in the United 
States. The fall after landing on American soil 
they came to this State and bought the tract of 
Government land on section 12, West Bloomfield 
Township, that is now occupied by the son. There 
they spent the remainder of their days, the hus- 
band dying March 12, 1876, at the age of eighty- 
five, and the wife in 1866 when seventy-five years 
old. They had ten children, named respectively, 
William, Mary A., Joseph, Thomas, Edward, 
Henry, Adelina, Richard, Alfred and Sarah J. 

Mr. Joseph Coates was left an orphan when a 
child and inherited a large property. He received 
a liberal education and in his own land was engaged 
in the sale of merchandise. During his early resi- 
dence in this State lie was the only stenographer 
wiihin its bounds and he did a great deal of report- 
ing for the government of the Commonwealth and 
for the Detroit Free Press. In the '40s he repre- 
resented this county in the State Legislature, being 
elected on the Democratic ticket. After the organ- 
ization of the Republican party he gave it his al- 
legiance and strong support. He was a Congrega- 
tionalist in religion but his wife was a member of 
the Church of England. 

Edward Coates, of whom we write, was seven 
years old when the voyage across the Atlantic took 
place. He remained on the farm in this county 
until he was seventeen years old, and in the mean- 
time acquired a thorough knowledge of the com- 
mon-school branches in the district schools and 
learned something of the higher studies in Pontiac. 
He then spent five years as a clerk in the dry-goods 
store of his brother William at Ponti.ac and three 
years at Detroit with the firm of Jack ife Coates. 
He next went to New York City and secured the 
position of traveling salesman for the wholesale 
dry-goods house of Ira Smith, Jr., & Co., for which 
he worked until 1862, when the house went out of 
business, owing to the progress of the rebellion. 

Mr. Coates returned to this State and began 
raising a regiment at Mt. Clemens, and was placed 
in charge of the recruiting ofHce for Northern 
Michigan. November 18, 1862, he went into the 



71-2 



PORTKAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



service ns Major of the Kiglilli Miclii},'"" Cav- 
alry, ami for a year or more was willi the cavalry 
corps of the Army of the Ohio under Oen. Burn- 
side. Duriiit; Ihfxl time he participated in the pur- 
suit of (Jon. Morgan and look part in the en^'iigc- 
ment at Biitlinfiton's Island. After that he was in 
the advance of llurnside's troops in the campaign 
in Kast Tennessee, during wliich the engagements 
at ("alhouM, Sweet Water, Campbell Station and 
many ollicrs took place. The cavalry was actively 
engaged in raiding and outpost duty almost with- 
out cessation. Mnj. Coates took part in the en- 
gagement against Long^treet in front of Kno.x- 
villo and in the eighteen days' siege of that city, 
and fought at Uean Station, Newmarket and Dan- 
dridge. 

After the siege of Knoxvillc Maj. Coales crossed 
the mountains to Mt. Sterling and in June, 18Ct, 
was in pursuit of and in the engagement with .lolin 
Morgan, at Cynthiana, Ky., Gen. Burbridge in 
command. After the Sloneman raid the regiment 
was reori'anized and placed under command of our 
subject, who reported to Gen. Thomas at Nashville. 
lie subsequently went to Pulaski and to Lawrence- 
burg, it being his special work to look after the 
movements of Gen. Hood. The Major was finally 
taken down with rheumatism, and owing to i)hysical 
disability was honorably discharged and returned 
to the North. Ho had taken part in the fight at 
Atlanta under Gen. Sherman and in numerous skir- 
mishes not i\icludetl in the list above. For a year 
or two after his discharge he remained on the farm 
and he then spent a short time in business in Ponliac. 
Following that was a lengthy period as commercial 
traveler for a New York house, but in 1884 he 
abandoned his work on account of rheumatism and 
has since lived on his farm. He bought the prop- 
erty from his father in 1851. 

Maj. Coates has firm faith in the Republican 
l)arty, and is an unfailing supporter of its princi- 
ples, but he i»ys no further attention to polities. 
He has frequently been nominated for township 
and countv otlices, but has always declined them. 
Religiously he is a stanch Episcopalian. He is a 
Mason, belonging to the subordinate lo<lges and 
the commandery. and is a member of Dick Richard- 
son Post, No. 147,G. A.R.,atPontiac. HissUndiug 



in the community is unquestioned, and his reputa- 
tion undisputed in the locality lie has so long called 
home. In connection with this sketch, the reader 
will notice a lithographic portrait of Maj. Coates. 



•wyS^" 



-*j-^- 



EBER DURHAM, who resides on section 3G, 
Farraington Township, was born in Wayne 
: County, N. Y., April 11,1818. The father 

was Ira Durham, a New York car/ientor and farmer, 
and the mother Elizabeth Brownell, a native of 
Rhode Island. They were married in New Y'ork, 
where they located in Wayne County on a farm. 
October, 1835, saw them settled in a new home, a 
log cabin, in Farraington Township, Oakland 
County. Mich. Here the^- lived for about twelve 
years, and then removed to Southfield Township, 
where they resided with a son, James W. Durham, 
the remainder of their d.ays. The mother w.is 
called aw.ay at the age of seventj'-two, and the fa- 
ther completed his eighty -seventh year. They lie 
side by side in the cemetery in Livonia, Wayne 
County. This pioneer couple were the parents of 
thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters. 

Our subject is the eighth child, and the only one 
now living. He came to Michigan with his i)arents 
when he w,as seventeen years old. His early edu- 
cation was conducted in Waj'ne County, N. Y'., and 
he completed his schooling at a select school in 
Farmington. W'hen nineteen years old he began 
working by the month in a sawmill near Detroit. 
His marriage was celebrated in 1843, and he was 
then united with Phtebe Jennings, a native of New 
York, who became the mother of one child, Albert 
A., ana who died in 1852. 

The second wife of Mr. Durham was Amy C. 
Andrews, who was born in Farmington Township, 
November 29, 1829. The marriage took place in 
July, 1853. Joseph and Lydia (Smith) Andrews, 
the parents of Mrs. Durham, came from the east to 
Michigan in 1826. The3- located in Farmington 
Township, and there spent the remainder of their 
days. The father was called away when only forty- 
one years old, and the mother lived until she had 
completed her seventy-eighth year. 



FOBTRAJT AJSD BIOGEAFHJCAL ALBLM. 



713 



«Uihs A_ tlie wjie <j1 Jbawarfl x»it«iiM>on. 



farm, aod liar sow oniT iortr acree. li« » a i£e- 
and caet ids first and 1&=" ' - 
Uie fiarrisaii iamilr. Ti»t 
e*=er teld waf ttial of Hijrbwsor Codju -.- : -• . He 
. elected JiKtaoe of tit Peace, but re? , - ^e 
V . - L^raiuage CommBsioner lur nine t; ■. c 

I'SBTB. aod k sSIl fillmg tlu£ ofiBot. fie at one tinK- 
iiekiii«°ed to tii« Fanimi£iOD Lodge, L </ ' • 



4^-^ 



■ EAJvK B A C- L i - JL i^" To out: aceuslonwd 
t[' iiugiut?-- ■ - ' - - 

_ iisiiineni.* . 

iisr.ure cf tlKir projirieiait and give §[0(m1 ground 



_ .--niaii Hi Sirmingimm wiiiiom coining *(■ ttM- 

'■■ \ - bnfiin«ednan. Tur 

- siielves ji» we. 

sn])plie9 witL dnigc and dmggislE' Bondries. and 

inrxeDDi ! enl. Mr. 

_..__.; -.eaneoDT. 'Sg^ni bufii- 

11^-^. and iuE enierprise wae instiiuied xm a niad«si 
;» stead' - 

. _ L'WB ani •- . 

lilglilT vpprerisiiecL Besidtf orugf JSix. fiager- 

•OTBS. 

jeta wiue iKRn in lvt;» 
"T, and lived liKie nniil after I^bt matnagc. 
• TKidei; 

; reman. V ; .^^_.:_._ 
. wben Iter Teaaoved ta Stoamfield Ceni«: 



■falher. fnmck Hagemian. ww liom In Kew 

■y. David Angkr. inaiierual STBud&itiier of 
our subject. WW a^ a natir^ of JSew Jeiaffr. Our 

-vt jg tijc TourlL in tb-: ' '" 

^ere and siekerc are: i. • 
♦>inrtii. a farmer and mill-owner in i 
lownsiiii-' : A- . ' " 

am. a lanne' 
wlio liv« al Saxej. Tex. 

Frank jBagt - _,^ 

SonimxapiOL : '.: 

and was reared on s larin in lik native eonntv. 

Hf - . ; -- 

uiiii. some montte aJter be reaciied bi» majorrty, Ju 
-^f i . tiie fan." t^-v 

• ciir; before. ... . i t 

liirmingkam. hie eniplo3'Br being Geoi^ge L Lee. 

wintei L- and 

fxcepxioi . ;; on. 

boil ding np hie ttade and adding to hie lepnlatVon 

- man. H- oearlv u 

- _'jindingT.. resident ii__ 

lee. and fass aiK> been Toa'natiip Qex^ Be <:asiE 

' Be i- . 
I'S'gTBe. a: ... ..._:;i.- 

trer it marai and iiie disposition social. 

Tu- ,- -- -- lu.. 

»eiu. - - ._.*• 11. 

Btrmingbani. Jolr 1&, 1S7D. 6iie man bun at 
and 16 a daogiite- and 

.■ains. Mr. auc ^uga- 

mac Imve Iwo daogktetK. Alice and Gertrude. 

'!ireuia.' itoaaeliflid. 
•casing wave ■ 
bripiit. 



Ime I An£te , HagBiaian . snrvivfiB. aad maket b- 
uiagiiaBL Set lived : 
..aying so KStenxioti ii . 
'.i.:iL tb east a iJKmoeaatx ballot, i^iviiig bk . 
;:n Ibe V 
_ ., ._ . 'iL at t . . 



& gaxi. nmjr be vtentioned tbe iadv r ... 
naoK 

■-ue it- tbe oici : ,. .^ ,...,.- 

:Lup. and aUboogli eigfatT^eevec yean of age. «lill 

; gxaad mentu 

uhvsioufc. Kb- •_.-..•_„. ._..„-i. „,_,,.. 



714 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



itj', and has ruanaged the farm lierself since her 
husband's death. Her father, Orrin Sessions, a 
native of Ponifret, "Windsor Count3^ Vt., was born 
in 1780, n.id died in 1832. Her mother was Betse^- 
(Fish) Sessions, a native of Cape Cod, Mass. She 
was born May 18, 178.3, and moved to Vermont 
when young and was married there. She came to 
Michigan in 1834, and made her liome with lier 
children till her death in 18G0. Of her thirteen 
children, five are now living. Mrs. Bowen was 
born August 19, 1804, at Pom fret, Vt., and there 
she grew to womanliood, receiving a common-school 
education. Her mother brought her up in the 
faith of the Congregational Church. 

The marriage of this young woman took place 
in 1828. She was then united with Cromwell Bowen, 
who was born in April, 1798, in Roj-alton, Vt. His 
father was David and his motlier Betsey (Cushing) 
Bowen. They were the parents of ten children, 
five sons and five daughters. Two of these chil- 
dren are still living, one daughter having reached 
the extreme age of ninety-nine j-ears, and the 
youngest child oE the family being now eighty 
years old. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bowen were very poor in their 
early married life. They lived in Vermont several 
years and came to Michigan in 1835, journeying 
by Erie Canal to Buffalo, and thence b^' boat to 
Detroit. The}' settled on the farm now in the pos- 
session of Mrs. Bowen, and here she has lived for 
fiftyvsix years. The land was entirely new and 
there were very few neighbors. Like angel visits, 
they were few and far between, but if lacking in 
quantity they made up in qualit}', for as this good 
lad}' says, they were as good as gold. Alonzo Sib- 
ley, one of the old settlers, was living in Commerce 
Township then. Mr. Bowen cleared all of the one 
hundred and sixty acres, and put on the present 
improvements. He died in September, 1878, and 
is buried in the cemetery at Sibley's Corners. 

Our subject and her husband were the parents of 
five children, three of whom are now living. Bet- 
sey E. was born in Vermont. Her first marriage 
united her with Reuben Sample. One child of this 
first union survives — Ora C. — who married Jennie 
Longenecker and lives in Commerce Township. Her 
second marriage was with Henry Longenecker. She 



is now a widow. ]\Ir. Sample died in 1872 and 
Mr. Longenecker in 1881. Mrs. Bo wen's oldest 
son, Willard, resides at home with his mother. Al- 
bert, the second son, married Edith Pittenger. Mr. 
Bowen took an active interest in politics, being a 
Whig and later a Republican. He was ever awake 
to the necessitj' of promoting public schools and 
gave all his children an excellent education. Two 
of his daughters were teachers for some time. Mrs. 
Bowen is a member of the Universalist Church. 
.She has seen this country grow from a wild condi- 
tion to its present state. All the property has been 
accumulated by the industry and frugalit}' of this 
worthy couple and is being finely conserved by 
tliis remarkable and intelligent lady. 



iEV. ROBERT BIRD. During a period of 
some forty years this highly respected resi- 
\V dent of Birmingham was engaged in the 
active duties of the ministrj', and from the 
fall of 1809 to that of 1874 he was pastor of the 
Birmingham Methodist Episcopal Church. Dur- 
ing that time he was instrumental in bringing to 
completion the present fine house of worship, which 
was put ui) at a cost of about ^15,000. Mr. Bird 
has a wonderful facult}' for raising money for such 
purposes, and is very liberal-minded, well informed 
and well read. Although he belongs to one of the 
most orthodox of churches, he has broad sj'mpathy 
and man}' original ideas, and lacks the narrow sec- 
tarian outlook which was common in former da3's, 
but is now passing away, borne down by the char- 
ity and brotherly kindness that are coming to be 
considered more truly Christian than strict tenets 
of doctrine. 

(Jeorge and Agnes (Greenslade) Bird, natives 
of Devonshire, England, came to America in the 
spring of 1829 and spent the following year in 
Great Falls, N. H. They then removed to what is 
now County Duflferin, Ontario, Canada, locating on 
a piece of wild land, where the husband cleared up 
a farm. In August, 1835, he made atrip to Mich- 
igan with a view of looking up a home, and en- 
tered one hundred and twenty acres under the 



PORTRAIT AND B[OGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



715 



Government land laws of that date, in KonQulus 
Township, Wayne County. Returning to his Cana- 
dian home, he made arrangements to sell out and 
remove. He an<l his son Robert, the subject of 
this sketch, tlien fourteen years old, came on, travel- 
ing the entire distance, over two hundred miles, 
with an ox-team. Shortly after their arrival the 
father was taken sick and had to return to Canada. 
He left our subject, giving him directions to cut 
logs and put up a cabin. This was done as soon 
as possible, but the house was not prepared for 
tiie occu|)ancy of the family until the s|)riiig of 
1837, as the youth had dillieultj' in getting it 
raised. He refused to furnish whiskey on the oc- 
casion of the raising-bees and had to make the 
third one Ijefore he could get the walls [)laced. 
On the first occasion it was made three logs high, 
when a call was made for whiskey, and as young 
Bird would not furnish it the men went home. On 
the third experience of this kind they declared that 
the boy had good [iluck, and so finished the house 
for him. 

In the spring of 18.'57 the father brought the 
rest of the family from Canada, but the next spring 
he was so affected by the malarial intluences that 
in spite of medical aid he grew worse, and linally 
he and his wife went back .to their former home, 
thinking the change of climate would benefit him. 
It did not prove effectual, and lie died in Canada 
about the 1st of November, 18;58. His widow came 
back to Michigan and remained on the land, keeping 
her four unmarried children at Ijome. She was a sen- 
sible, kind and resolute Ciirislian woman, and her 
influence over her family was strong and unfailing. 
She passed away in 1856. The husband was a 
wool-comber in England, a trade that has long been 
done away with by the invention of machinery. 
After coming to America he devoted himself to 
agricidture. He was a local preacher of the Wcs- 
leyan Methodist Church in England, and from his 
early life had been a devout Christian. 

The eldest son in the parental family was Rob- 
ert, who was born in Devonshire, England, Janu- 
ary 5, 1821. After the decease of his father much 
care fell on him and the strength of his character 
was shown and developed by this means. At the 
age of eighteen years he united with the Method- 



ist Ei)iscopal Church in Romulus, and from the 
beginning of his religious life he was strongly 
diawn toward the ministry'. His educational ad- 
vantages were such as he could secure in the little 
log schoolhouses of the time, when the spelling- 
book with its reading lessons was the principal 
text-book, and he had, therefore, but a limited 
amount of knowledge. The Rev. Duncan McMII- 
len, a Presbyterian divine living in the vicinity, 
gave to each youth who would meet at his home a 
copy of Murray's English Grammar and instruc- 
tion in that branch. In this w.ay young Bird ob- 
tained a large part of his education. The Rev. 
Mr. ]McMillen took much interest in him, noting 
his desire for self-improvement, and although their 
religious belief was so different, encouraged and 
aided liiin all that he could. 

Our subject rcraaiued with his mother and as- 
sisted in improving the farm until he w.as [last his 
majority, and then began working out by the 
month, hoarding his resources and living econom- 
ically in order to attend a higher school. He bought 
clothes and books, and did chores nights and morn- 
ings for his board, wJiile attending a branch of 
the Michigan l^niversit}-, which wiis then located 
at Tecumseh. In the fall of 1845 he united with 
the Michigan Annual Conference held at the ohl 
ca|iitol in Detroit, and for thirty-seven j-ears he 
was actively connected with that body, but since 
that has been superannuated. For six years he la- 
bored in the Lake Superior regions, going there as 
a pioneer minister when there were no railroads, 
not even stage routes in his circuit. For four 
years he was Presiding Elder of the Lake Superior 
District. He continued his active work in the min- 
isterial field until 1882, when he retired. 

August 30, 1819, the Rev. i\Ir. Bird was married 
to Miss Emeline Vaughn, at that time a resident of 
Van Buren, Wayne C^ounty. She was a daughter 
of .lames C. and Rachel (Congdon) N'aughn, and 
was born in Greenbush, N. Y., in 1828. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bird h.ad one pair of twins, but they died 
in infancy. Mrs. Bird breathed her last in March, 
1869, in the town that was her early home. Our 
subject made a second matrimonial alliance, being 
united to Miss Aurilla See in December, 1869. 
This lady was born in Shiawassee County in 1845, 



716 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




and is a daughter of John and Abigail (Cathara) 
See, who were natives of New Yorlt. At the time of 
her marriage her home was in Bushnell, 111. She 
has borne her husband three children, named re- 
spectively, Robert D., Emma M., and Alta M. 

Mr. Bird has been prospered in financial matters 
and has abundant means invested in real estate. 
He owns some very desirable property in Detroit. 
He is a member of the Jlasonic fraternity, and has 
taken the thirty-second degree. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for James G. Birney, and for 
many years he was a Republican. He is now a 
Prohibitionist, very stanch and ardent in his views. 
In 1872 he voted for Blacii and Russell. 



'■-*>'^^>^^^^^^)<^'^'^^ 



LPMONZO I)P:WEY, deceased, was born 
i^Lil in Monroe County, N. Y., April 11, 1823. 
His father, Jonathan Dewe}-, was a native 
of Massachusetts and died at the early 
age of thirty-two years. His wife. Thankful Col- 
lister, was also a native of tlie same county. Our 
subject was the third and youngest cliild of tlie fam- 
ily, and was reared in his native place. Wlicn he 
reached the age of twenty-one he came to Miclii- 
gan, and after remaining about a year he returned 
to New York. He again made his home in the 
East until about the age of thirty years, when he 
returned to Southfieid Township, and there lived 
until liis deatli, whicii took place in 1 883. He was an 
earnest Republican in iiis political views, but was 
never an office seeker. 

Mrs. Dewey is the oldest daughter of Nathan and 
Oliva (Perry) Aldricii. Walwortli Township, 
AVayne County, was iier native home. There she 
was born June 4, 1824. Her marriage witli Mr. 
Dewey took place September 15, 1852. One child 
only, a son, Charles, was given to them. He was 
born May 12, 18.')9, in Southtield Townsliip, Oak- 
land County. He was married February IH, 1801, 
taking as his bride Ester Cole, who was born in 
Redford Township, Wayne Count}-, Mich., Febru- 
ary 9, 1870. 

Mrs. Alphonzo Dewey has one hundred acres of 



beautiful land in a fine state of cultivation. Her 
son Charles assists her in carrying on the farm. 
She has been for many years an earnest and active 
member of the INIethodist Episcopal Church. 




^^■^: LBERT A. MURRAY, deceased, was born 
in West Bloomfield Township, this county, 
April 1, 1847. His father, Therion Mur- 
ray', was a native of New York State, and 
liis mother, Rebecca Welfare, was born in England. 
Our subject was the second of two sons, and was 
reared to the occupation of a farmer. He iield the 
office of Treasurer of Farraington for two years 
and was Supervisor in 1887. He was prominent as 
a Republican and also as a member of the Masonic 
order, in which he was Master for ten years in 
Farniington Lodge, No. 151. He was also active 
in the Grange and was always wilh'ng to forward 
the interests of the farming community. He was 
at one time a member of tlie Chosen Friends In- 
surance Company, and was ever respected and 
honored b}' all who knew him. He was a liberal 
contributor to all good causes and in every way a 
man worth}' of remembrance by the people of 
Oakland County. He passed away from life Jan- 
uary 26, 1888, and was buried by the lodge with 
Masonic honors in the North Farmington Ceme- 
tery. 

Mr. Murray's marriage with Miss Cetella Spencer 
resulted in a domestic life of more than usual hap- 
piness. This lady was born in Farmington Town- 
ship, January 2, 1854. and was the third child of 
Lyman and Rachael (Dunham) Spencer, who are 
natives of New York and were early settlers in 
Oakland County, Mich. To this worthy couple 
were born a daughter and a son, Carrie and Marliii, 
who reside at home to comfort their mother in her 
widowhood. 

Before the death of Mr. Murr.ay he appointed 
his intelligent and capable wife to take entire 
charge of his estate. She has a fine farm of eighty 
acres and a nice property in the village of Far- 
mington, where she resides and carries on a milli- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



717 




iiery estjiblisliment. Here slie is doing a fine busi- 
ness, in wliicli slie is patronized by the best class 
of citizens. She is a lady of agreeable manners 
and is respected and. honored by all wlio know her. 

^EUBEN LONG, one of the old settlers of 
Milford Township, and a genuine Yankee, 
having all the bright qualities and energy 
Jwhich are supposed to be inherent in that 
character, has acquired a handsome property. His 
farm is in splendid fondition and the buildings are 
first-class. He has the respect of the community, 
and is considered as among the best financiers in 
tlie township. 

David Long, the father of Reuben, was a native 
of Long Island. His wife, Hannah Stoddard, was 
a native of Groton, Conn., where they were mar- 
ried, and made their permanent home. They both 
passed from earth many years ago, and of their 
seven children, two oidy survive. Their son Reu- 
ben was born January 30, 1810, in Windham, 
Conn. There he received a good common-school 
education, and grew to manhood. When eighteen 
years old he bargained with his father for iiis time 
for the next two years. He then began for himself 
on a farm, working by the montli and following 
teaching. He was in New York .State for a year, 
but in 1836 he came to Highland Township, llich., 
and bought eighty acres at Highland Corners, in 
company with Benjamin Hewitt, now deceased. 
It was land which had been partly improved. He 
had accumulated a little money, which he loaned 
out in small portions and got it all back except 
$70. He had a breaking team, and broke land for 
others, working in this way four or five yoke of 
oxen at once. Before Mr. Hewitt came to the 
AVcst Mr. Long had already put in a crop on the 
eighty acres. He used to take jobs of digging 
wells. His efforts and his mode of life were not 
conducive to good health, and he was taken seri- 
ously ill with no one to care for him. He had 
never been sick before in his life. He acquired a 
deed to a farm of one hundred acres on section 31, 
Milford Township. He continued to do jobs for 



otheis and for several years put in crops with Wal- 
ter Bovvers, now deceased. 

The marriage of Mr. Long took place in 1848. 
He was then united with Sarah Jane, a daughter of 
Martin and Lorena ( Hodges) Morley, a New York 
couple, who came to Michigan and settled iu the 
township of Lyon in Territorial days. They are 
both now deceased. Mrs. Long was one of seven 
children, and was born October 2, 1830, in New 
York, and was therefore still a child when brought 
to Michigan. 

Our subject and his worthy wife became the par- 
ents of thirteen children, namely: Alonzo W., lost 
in the wild West years ago; Albert (deceased); 
Pauline, wife of Crawford Fuller, of Shiawassee 
County, and the mother of two children ; Reuben 
S., who married Lucia Sherman, who has borne 
him two children, and who lives in this township; 
P>a D., the wife of Henry Brooks, who lives iu 
Novi Township, and has five children ; Ethel S., and 
Dudley IL, both living at home; Lorena, wife of 
Elliott Grimes, living in Shiawassee County ; Kirliy 
L., and Cora, Mrs. Almou Fielding (deceased). 
She was the mother of one child. Vivas A., who 
lives with his grandparents. 

After marriage our subject settled upon what is 
now his home farm. His log house was one of the 
best in the townshi|). He bought a farm where A. 
Soulby now lives, and moved onto it for a short 
time, and then went back to his old log house. He 
then erected t!ie handsome and commodious farm- 
house which, he now occupies, at a cost of 14,000. 
He owns two hundred and twenty three and one- 
half acres, one hundred and eighty of which is 
under cultivalion. He actively carries on general 
farming and has with his own hand cleared some 
fifty acres of heavy limber. 

Although he has been in the main a successful 
man, Mr. Long was unfortunate in some of his in- 
vestments. He lost money in the oil wells of Ohio, 
and lost the means which he furnished for the 
woolen factory at Jlilford, but he has made money 
in buying and selling sheep, and in the general 
transaction of his business. He has always taken " 
an active interest in politics, his first vote having 
been cast for Andrew Jackson. He voted the Dem- 
ocratic ticket for many years but at the time of the 



718 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




Civil War he changed to the Republican party. 
He is now an independent in politics, and has been 
a member of the local School Board. He has given 
his children a good schooling, and some of them 
have been sent awny to school. One daughter. 
Ethel, has been a teacher. He has done an immense 
amount of hard work during his life and he and his 
wife have gained all they have by their unaidetl 
efforts. He is a strict moralist and temperate in his 
habits. His manner of life has greatly reinforced 
his naturally strong constitution, and he has thus 
been enabled to accomplish more than most men. 

tlLLIAM H. SMITH, a farmer and milt- 
man of Bloomfield Township, fir«tsaw the 
light in Knowlton Township. AVarren 
County. N. .!., September 23, 1S33. His parents, 
Andrew and Sydney (Hagerman) Smith, lived and 
died in their native place, Warren County. Mr. 
Smith was a distiller in early life but devoted Lis 
later years to farming. He was only tifly-two 
years old when he died, and had acquired a fortune 
of 160,000. He was a Democrat and held some 
oflieial positions in his town and county, being 
quite influrnliai in the community. His wife was 
an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Our subject's mother was the second wife 
of Mr. Smith. His first wife was Mary Lomason of 
Warren County. >'. J- by whom he had seven chil- 
dren: Hannah M., John L., George, Thomas, 
Jabez G.. Charles an'd Elizabeth. By the second 
marriage he had also seven children: William H., 
Amelia, Sarah A.. Andrew, Emeline, Jacob and 
Silas. 

The subject of this sketch was but twelve years 
old when his father died. In his youth he received 
instruction in the district schools and active train- 
ing on the farm. He remained on the homestead 
and farmed it until his mother died. When he 
w.<is about twenty-five years of age he bought a 
farm in Northampton County, Pa., and operated it 
until 1865. when he sold out and came West. He 
bought his present farm of ninety-nine acres, 
which he has put in a splendid condition and upon 



which he has placed all its improvements. He has a 
One two-stor\- frame residence, a view of which is 
shown on another page, while large and convenient 
barns and other outbuildings embellish the estate. 
He also has a sawmill on his farm, and a cider mill 
and press. He is giving all his attention to mill- 
ing and farming, and success has crowned his 
efforts. He is a Mason of the Knight Templar 
degree, and politically is attached to the Demo- 
cratic party. 

The marriage of our subject took place Decem- 
ber 29, 1859, and he was then united with Rachel 
Hagerman of Northampton County, Pa. She is a 
daughter of John and Adeline (Angle) Hagerman. 
For a fuller history of the Hagerman familj- thg 
reader will consult the sketch of Frank Hager- 
man in this work. Our subject and his wife have 
had three children: Anna Bell, Edward R., and 
William Eugene. The oldest son is clerking in Bir- 
mingham, this county, and the others reside at 
home, and with their parents form an unusually 
happy household. 




INUS D. FINN, a farmer and undertaker 
residing in Royal Oak, was born in St. 
Clair. Mich., March 29. 18C4. His father, 
the Rev. Silas Finn, was born in Dundaff, Susque- 
hanna County, Pa., December 23, 1811. He be- 
ean life for himself at sixteen as a carpenter and 
heliK?d to support his mother and the other children. 
He began to preach in 1841, and as a pioneer preacher 
traveled over Eastern Pennsylvania, doing a great 
deal of missionary work. In 1854 he came to 
St. Clair, Mich., and made extensive trips through- 
out this part of the State, making a wide acquain- 
tance and being highly esteemed by all to whom 
he ministered. He came to Oakland County, 
Mich., in 1869. The grandfather. James Finn, 
was a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer. The 
grandmother, Polly (Wells) Finn, was the daugh- 
ter of James Wells, a Welshman. Her mother 
came from Germany, and to them were born two 






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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



721 



daughters and seven sons, tlieii- son Silas beinj; 
the oldest of the family. 

The father of our subject was married Feb- 
ruary 2, 1834, to Emily Sampson, daugiitcr of the 
Rev. Ezekiel Sampson, of the Baptist Church, and 
a native of Pennsylvania. To SilJis and Emily 
Finn were granted four children. Their mother 
was called away by death March 29, 1855. The 
second marriage of Silas Finn took place Septem- 
ber 14, 1855, when he took to wife Cynthia Eaton 
who was born March 21, 1820, and is the daughter 
of James Eaton, of New York. Her mother was 
Fannie Richards. To Silas and Cynthia Finn were 
born three sons, namely: J. Morris, born Januarj- 
10, 1857; Albert H., June 15, 18C2; and Linus 
D., March 29, 1864. The oldest son is located st 
Ish|)eniing, Mich., where he is the editor of the 
Lake Su|)erior Democrat, and Albert H. is con- 
nected willi the Detroit Eoeniiuj Journal. After 
tlie father made his home in Ro3al Oak in 1871, 
he i)ut between ^2,000 and ^3,000 into the 
bnihling of a Baptist Church at this place, and 
was its pastor for* seven or eight years, after which 
he retired from active life. He has been a Demo- 
crat from fust to last, his first Presidential vote 
having been for Andrew Jackson and his last for 
Cleveland. 

Linus D. Finn has a farm of sevent3'-two acres 
in the village of Royal Oak. October 4, 1883, he 
took to wife Ella E. Starr, of Royal Oak, a daugh- 
ter of David Starr. This young man's Presiden- 
tial vote was cast for Cleveland in 1884, and he 
again sup|)orted hira for the Chief Magistracy in 
1888. He is now a member of the Farmers' Alli- 
ance. He is a member of Lodge No. 377, I. I', 
of A., at Royal Oak. He was the leader in its 
organization and is the Lecturer of the lodge. He 
is a member of C" ''""'' "Pride of Oakland," No. 
2800, A. O. O. F. 

In 18'JO Mr. Finn began the Imsiiiess of an 
undertaker, in Uoyal Oak, and has already ob- 
tained a good trade. He carries a complete line 
of burial cases, robes an<l all accessories of this 
line of business. He prepares bodies for burial by a 
new process without the use of ice, and all liis work 
is done according to the most approved modern 
methods. In 1888 he spent some time at Ishpeming, 



where he held the office of Captain of the Grayling 
Gold and Silver Slining Company, of Ishpeming. 
After being there one year he returned to Royal 
( )ak and at present liUs the office of Village Assessor. 
He has a pleasant home, at which friends are wel- 
come, and where domestic happiness reigns. 






^^?' 



J\ 



ERRY STIMSON, A large and handsome 
) farm-house greets the eye of the traveler 
who is passing through sections 4 and 5 of 
Oxford Township, It is the beautifully lo- 
cated home of the prosperous farmer and stock 
laiser whose name heads this sketch. He was born 
in Monroe County, N. Y., March 27, 1834. His 
father, Joel S., was a Vermont mechanic who 
removed to the State of New York and re- 
sided there for a number of years. Early in the 
'40s he was taken with the Westsrn fever, and in 
184G came to Michigan and located in Brandon 
Township, He did not live to make the most of 
his new home, as he died in 1848, when only 
fifty-six 3'ears old. His wife, Elizabeth Perry, a 
Connecticut woman, died in 1872. Of their [\\<i 
childi'en, three still survive. 

He whose name initiates this sketch attended 
the district school until he w.as twelve years old, at 
which lime his iiarents removed to the West, after 
which his frontier life gave him no school privi- 
leges. At his father's death he was left penniless, 
for although Joel Stimson w.as a man of unusual 
intelligence and a mechanic and inventor of merit, 
yet his confidence in others deprived him of !iis 
property. He was the inventor of the Forcythe 
Scale, which he manufactured heavily, but giving 
large credits, he was forced to the wall in the panic 
of 1837, leaving to bis children onl}' the record of 
a worthy life. 

The subject of this sketch worked out for others 
and earned money by which he managed to pur- 
chase forty acres of land in Metamora Township, 
Lapeer County, How he saved enough to effect 
this purchase while working at $4 a month must 
ever be a puzzler to the modern 3'oung man. He 
continued this manner of work for five years after 



r22 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he came of age, giving liis younger brotliers the 
use of the land he hiul bought. He purchased 
fifty acres more the fail he was twenty-one, and 
rented this out on shares. Subsequently he sold it 
and bought a farm in Saginaw County. He finally 
inircliased land in Elba Township, Lapeer County, 
where he lived and farmed for twenty years. He 
still owns two hundred and seventy-six acres in 
that coiintj'. 

In 1883 this gentleman decided to remove to 
Oakland County and came to Oxford Township on 
New Year's day and purchased a fine farm which 
had been known as the Thomas place. His mar- 
riage to Ellen L Brownell, of Melamora Township, 
Lapeer County, led to a life of more than usual 
domestic happiness. This lady is a daughter of 
E. A. Brownell. a native of New York, who came 
to Michigan many years ago and who died in La- 
peer County in 1888. The eldest child of Perry 
and Ellen Stimson — Elroy by name — was early 
called away from tliis world, but four others make 
home happy for their parents. They are named: 
Fiudley, Emma, IMary and Carrie. He has been a 
Republican since the inception of the party, casting 
his first vote for the first Re|)nblican ticket. 
Hehas been a .Instice of the Peace and has held 
other local offices. 

One hundred antl thirty acres of finely improved 
lan<l forms Mr. Stimson's home farm, and he owns 
in all four hundred and six acres. He has been a 
breeder of Short-horn cattle for several years. In 
his early days he hunted a good deal and was 
fiicndly with the red men, being personally on 
friendly terms vvith many prominent Indians, in- 
cluding the chief, Tapsico. 

Jeremy Stimson, the grandfather of our subject, 
served all through the Revolutionary War, during 
wliich time of conflict he was taken prisoner and 
confineil in an old sugar warehouse in New York 
City. .He had a serious attack of smallpox and 
was given up to die, but with the stubbornness 
which was a prominent characteristic of Revolu- 
tionary heroes, he declined to expire. After his 
recovery he re-eulisted under Commodore Paul 
Jones, and took part in several noted naval engage- 
ments, serving as Captain of one of the ships. He 
was a man of distinction all through thai period. 



and survived to complete his ninety years of hon- 
orable existence. His brave and noble wife out- 
lived him .ind died in her one hundredth j'ear. 
This family is descended from one of three brothers 
of the Stimson name who came from England in 
the early Colonial days. Our subject was an own 
cousin to O. II. Perry. 



"^1 OIIN LESSITER. Among the very promi- 
nent and influential farmers of Orion Town- 
ship, and indeed of the County of Oaklaml, 
we may mention the gentleman whose name 
heads this skeicli. His elegant now home attracts 
the attention and claims the admiration of every 
one who passes through that region. His farm 
shows every mark of the management of a thor- 
ough farmer, and his splendid stock is the pride of 
the township. Short-horn cattle are his speeialt}', 
and in this line he is ihe pioneet breeder in tiie 
State, having been a |)ractical student of lias branch 
of farming for over thirty years. 

Our subject was born in 'Wiltshire, England, 
Jul}' 19, 1827. His father came to America in 
1843, and settled near the village of Orion in Oak- 
land County. He subsequently removed to Kent 
County, where he died in ISitS. He was a devout 
member of the Church of England. His wife, 
Elizabetii, died in England, and he married a second 
time. He is the father of four sons, all of whom 
are living. 

John Lessiter was reared on the farm, and was 
sent to school summer and winter until about 
twelve j-ears of age. His father kept him in a 
boarding school at one time, v.-here he made great 
advancement, as he was verj- apt ift learning. He <li<l 
not come to America with his father, but, wilh an 
older brother, followed the father in 1847. They 
were six weeks in crossing the ocean. He went to 
work b3' the month in Orion Township. In a short 
time he bought his employer's stock and proceeded 
to rent his farm for a term of years. He next 
rented a farm in the western part of the township, 
in partnership with another man. This was to be 
rente<l for three years, but in the meantime he pur- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



723 



cliased liis partner's interest and managed it himself. 
He tlien rc-rentcd it for anotlicr three j'ears. lie pur- 
chased one hundred and twenty acres on section 7 
in 1853. Only thirty acres of tliis had been broken; 
llic remainder of it was all wild land. lie built a 
farm house and began clearing and improving it. 
Mr. Lessiter now found himself prepared to estab- 
lish a home, and on New Year's day of 18y'2 he 
took to wife Nancy Beardslee, who was born in In- 
dependence Township, this county, in 1836. Her 
parents were from New .Jerse}', and were Williaui 
and Lavina (Munson) Beardslee. They came to 
Michigan and settled in Oakland County at an early 
dv}'. They are both now deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lessiter became the parents of six 
clilldren: Libbie, the wife of Albert Hammond, re- 
siding on a farm in Independence Township; Edna, 
wife of Charles Walton, a farmer in Pontiac Town- 
ship; Ida Maj-, Mrs. William Anderson, wife of a 
farmer in Oakland Township; Frank H. and Flo3'(l 
,1., both at home, and Maggie, who died at the age 
of two years and four months. To all these chil- 
dren the parents gave excellent school advantages. 

Our subject has been a Democrat all his life, and 
is a leader among his fellowmen. He is a delegate 
frequently- to county and district conventions, and 
has taken quite an active part in politics. He has 
been Justice of the Peace for eighteen 3ears. and was 
Postmaster of Jersey for thirty years, which posi- 
tion he resigned in 1884. For eighteen j'ears he 
has been an ctlicient member of the .School Board. 
He is now an honored member of the State Agri- 
cultural .Societj-, and has been placed upon the Ex- 
ecutive Committee of that organization. The Oak- 
land County Agricultural Society has felt his 
forming and heli)ing hand for nearly tweiiiy years. 
The confidence which his neighbors have in his 
character and ability has made him administrator 
of a number of estates. He is identiOcd with the 
(irangc, and has been a Mason for over thirtj' years. 

The splendid farm of Mr. Lessiter is known far 
and wide. It comprises four hundred and tliirty- 
six acres of fine land all in an excellent state of im- 
provement. Its three large red barns and Us 
elegant frame residence erected in 1884, attract the 
eye of the traveler. In stock-breeding he is nota- 
ble throughout the State, having begun raising 



and breeding registered Short-horn cattle in 1858. 
He has bred several fine prize winners, and sells 
every year many fine cattle. For some time past 
he has paid considerable attention to the breeding 
of Shropshire sheep. lie started with nothing, and 
is now one of the wealthiest men in the township, 
and at the same time one of the most truly respected 
and influential citizens. Mrs. Lessiter deserves no 
small share of credit for her husband's success. She 
is a woman of .abilitj- and character, and one who 
willingly promotes the good of all in the com- 
munity. 



E^^' 



M 



7OSEPH GIBSON, a resident of Farmington 
Township and an active and enterprising 
farmer, was born in the North of Ireland, 
County Derry, in March, 1806. His father, 
John, and mother, Jane (Erwin) Gibson, were born, 
married and tiled in the old country. When 
twenty-throe years old, young Joseph came to 
America, landing in Phila<lclphia in 1830. He 
engaged himself in work upon a farm in Pennsyl- 
vania until 1853, when he removed to Michigan 
and bought land in Farmington Township, this 
county. This land was partially improved at the 
time of the purchase. Our subject's elder brother, 
James, came to this countiy at the same time with 
him, and they lived together until the death of 
the brother in September last. James was a good 
citizen and neighbor, and is missed by his many 
friends as well as his relatives. 

In 1865 our subject took to himself a wife. The 
lady was Martha Morrison by name, a native of 
Michigan, who was born in Commerce Township, 
this county. He brought his young wife to the 
place where he had made his new home and where 
he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson were granted 
three children, two daughters and one son. The 
eldest daughter, Anna Jane, is tlie wife of John Y. 
Ely, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this 
volume. Mamie E. and TUomas J. both reside at 
home with their parents. 

Mr. Gibson has one hundred and eighty-two 
acres of well-improved land, in an excellent con- 



724 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tlition aiul most of it under cultivation. Upon 
this lie is carrying on a general farming busi- 
ness. His political views .are embodied in tiie 
principles of the Democratic part}-, but in local 
matters lie governs bis vole by a conscientious re- 
gard for tbe necessities of the ofiice and the qualifi- 
cations of tbe man who would fill it. Like thousands 
of North of Ireland peoiile who have come to this 
country, be is a Presbyterian in bis religious belief. 
The subject of this brief notice was a poor man 
when be landed in America, and all be has lie has 
gained bv bis own bard labor and undaunted en- 
terprise. He is a liberal contributor to all good 
and worthy olijects and is ever a promoter of good 
will and justice toward all bis neigiibors and charity 
toward tbe distressed. 



^^EORGE A. McDonald, .an industrious 
1/ ^— , and prudent fanner, owns and occupies a 
^^sJll tract of oije hundred acres in Pontiac Town- 



ship, that was acquired through the zeal and econ- 
omy of liimself and wife. Mr. McDonald was a 
poor boy and worked hard to obtain the education 
that would qualify hira to transact business well, 
and continued his efforts in order to get a good 
home. Krom the day of his marriage he was ably 
a.ssistcd by Mrs. McDonald and they now have a 
pleasant home and a valuable property. Mr. Mc- 
Donald is a native of the township in which he 
lives and was born May 24, 1833. 

Henry W. INIcDonald, father of our subject, was 
born in Amsterdam, Montgomeiy County, N. Y., 
in 1795, and came to this county in 1825. He 
bought a tract of land and took up eight3- acres on 
section 14, Pontiac Township, then returned East 
after his family and arrived with them July 8, 
1827. From Detroit they had traveled with a 
wagon through the mud and around the multitude 
of stumps that then stood in the newl^'-made roads. 
Mr. McDonald built a log house and cut the first 
stick of timber on tbe land he had bouglit, tbe deed 
for which was signed by John Q. Adams. He w.as 
a blacksmitli, and a few months after bis family was 
established here be opened a shoi). He brouglit 



his parents with him, and father and son hired out 
in the harvest field, thus earning their bre.ad, as 
they were poor. The son got two bushels of wheat 
for a day's work and the father half as much. 

During the War of 1812 Henry W. McDon.ald 
was a substitute and was present at Lund}''s Lane. 
He began life by working for ^5 per month, and 
by earnest and frugal living acquired a comfort- 
able property. "When a young man he had charge 
of a blacksmith shop in Amsterdam, N. Y., and 
he also taught vocal music in that State and in 
Michigan. He worked hard to clear his land and 
place it under cultivation, and did wliat he could 
find to do at his trade as well, lie became well 
and favorably known .as an honest. God-fearing 
man. For many years he w.as a member of tbe 
Presbyterian Church. He was a splendid shot and 
enjo3'ed hunting, and once killed seven deer in the 
same number of shots with bis old flint-lock. He 
died June 23, 1883. 

Tbe grandfather of our subject was Nicholas 
McDonald, who was tbe first white ciiild born in 
Amsterdam, N. Y., the j'ear of bis birth being 
1762; he died August 5, 1840. His wife, formerly 
Margaret AVeaver, died in 1846. The mother of 
our subject bore the maiden name of Electa 
Howell, was born in New York, September 12, 1799, 
and became tbe wife of Heniy McDonald in 1819. 
.She died August 3, 1884, strong in the faith of the 
Congreg.ational Church. She had five children, 
four of whom are living. The son of whom we 
write was born May 24, 1833, and during his earl)' 
school days went one mile to the district school. 
The winter before he was eighteen he attended 
school in Lyons, Ionia Count)', doing chores for 
his board and walking two miles. The following 
spring be worked in a sawmill, tending the saw, 
and hauling logs and lumber with three yoke of 
oxen, and during the ensuing season he worked on 
a farm near Rochester. 

At the age of twenty-one years young McDon- 
ald began to farm the homestead, and remained 
there several years. The farm he now owns w.as 
bought by him in November, 1871, a short time 
after his marriage to Miss Hannah L. Kemp. Their 
wedding da)' was January 5, 1871, and the honey- 
moon was passed in Chicago. The bride was born 




^■ 




<~jZ^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



727 



in England May 2, 1845, and carae ' across the 
ocean with her parents, John and Henrietta 
(Mepham) Kemp, in 1849. Her parents resided in 
Pontiac Township and her father now lives in 
Owosso. Her mother died in 1805. In the nine- 
teen years which have passed since her marriage, 
Mrs. McDonald has sold twelve thousand five 
hundred pounds of butter, for which she has re- 
ceived 82,300. 

The family of our subject and his good wife con- 
sists of three bright children, named respectively, 
Helen A., Lulu C. and George L. Mr. McDonald 
is a Democrat and is quite influential in the politi- 
cal affairs of the county. He is a man of temper- 
ance principles, has been a Mason twentj--five years 
and has served his fellow-citizens in public ottiees. 
For many years he acted as Constable and also as 
School Director. He has been Treasurer five j-ears 
and he has two years yet to serve as .luslice of the 
Peace, a capacity in which he has already acted 
seven years. It will thus be seen that he is under- 
stood to possess sturdy- principles and keen intelli- 
gence. 



^^_j^ ON. ELLIOT R. WILLCOX. Among tiie 
members of the bar who are located at 
Pontiac and are well established in prac- 

§^ tice is Mr. Willcox, whose work often in- 
volves large interests and important issues. lie 
practices in local, State and federal courts, and his 
rep\itation is widespread as a good pleader, a wise 
counselor and an able exponent of the principles 
and precedents on which the laws of tlie land are 
basecL He made his preparation for legal work 
in one of the best schools in the land, and has ex- 
ercised his ability in business affairs where his 
knowledge of law h.as been of great value to him- 
self and organizations with whch he was associated. 
For some years he has given his attention exclu- 
sively to his legal work, and he has been retained 
as counsel in some of the most notable cases con- 
ducted in the State, where large property interests 
were involved. 

Mr. Willcox was born in Rochester, Oakland 
Countj-, February 21, 1838, and was the third of 



six children making up the family of Lyman J. and 
Sarah (Somers) Willcox. The father was born 
in New York and was a son of Setluilah Willcox, a 
native of Connecticut and a descendant of English 
ancestors. The mother was born in New Jersej- 
and was a daughter of David Somers, her ances- 
tors being Englisii and German. Lyman .1. Willcox 
removed from Rome, N. Y., Lo Rochester, this State, 
in 1823, and engaged in milling and manufactur- 
ing, and at the same time carried on farming quite 
extensivel}'. He was a prominent factor in the 
early history of the county; he lived to a good old 
age, dying in July, 1885. His wife had departed 
this life in 1875, in her sixtieth year. Of their 
fcimily three only are living — Lyman. Theresa A., 
wife of Archy McMillan, and Elliot R. 

Our subject spent his early years in the place of 
liis nativity, and after acquiring a fundamental 
education prepared for college in the Rochester 
Academy. He then entered the State University 
at Ann Arbor and pursued his studies until his 
graduation in the Literary Department, after which 
he became Principal of the Union School at Roch- 
ester. He subsequently taught school at Alraont, 
Lapeer County, his pedagogical work extending 
over a period of four years. He tlien look up the 
study of law, going to Detroit, where he entered 
the ofllce of W^illcox & Gray, the former being his 
brother L. G. He attended the Law Department 
of the University of Michigan one year and was 
admitted to the bar in Oakland County in 18G9. 

j\Ir. Willcox at once began practice, but having 
a desire for business relations he purchased and 
operated a large farm and also eng.aged in manu- 
facturing. The latter not proving remunerative, 
he let the work rest for a time. In 1871, with a 
company of friends, he organized the Detroit & 
Bay City Railroad Company with a capital of 
82,000,000, and besides this raised 8100,000 by 
local subscription. He also secured the right of 
w.ay and let the contract for the building of the 
road, and the work was completed within two years 
from the organization. Mr. Willcox was made 
Secretary', Attorney and Director of the road. In 
1873 he built and equipped a paper mill at a cost 
of 825,000, which is now in successful operation at 
Rochester and affords him a good rental. 



728 



PORTRAtT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



In 1869 Mr. Willcox was elected a member of 
the House of Hopresenlatives on the Democratic 
ticket and loolv an active part in the discussion of 
different measures brought before that bod^-. He 
introduced the resolution for the admission of 
ladies to the State University, which after being 
amended became a law and oi>ened one of the l)est 
schools in the country to that class. On the ques- 
tion of the legality of taxing townships and mu- 
nicipalities for ihe pur[iose of building railroads, 
Mr. Willcox took a strong stand against such a 
course. In 1877 he was elected State Senator, and 
while in the legislative halls he was a member of 
the Judiciary and other important committees and 
took an active part in the proceedings and leading 
debates of the session. At the expiration of his 
senatorial term lie returned to Pontiac and resumed 
his practice with renewed ardor. 

In the year 187'.) Senator Willcox was married 
to Miss M. Eleanor Price, granddaughter of Daniel 
Duncan, of Rochester, in whose family she made 
her home. She vvas educated at Rochester and De- 
troit, and received careful instruction and guidance 
under the roof of her grandparents, and has the 
charm of manner that makes her a desirable ac- 
quaintance and a popular member of society. Mr. 
and Mrs. Willcox have no children. Their home is 
in a desirable neighborhood, with tasteful surround- 
ings, and is one of the most attractive dwellings in 
the city. The circle that fi'equently gathers there is 
a cultured and reiined one and many enjoyable con- 
versations take place under its roof. Mr. Willcox 
was four years a member of the Democratic .State 
Central Commitlee and is recoguized as one of the 
leaders of the party. 

In every campaign since he became a voter he 
has been active in the ranks and on the rostrum 
for the political principles of his adoption, yet he 
is superior to party prejudice and allows it to have 
no weight in his social and professional relations. 
His varied business and professional experience has 
long ago taught him to .accord to others the same 
enjoyment of opinion he demands for himself. He 
is studious in his profession and has made it a life 
habit to do thorough and systematic reading, both 
professional and miscellaneous. He has a good 
private library, and from that and other sources has 



kept himself abreast with the times upon all current 
topics, especially those pertaining to economic, 
social and political welfare. He is an able and en- 
tertaining speaker, and upon every general subject 
is as ready to hold forth as to talk law to a court 
or facts to a jury. 

A lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Willcox 
aiipears on another page of this volume. 



|I7 EWIS C. D. HAMMOND, M. D., who has a 
I /©) ))rominent [iLacc among the medical prac- 
jJ'-^V , titioners of this county, is living in the vil- 
lage of Clarkston, which is the center of his practice, 
and where he is also associated with his brother in 
the drug business. He is the son of Nathan C<. and 
Sally A. (lialdwin) Hammond, and is a native of 
this county, born March 18, 1855. Prior to his 
twentieth year he lived upon a farm, but he was 
fortunate in having good educational privileges, 
not only stuilying in the district school, but attend- 
ing a high school. He taught one term in Orion 
Township. In the fall of 1880 he went to Detroit 
and entered the olTice of Dr. Book, to take up the 
study of medicine. 

After sullicient preliminary reading young Ham- 
mond attended medical lectures in the Michigan 
College of Medicine three years, and was thus fit- 
ted to pass the requisite examination and receive 
his diploma. He selected the village of Clarkston 
as a good field for his efforts, and here he has built 
up a fine practice. He is possessed of much prac- 
tical ability and so is able to apply his theoretical 
knowledge to good advantage, to make careful diag- 
noses and follow them b^' well-selected remedies. In 
1887 he was happily married to Miss Ida L. Cross 
of Clarkston, and the union has been blessed by the 
birth of a son, Glenn S., whose natal d.ay was Oct- 
ober 7, 1889. Mrs. Hammond is an intelligent, re- 
fined lady, who understands how to make her home 
attractive, and whose social qualities and fine char- 
acter win friends. 

In politics Dr. Hammond is a Democrat and he 
takes quite an interest in the principles and policy 
of his party. He is a member of Cedar Lodge 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r29 



No. 60, F. & A. M., and of Allen-Tent No. 85, K. 
O. T. M., and in the latter is medical examiner. He 
is one of a family of seven children, and his father 
was born in Sussex County, N. J., February 26, 
1813. 

SiS-,^^ 






^m- 




thirty years located in Avon Township, and 
died on his farm there May 11, 1888, at the 
age of sixty, eight years. He was born in Monroe 
County, N. Y., June 6, 1820, and was reared to 
farm life, and when he was ready to begin his 
personal career it was natural that he should adoiH 
the calling which he thoroughly understood. His 
parents were Junius and Betsey (Boyingtou) Parker 
and the former died during the boyhood of cur sub- 
ject. Young Calvin then went to live with an uncle, 
a Mr. Pettengill, near Rochester, N. Y., but in 1834 
accomi)anied his mother to this State and lived with 
a brother-in-law until he had attained his majority. 
He bought property in Shelby Township, this 
county, and occupied the same for a little more than 
twelve months after his marrirge. Mr. Parker then 
bought one hundred twenty acres in Avon Town- 
ship, removed tliereto, and made it his residence 
seven 3'ears, after which he bought near Rochester. 
The farm is now occupied by his widow. It con- 
sists of tliree hundred acres under excellent tillage, 
the buildings being ample for every need. Forests 
and fruit trees lend their beauty to the attractive- 
ness of the scene, and add to the value of the prop- 
erty, and well-fed stock of good grades may be seen 
in the fields. Jlachinerj' of improved models is 
in use. and many arrangraents have been made for 
the proper carrying on of the farm work and the 
comfort of those who reside there. 

Mr. Parker was married August 21, 1845, to 
Maria Lockwood. daughter of Jeremiah and lliin- 
nah (Arnold) Lockwood. She was born September 
8, 1820, in the same county as her husband, but 
from the age of three 3'ears lived in this Stale. 
Her father brought his family hither, and located in 
Washington, Macomb County, and there passed 
the remainder of his life. He died December 11, 
1855, a number of years after the mother of Mrs. 



Parker was called hence, her death having taken 
place March 8. 1836. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker there 
came five children, two of whom awaited their father 
on the other shore. Eliza died in 1864, at the age of 
seventeen years and a half; Franklin lived to be 
thirty-two years old, and then died in 1881. The 
living children are Beticy, wife of AVilliam Bisiiop, 
who, with her two children — Parker and Alice — 
lives with her widowed mother; Hannah, wife of 
Charles Adams of Detroit; and Cy renins, who is a 
resident of Avon Township. 

Mr. Parker was agood citizen, carrying on his af- 
fairs without interfering with those around him, 
and discharging the duties that pertain to all who 
are interested in the general welfare in the same un- 
assuming anil reli.'ible way. As a husband and par- 
ent he was kind and indulgent, and by the gcueral- 
it3' of the citizens of the county' in which he had 
become so well known he was respected according 
to his merits. 



'JOSEPH P. COON. Among the men who 
have reaped so good a reward for their in- 
dustrious and well-directed efforts in the 
line of agricultural work as to enable them 
to retire with a competence, is the gentleman above 
named, who has a pleasant home in the beautiful 
little town of Orion. He retired thither after hav- 
ing spent twenty-seven years on a farm on section 
25, Orion Township. He still retains the deed to 
his estate, which consists of one hundred and twelve 
.acres of good land, well improved and fitted for 
habitation, as beseems this section of country-. 

Mr. Coon is a grandson of Joseph Coon, a native 
of Old Virginia, who was a Revolutionary soldier 
and endured the privation of the winter at Valley 
F'orge with Gen. AVashington. He was a partici- 
l)ant in the battles of Brandywine and Trenton and 
was wounded during the latter. The Coons are of 
German descent, and the patronymic now borne by 
the family is an Americanized rendering of the 
original name, wliich was spelled Kuhn. The fam- 
ily was established in this country in 1680. 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Is:iac D. Coon, fallier of our subject, was born 
in Now York in 1807, and died in tins eouiUy in 
188L He came liillier in 1833, driving an ox- 
team from Detroit, and made Ids home in Inde- 
pendence Townslaip, biij'inji: laud on wliicli stood 
a partly completed log bouse. He finislied tlie 
building and occupied it ten years. He .added to 
the land he purchased, bringing up his farm to the 
extent of two hundred and forty acres, partly en- 
tered from the C4overnment. He liad but limited 
means when he came here, but was quite successful 
in life. He held various townsliip oflices. His wife, 
who was born in Tompliins C'ountj*, N. Y., in 1811, 
bore the maiden name of Susan Yoorhees. She died 
October 19,1841. She bore him three children, 
two of whom arc now living. 

The subject of this biograpliical notice w.as born 
in Monroe County, N. Y., November 14, 1832, and 
his earliest recollections are of the woods of Mich • 
igan, to which he was brought when an infant. 
Indians camped near his fatlier's liouse and game 
abounded in the woods. When old enough to at- 
tend school the lad studied in the old log school- 
house of tlie traditional type, and as soon as he was 
able began lielping liis father to clear and otherwise 
improve the farm. lie worked at home until the 
spring of 1858, when he bought tlie farm land he 
now owns and took up his work thereon. He had 
been married two years before to Miss Susan E. 
Roe, who was born in Sussex County, N. J., August 
24, 1836, and accompanied licr parents to this 
county in 1852. She is one of a family of nine 
children born to Joseph and Kmcline (ISisiiop) Roe, 
live of whom survive. Her parents were natives 
of Orange County-, N. Y., and after coming West 
made their home in Independence Township, this 
county. Mr. Roe died Februar}- 17, 188G, at the 
age of four-score and two jears, and Mrs. Roe 
breathed her last October 10. 1890, at the age of 
eighly-eight years. 

Mr. Coon is quite prominent in Democratic circles 
in Orion Townshii>. He has been Supervisor, Treas- 
urer, Highway Commissioner, School inspector and 
Constable, and is now President of the Common 
Council of Orion. Since 1876 he has been a Direc- 
tor in the Island Park Association of Orion, which 
has made this place popular as a summer resort, 



and for six years he has been President. Socially, 
he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees. 
He is a sound man, financially and morally, and is 
held in high esteem by the best citizens. 



■*>A< ( • ■ 



— ♦♦-Vv-^ 




LEXANDER SOLTS, a retired farmer and 
a well-known and highly respected citizen, 
I 1* residing in Royal Oak Township, was born 
June 6, 1822, in County Down, Ireland. 
His father. Alexander, was born there about 1790, 
and engaged in farming and the manufacture of 
linen. Coming to .\merica in 1850, he emigrated 
at once to Ro}'al Oak Townslii|), Oakland County, 
and bought a farm of eighty acres on section 2. 
His wife, Ann McBride, was born in 1800, in the 
same county as her husband, and was the daughter 
of Joscjili and Agues (Ellison) McB^-ide. The 
parents of our subject were married in their native 
home in 1819. To them twelve children were born, 
namely : Margaret, deceased ; Alexander, Agnes, 
Joseph; Ellen and Margaret, deceased ; William, 
Eliza J., deceased; Samuel; Mary Ann, deceased; 
Robert, and Eliza J., deceased. 

The subject of this sketch attended school for 
several years in County Down, Ireland, and iu 
1839 he came to Philadelphia, and remaining there 
two years in the einploj- of his uncle Robert, made 
his first beginning in the new world. He spent one 
year in New Orleans and then returning to Phila- 
deli)hia for a year, decided to go Soutii again. His 
second stay in New Orleans lasted for five years. 
While there he had the yellow fever and was for 
some time in Stone Hospital. Mr. Solts returned 
to Philadelphia in the summer of 1845 and arranged 
for his wedding, which took place October 12 of 
that year. His bride was Sarah E. Carey, daugh- 
ter of Robert Care^-, of Easton, Pa. The young 
couple remained in Philadelphia for a number of 
years and to them were born two sons and two 
daughters, namely: Robert A., who was born Sep- 
tember 12, 1846, and now resides in Genesee 
County, Mich.; Wilfield S., born April 1, 1851. who 
resides in Iowa; Jane E. (dece.ased), born April 4, 
1857; Mary J., bori^ April 26, 1859, now the wife 






y^u^^A-i^ /% 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



733 



of Alouzo S. Merrill, and residing on Biigley Ave- 
nue, Detroit. 

The geiit'ieicaii of whom we write came to Micli- 
igaii in 185-2 and took land whi(.-li was partially im- 
proved, in Royal Oak Township. His good wife died 
in 1882, and in October, 1885, his second marringe 
took place with Mrs. Mary E. Battle. Tliis lady 
was born June4, 1832, in Redford. Wayne County. 
Mich., and is the daughter of David and Maria 
(Harmon) Lowe, natives of New York. She had 
been the mother of two cliildren by her first mar- 
riage, one of whom is living — James Battle, of 
Venice, Mich. 

]\Ir. Solts' political sympathies are with the Re- 
publican party. He was originally a Whig and 
cast bis first Presidential vote In the year 1844. 
His last ballot was for Benjamin Harrison. He 
has been Superyisor and Treasurer of his township 
a number of times. He has been for many years a 
Trustee of the United Presbyterian Church, of 
which he and ids intelligent and worthy wife are 
prominent members. Mr. Solts has one hun(bed 
and sixty acres of land under excellent cultivation 
and his home is an unusually pleasant one. 



-»*>'- 



-o»o-^y^.<^^-o*o.. 




N. Y. 



^\ ELVIN D. SLY, of Poutlac, was born in 
thetownsliii) of Bloomfleld, April 27, 1853, 
and is the oldest son of John B. Sly. The 
latter was born In Elmira, Chemung County, 
May 13, 1823, and was the son of Jacob and 
Susan (Bennett) Sly, of Dutch descent. The 
mother of our subject was Almlra D. Drake, born 
March 20, 1833, in SouthSeld Township, Oakland 
County. She Is a daughter of >Ielvin Drake, a 
native of Massachusetts, who came to Oakland 
County, October 11, 1830, and ended his days 
here. 

John B. Sly, the father of our subject, came to 
Oakland County in 1823, and engaged in general 
farming. He and his wife are botli living, hale and 
hearty, and reside in Pontlac. Of their three chil- 
dren, only two now survive : Charles B. and Melvin 
D., our subject, who spent his sciiool days in his 
native county and for a while attended school in 



Birmingham. Later he went to Kingston, Pa., 
where he entered Wyoming Seminary and studied 
(or one year. He next returned to the farm and 
remained under the parental roof until he reached 
the age of tvventy years, when he entered the [lino- 
rles and was engaged there for a while. Returning 
to this county and purchasing a farm in 1878, he 
continued in this line of work until 1889, when he 
was elected Registrar of Deeds and served in this 
capacity for two years. Retiring from his office 
he devoted himself to his private business affairs. 

Our subject was married October 16, 1879, to Miss 
Fannie, daughter of Joseph and JIary Ann Picker- 
ing, natives of England. Mrs. Sly was born in 
Southfield Township, this couutj'. Her parents 
came to this country from their native land some 
j'ears ago. Mr. and Mrs. Sly have one daughter, 
Bessie E. Mr. Sly Is a member of the Birinlngham 
lodge No. 44, F. & A. M.; the Birmingham Chapter 
No. 93, R. A. M.; ibe Pontiac Coninianderj-No. 2; 
and Council No. 3, R. S. (fc M. He is also identi- 
fied with the Mosletn Temple N. M. S. at Detroit, 
and the Pontlac Lodge No. 3, I. O. 0. F. He also 
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is a member 
of the Cass Lake Aquatic Club. He has a fine 
farm of one hundred and three acres in Southfield 
Township, well improved and in a highly culti- 
vated state, besides two other smaller farms In the 
county. He Is a member of the firm of J. S. Stockwell 
& Co., prominent dry goods merchants of Pontiac. 
At his pleasant residence No. 3G9 North Saginaw 
Street, he and his estimable wife dis|)enso hospital- 
ity to their friends. Politically he is a stanch 
Republican. 

The attention of the reader Is invited to the 
lithographic portrait of Mr. Sly presented on another 
page. 

o<rx> 



LMON STARR, manufacturer of brick and 
@iyll tile, is located on section 8, Royal Oak 




Township. He started his brick yard and 
tile factory here in 18GG, and In connec- 
tion with the business property he has one hundred 
acres of well-improved land on which he resides. 
His dwelling, which is constructed from brick 



734 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



burned by himself, was built in 1868, and cost 
about *5,000. It is connected by telephone with 
that of his son, who is his partner in business, and 
who has a tasteful brick residence which cost 
$2,000. About ten thousand rods of tile is manu- 
factured annually by the Messrs. Starr, and brick 
in proportion. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Vine Starr, a native of Conneciicut and one of the 
earliest settlers in Rochester, this State, where he 
carried on the manufacture of cow-bells. His son, 
Orson, father of Alnion, was born in New York in 
1803, and followed the same business as himself. 
Orson Starr married Rhoda Gibbs, a native of New 
York, whose fatlier, Benjamin Gibbs, was born in 
Connecticut and was a farmer. The marriage was 
solemnized in 1827, and in 1831 the worthy couple 
removed to this State, locating on section 9, Royal 
Oak Township. Mr. Starr built a log house, cut- 
ting the logs and doing all the work himself. He 
lived with his family- in a little old shop until the 
house was finished, and he then used the shop for 
its legitimate purpose, his manufacturing busine?s. 
He breathed his last April 23, 1873, nearly a decade 
after his wife had been borne to the tomb, tlie date 
of her death being .September 8, 1863. Their fnm- 
il}' consisted of four daughters and six sons, and 
our subject is the first born. 

Almon Starr was three years old wlien he came 
to this State, liaving been born in Richmond, On- 
tario County. N. Y., September 10, 1828. He went 
to school in a primitive log building in Royal Oak 
Township, and the teacher who guided his early 
studies is still living, Mrs. Blunt, an aged lady 
well known in this locality. He learned to make 
cowbells, and was taken into partnership with his 
father when he was twenty-one years old. He 
worked at the business until 1866, hut in 1853 es- 
tablished his home on section 4. and started in his 
piesent business at his present location. 

February 22, 1853, Mr. Starr was married to 
Miss Nancy Quick, second of three children born 
to Dennis H. and Nancy M. (Perrin) Quick. Her 
father came to this State in 1825, and died here at 
the advanced age of eighty-three years. Her 
mother, who was a native of New York, died wiien 
fifty years old. Mrs. Starr was born in Royal Oak 



Township, September 1, 1831. They have had four 
children — Edwin, Eva, Rhoda and Lydia. The 
Last named died in infancy, and Rhoda, who was 
born in 1861, breathed her last Februar^^ 1, 1884: 
Eva was born in 1857 and died in September, 1887; 1 1 
she was the wife of George B. Walter, of Clarkston, 
and left a little child, Sidney, who is being reared by 
his maternal grandparents. Edwin Starr, the only 
son of our subject, was born April 30, 1854. He 
w.as married May 7, 1873, to Mary Salisbury-, a 
native of England, who was born in 1853, and was 
three years old when she came to this State. The}' 
have an interesting famil3'of eight children, named 
resi)ectively: Minnie, George, -John, William^ 
Clara, Rhoda, Arthur and Allen. 

Our subject has firm faith in the uadorlying 
principles of Republicanism, and supports the partj' 
with his voice and vote. He was at one time 
Treasurer of Roj'al Oak Township, but is not given 
to public service. He belongs to Birmingham 
Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M. He is devoted to the 
interesis of his famil3-, stanch in his friendships, 
and honorable in his dealings, and he is justly' es- 
teemed b}' his acquaintances. 



#-^- 




,ATHAN A. CLAPP. This name is familiar 
to manj' of our readers, particularly those 
who are intereslt-d in agriculture and stock- 
breeding, as he who bears it has for a number of 
years been om of the prominent workers in these 
lines in Lyon Townshi|). His home is on section 
13, wheri' he has two hundred acres of land, one 
hundred and Ihirt^^ of whicli are under good im- 
provement. He keeps thoroughbred stock for sale, 
all being registered. For eighteen j-ears he has 
been raising Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs, 
and during the past few j-ears he has also bred 
Shropshire sheep; the sheep are not registered. He 
has much of the spirit of progress and the unflag- 
ging energy which are moving principles among 
the Americans of to-day, and his work is being 
pushed forward systematically. 

The great-grandfather of our subject, Joshua 
Ciapp, was the fifth in the direct line from Joshua 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



735 



Clapp, who landed in Boston about 1630, coming 
direct from England. The family made the New 
England States their home until the present cen- 
tury, and the name is still known in the East. The 
grandfather of our subject was another Joshua 
Clapp, who was born in Connecticut in 1750, and 
when about of age, married. His wife died within 
a decade, leaving hira with four children. Two 
years after her decease, he was united with Mary 
Lawrence, daughter of John Lawrence, a Major in 
the Revolutionary Army, and a resident of KiU- 
ingly. Conn. This union was blest by the birth of 
five daughters and three sons, the lifth of whom 
was Zalmon. Joshua Clapp was a combmaker, 
farmer and music teacher. 

Zalmon C'lajjp was born in Connecticut, October 
9, 1810, and in 1817 went to New York with his 
father. He lived in diflferent places in that State 
until 1805, when he came West and established his 
home in Lyon Township, this county. Hero he 
bought one liundjcd and sixty acres of partly im- 
proved land. He w.as a carpenter as well as 
farmer. Li 1837 he was married to Elizabeth 15. 
Ross, a native of Otsego County, N. Y., born May 
5, 1819. Her parents were Joseph and Abigail 
(Clark) Ross, and her father was of hish descent, 
and her mother a native of Connecticut. She was 
the eldest of their three children. Her mother died 
in 1831, and the next year her father married Mar- 
garet Buchanan, of Otsego County. Zalmon and 
Elizabeth Clapp had four children, and the young- 
est is the subject of this biographical notice. The 
only other survivor is Lottie, wife of William Hug- 
gins, of Montcalm County. Mr. and Mrs. Zalmon 
Clapp have acted the part of father and mother to 
two-boys besides their own children, Luther Far- 
num and James Wilson, the former living in Chi- 
cago, and the latter still with the family. 'I'he 
parents were Methodists in religious faith, and the 
father was a Whig, and later a Repul)lican in pol- 
itics, although his first vote was cast with tlie 
Democrats, for Andrew Jackson. 

The subject of this notice was born in Chautau- 
qua County, N. Y., October 9, 1847. His first 
educational work was done in the district school, 
and he took a higher course of study in the acad- 
emy at Ellington. Shortly before the completion 



of the course he accompanied his parents to this 
State, and for several years he was on the farm, 
working with his father. Tlie property was then 
rented for three years, and our subject spent that 
period as traveling correspondent for the Michi(jan 
Farmer. He then returned to the farm and has 
since given his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
In 1872 he bought forty acres on section 13, Lyon 
Township, and in later years increased his holding 
of leal dstate as circumstances made desirable. 

In 1871 Ml'. Clapp was married to Miss Ilattie 
E. Johnson, daughter of tlie Rev. Oliver Johnson, 
of Harmony, Chautauqua County, N. Y. Her 
mother's mtiidon name was Mary Wood, and the 
family of which she was the eighth member, in- 
cluded nine sons and daughters. She was born 
February 26, 1848, in Ellington Township, Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y. She was the subject of affec- 
tionate care and judicious training, and is a capable 
woman, of fine character. She belongs io che Free 
Will Baptist Church. Her father was one of seven 
sons, five of whom entered the Christian ministry. 
His mother was deaf and dumb. 

Mr. Clapp is a stanch Republican, and has been 
an earnest worker for the party of his choice, and 
served as delegate to county and State conventions. 
He began his political career as a voter for V . S. 
Grant. He has been Justice of the I'eaco, and is, 
in liis official capacity as in private life, a lover of 
law and order, and a worker for that end. lie is 
now serving his second term as Director of the Lin- 
coln Club, of Oakland County, and he was the first 
Vice-President of the Second District for that or- 
ganization. 



"^OHN H. SNOW. Among the men who are 
keeping up the standard of the agricultural 
class in this count}', may well be mentioned 
/ Mr. Snow, who is farming on section 13, 
Bloomfield Township. He was born in Birminf- 
ton, September 13, 1843, and lived there until he 
had entered his teens. His parents then moved 
onto what is now known as the Rundle faim, and re- 
mained there until 1865, when they removed to the 
farm of their son, our subject, and spent tlieir last 



736 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



days with him. He bad received a common-school 
education, and when ready to begin life for him- 
self, had followetl the bent of his minil, wiiich led 
him to become a farmer. He now has two hun- 
dred and twenty-five acres of land, two hundred of 
which is in a high state of cultivation. Besides 
marketing first-class crops, Mr. Snow is raising 
some thoroughbred sheep and a high grade of 
horses and cattle. 

Alonzo Snow, fallier of our subject, was born in 
Massachusets, and came to this State in 1832. Prior 
to that time he had spent a score of years in Roches- 
ter, to which his parents removed when he was 
twelve years old. After a few weeks sftjourn in 
Ypsilanti he walked to Birmingham, this county, 
where for a number of years he was engaged in the 
manufacture of fanning-mills with his father-in- 
law, John W. Hunter. He took no interest in poli- 
tics other than to gain an intelligent understand- 
ing of questions of the ilay, and he always voted a 
Republican ticket. He was a member of the Odd 
Fellows fraternity. He died February H, 1883, at 
the age of seventy-three years, his natal day hav- 
ing been December 25, 1810. 

Alonzo Snow married Sarah A. Hunter, who was 
born in Detroit, but reared in this county, her par- 
ents, John \V. and Margaret Hunter, having taken 
up the first quarter-section of land in Bloomfield 
Township, where the village of Birmingham is now 
located. Mr. Hunter carried on a foundry there, 
manufacturing thresiiing machines and fanning- 
mills for many years. He died in W.iterford Town- 
ship, this county, several years after his wife liad 
breathed her last in Birmingliam. Mrs. Snow died 
in 1872, at the age of flflythree years. She had 
had seven children, but two of whom lived to years 
of maturity, John H. and Emily, the latter the wife 
of M. G. Shutes, of Birmingham. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, 
was married October 13, 18G9, to Miss Emily E. 
Miller, of Bloomfield. She was born here June 28, 
1848, and is a daughter of Abram and Margaret 
(Traphagen) Miller, the former of whom came to 
this county in 1829. ]Mr. and Mrs. Snow have but 
one child, a daughter, Mina A., a charming miss, 
now fifteen years old. Mr. Snow has held some of 
the minor township offices. lu politics he is a Re- 



publican. His social qualities and kindly feeling 
find some outlet in the work of the Masonic order, 
to which he belongs, but more in individual pro- 
jects. He is respected as an honest man, good 
farmer and reliable citizen. 

<if]OHN K. ADAMS, a life-long farmer, whose 
pleasant residence and fine farm of two hun- 
dred and sevent^'-six acres is located in 
Bloomfield Township, was Ijorn in South- 
field Townsliip, this county, February 1, 1844. 
His parents, Reuben and Emily O. (Tyler) Adams, 
natives of Livingston County, N. Y., and Hart- 
ford, Conn., respectively, came to Michigan earl^- 
in the 40's, and two years afterward were united 
in wedlock in Southfield, which they made their 
home. 

William Adams, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a man of means, and owned a large tract of 
land near Livonia Center, Livingston County, 
N. Y. Reuben Adams has been a farmer all his life, 
and is now the wealthiest man in Southfield Town- 
ship, and the wealthiest farmer in the county. He 
started with limited means, and his pluck, push and 
perseverance have given him a splendid financial 
success. He has not, however, neglected higher 
matters in the pursuit of riches, but is a man of 
broad and thorough information, and has kept u|) in 
his reading with the affairs of the world. He is a Uni- 
versalist in his religious belief, and a Democrat in 
politics, and has held several town offices. He is a 
stock-holder in the First National Bank at Pontiac, 
where he has been Vice-President. He had five chil- 
dren, namely: Charlotte, William W., John K., 
Julia and Arabella. 

Our subject, John K., was reared in Southfield on 
the old homestead, and received a common-school 
education. Besides the splendid farm which he has 
in Bloomfield and Southfield Townships, he also 
owns eiglitj' .icres six miles north of Grand Rapids, 
ninety-eight lots on South Division Street, Grand 
Rapids, and valuable property in Oxford, Birming- 
ham and Detroit, and four brick stores in Saranac, 
Mich. Like his father, he is a Democrat in his 



II 



PORTRAIT AND BIOURAPHIGAL ALBUM. 



737 



political views. His home is one of the most de- 
ligiitfiil in tlie township. He is raising a good 
grade of stock, and has about forty-three acres of 
his land in Orchard. 

An event of great importance in the life of our 
subject, took place February 15, 1870. It was his 
marri.age with Julia C. Dustin, of Perrysburg, 
Ohio. She is a daughter of Dr. Nathaniel and 
Hannah (Smith) Dustin. Dr. Dustin was a native 
of Connecticut, and was a physician and druggist 
at Perrysburg, where he ended his days. His wife 
was a native of Pennsylvania. She still survives, 
and is passing her later years with her daughter, 
Mrs. Adams. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Adams have eight 
children: Emily J., Mabel C, Fred, Nellie, Reu- 
ben, Grace, Charlie and Margie. Both parents and 
children unite in an endeavor to make liome the 
happiest place on earth. 



4-^ 



1-J- 



<^ C. PREDMORE, a merchant of Orion, and 
one of the true-hearted and active citizens 
of tiiat place, was born in Sussex County, 
N. Y., June G, 1837. His father, Larson, 
was a native of the same country, where lie fust saw 
the ligiil in 1812. He came to ^Micliigan in 1849, 
and hoiiglit a farm in Orion Township. Tliere he 
lived and operated this farm until in 1866, when 
he retired from active work. He died April 15, 
1891. 

The grandfather, Joshua Predmore, was a native 
of New Jersey, whence he came to Micliigan in 
1850, and resided iiere until his deatli in Brandon 
ill 1855. The family is of English descent. The 
mother of our s\ibjoct, Plioebe Maxwell, was born 
in 1815, and died in 1883. Slie waseveran earnest 
and active meml)er of the Congregational Church. 
Tliis wortliy couple were the parents of two (children, 
one son and one daughter. The sister of our sub- 
ject was tlie wife of Naman J. Ingersoll, and died 
in Alabama, in 1890. 

Mr. Predmore, the only son of tlie family, 
received the greater part of his education in log 
schoolhouses which were furnished with slab seats. 
This schooling was supplemented in the case of our 



subject by attendance at the academy at Romeo, 
during 1856 and 1857. He remained on the farm 
until he was twenty 3'ears of age. In the fall of 
1857 he accepted a position in a store at Romeo, 
with J. D. Standish. After six months with him 
he returned to the farm, but the following spring 
he moved to Romeo and purchased a livery estab- 
lishment. He carried it on for one year, and in the 
spring of 1859 he joined an e.xpedition of sixteen 
men to go to Pike's Peak. The}' went with ox- 
teams and traveled fourteen hundred miles that 
summer. He spent two montlis in prospecting. In 
the summer of 1860 he decided to go to farming, 
and operated his father's farm. 

The young man was not to remain long in peace- 
ful pursuits. The Civil War broke out, and the 
President called for troops. He enlisted .Septem- 
ber 23, 1861, in the Eighth Michigan Infantry, 
under Col. Fenton. They were sent to Wilming- 
ton Island, next, to Ft. Pulaski, then on to James 
Island, in sight of Charleston. They then joined 
the Arm}' of the Potomac and were engaged in the 
second battle of Bull Run, Chantilly, and South 
Mountain. Here he received a wound from a shell, 
and was sent to Findley Hospital, at Washington. 
After about a year he was transferred to the vet- 
eran Reserve Corps. When he had been in it a 
year he made an application for a commission in 
that corps. He passed the examination and was 
appointed by Lincoln Second Lieutenant, and was 
confirmed by the Senate. He served on I'rovost 
duty in Washington until the close of the war. 
He was at the theater about Ufteen minutes after 
President Lincoln was shot there. His detail of 
guard was placed on duty at the west entrance of 
the White House that day. He was present at the 
execution of Wirz, who is so universally execrated 
as the keeper of Andersonville prison. He was or- 
dered home at the close of the war in the fall of 
1865 to await orders. 

In the spring of 1866 our subject was sent to Little 
Hock and given the district of Desha County, with 
headquarters at Napoleon as Provost Marshall. He 
was mustered out of service January 1, 1868. He 
came home and engaged in the mercantile business, 
at which he has continued until the present time. 
In 1874 Mr. Prediuorc chose as his wife Sarah, 



738 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



(laughter of Stephen anrl Harriet (Eramons) 
Tinker, of riyniouth, Mich. Mrs. rredinore was 
born in 1852, her father was from New York, and 
both parents are still living. One child, Frank, 
born June 24, 1883, was the result of this union. 
Mr. Predraore is a Democrat in his politics, and lias 
served as .Justice of the Peace, President of the 
village, Sciiool Inspector, and Recorder. lie is 
often a delegate to County, District and Stale Con- 
ventions, and ha.s been on the School Board for ten 
years. He is a Knight of the Maccabees and has 
been a Mason for twenty-five years. Both lie and 
bis excellent companion arc earnest and active 
members of the Congregational Church. He has 
carried an excellent line of merchandise and deals 
largely in farm produce. During the past fifteen 
years he lias shipped from seventy-five to one hun- 
dred car-loads of produce each year. Until quite 
recently lie also carried on a cooper shop. Mr. 
Predmorer is universally esteemed for his manly 
character, his business abilities and his war rccoid. 



■^"-'^^'"^ ^ 




^ .' LBKRT W. CAMPBELL. The i)rosi)erily 
Hg/uH of those who have labored in any arduous 
occupation, is a source of pleasure to their 
^^^ friends and well-wishers, anil when such 

success is given to a j'oung man that he can retire 
from business, it is confidently expected that after 
a season of rest he will make a wider and dee|)ei- 
mark in the world. The gentleman above named 
was formerly engaged in agricultural work, but in 
July, 1890, sold his land and removed to Birming- 
ham, buying seventeen acres, where he now lives. 
This tract is being laid out in town lots, and adorned 
bj- handsome shade trees put out on both sides of 
the street, while the streets are being graded, and 
altogether this will be found a lovely place for a 
residence. The plat embraces sixty-two lots. His 
former farm was eighty acres in extent, and was 
disposed of for $12,500, being purchased for the 
town site of Urban Rest. Mr. Campbell has a 
lovely home on Maple Avenue, furnished with 
quiet elegance and abounding in corqforts, while 
luxuries arc not unknown. 



Mr. Campbell is one of tiie native-born citizens 
of this county, and belongs to a family whose his- 
tory is included in the sketch of Dr. John L. Camp- 
bell. He was born in Oakwood, April 6, 1855, and 
is a son of Welcome and Mary J. (Cheney) Carai)- 
bell. lie was reared on his father's farm in Royal 
Oak Township, and received but a common-school 
education, but as the schools of this section are ex- 
cellent, this was sufficient to fit him for the duties 
which la3' before him in business transactions. He 
remained with his father until he was of age, then 
settled on a tract of land received from bis parent, 
and followed farming until the property was chosen 
bj' the Cincinnati Syndicate for the site of their 
new summer resort. Since he removed to the vil- 
lage Mr. Campbell has not eng.aged in any busi- 
ness, but is waiting for a favorable opening, and 
taking time to make a wise choice. 

June 7, 1877, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss 
Martha Lee, of Odessa, Count}- Lenox, Ontario, 
Canada. She was born in that place, being a daugh- 
ter of Daniel and Zilpah (Randolph) Lee, by whom 
she was carefully reared and well educated. Hus- 
band and wife belong to the Methodist p]piscopal 
Church, and Mr. Campbell is connected with the 
Foresters and the Knights of the Maccabees. 
They have two children, Zilpah J. and Daniel W. 
Mr. Campbell is a member of the Republican party. 
He is a well-informed, courteous gentleman, active 
and enterprising, and capable of making good use 
of the means at his disposal. 



'>-*>-*: 



■^^>^^^^fi^f^^^--^ 




AN'ID WILSON, one of the most enter- 
)ij prising j'oung farmers in this section of 
the State, is located on section 20, Lj-on 
Township. He is a native of this town- 
ship, born Afiril 25, 1866. His early education 
was obtained in the common schools, and he sup- 
plemented the course of study by a year's attend- 
ance at the State Normal School in Ypsilanti. In 
1887 he went to California and worked a j-ear, and 
in 1889, after his return from the coast, he bought 
half of the farm on which he is now living. His 
property is naturally productive, and has been so 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



739 



improved as to add to its intrinsic value, and a 
very satisfactory income is derived from the sale 
of tlie crops and stock raised thereon. Sir. Wil- 
son has mucli of the spirit of progress tliat animates 
the present generation, and he is ambitious to ex- 
cel in his work and get out of the old ruts when- 
ever a better path opens up before him. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
George W. Wilson, who was born in Seneca 
County, N. Y.. in 1814, and in 1836 was married 
to Maria Nevis. That lady was born in New York 
in 181 'J. The year of their marriage the good 
couple came to Salem, this State, and bought one 
liundrcd and sixty acres of land upon which they 
lived until 18G8. Tliey then went to Missouri and 
bought a farm, but after operating it five or six 
years, traded for an hotel at Walled Lake, this 
county. They carried on tlie hotel a few years, 
then traded it for a farm in Southtield Township. 
Their present home is at Walled Lake, however. 
Their family, which comprises six daughters and 
five sons, has never been broken into by death. 

The eldest son and second child in the family 
above mentioned, is James, who was born in Salem, 
Washtenaw County, this Stale, July 26, 1840, and 
in 1863 established his own home. That year he 
married Cornelia Gage, second child of David and 
Melinda (Brown) Gage, who came hither from 
New York. To them have been born one daugliter 
and four sons, of whom our subject is the second 
child and eldest son. In 1864 James Wilson bought 
eighty acres in Genesee County, and lived thereon 
two years, after which ho traded it for a farm in 
Green Oak and was there one year. lie then 
came to Lyon Township, this county, and bought 
one luindred and Iwentj' acres on sections 19 and 
20, and in 1887 he purchased two hundred and 
sixty acres, a part of which is now occupied by tiie 
son of whom we write. 

In September, 1890. David Wilson was mar- 
ried to Miss Milly Hodgeman, daughter of William 
AY. and Rozella (.Spring) Hodgeman. The family 
of whicli Mrs. Wilson was the youngest member 
included also one son and two otiier daughters. 
She w.as born Sejitember 30, 1868, lias a good edu- 
cation and a Cliristian character, being a member 
of the Metliodist Church, with whicli Mr. Wilson 



is also identified, and in which he fills the stations 
of Steward and Class-Leader. Mr. Wilson takes 
little part in political affairs, but belongs to the 
Prohibition party. 



-^^ 



PLI S. WOOSTER is one of the farmers of 
Bloomfleld Township, who was early inured 
(Wjrrj ^ to the cares and labors of farm life, and who 
from early boyiiood has struggled to attain the 
prosperity which is now his. He was born in Liv- 
ingston County, N. Y., near Geneseo, September 
25, 1826, and is tlie son of Ilenman W. and Ruth 
(Hungcrford) Wooster. The father was born in 
Vermont and the mother in Connecticut. Their 
marriage took place in Livingston County, N. Y., 
and they came to Michigan in 1829, and settled on 
a tract of land at Big Beaver in Troy, this county, 
which he took up from the Government. 

In September, 1829, Henman Wooster sold his 
farm in Troy and bought one in Southfield from 
the Government. This is the land now owned bv 
Frank Youngs and his son Alvin. He had not 
fairly got his farm work started when his health 
failed. For thirty years, and indeed, until the day 
of his death, he was partially laid aside from active 
work by ill health. His wife died at the home of 
his son Eli. The Wooster family came from En"-- 
l.and, the great-grandfather being an Englishman 
and settling in Virginia in Coloni.al d.ays. The 
maternal grandi)arents were also of English origin 
and came from that country to New England. 

The parents of our subject were earnest and use- 
ful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Only two of their children arrived at the age of 
maturity, these being Eli S. and Alvin II. The 
latter is a farmer in Southfield Township, this 
county. Owing to the father's illness the cares of 
the farm fell upon the eldest bo}-. At the early 
age of nine years he sowed ten acres of wheat, and 
from that time on he had the management of the 
old homestead, until the spring of 1858, when he 
sold his interest in the farm anil bought one hun- 
dred and sixty-five acres where he now lives, and 
where he has ever since resided with the exception 



740 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of three j-ears which he passed in the village of Bir- 
niingbam. He had the care of his father and mothrr 
until thej' died, and faitlifully supported and cher- 
ished them during their illness. When the old 
farm was sold he bid it in, and this land together 
with what he had previously purchased makes one 
of the finest farms in the county, lie also owns 
some very desirable property in Birmingham. All 
that he possesses he has acquired by dint of liard 
work, economy-, and devotion to business. He is 
Republican in his political views, l)ut pays little 
attention to politics. He is a member of the Ancient 
Free and Accepted Masons, having taken a I\Lister's 
degree at Birmingham. 

In 1850 Mr. Wooster ivas married to JMiss 
Martha Nixon of SouthGeld Township, this county. 
She was a daughter of William Nixon and was born 
in Southfield in 1832. Her death occurred in 1858. 
Six children have been granted to this union, 
namely : Arzina, Alzerna, Lavanda, Eugene, Ida 
and Martha. The second marriage of the gentle- 
man whose name heads this sketch united him with 
Miss Marian Beebe, of Pontiac, who was born in 
Southfield in 1839. She is a daughter of Erastns 
and Elizabeth (Grinnell) Beebe, and is the mother 
of three children, who are named, Erastus II., 
James F. and Eli S. The Beebe family came from 
the Empire State and the old Bay State, the par- 
ents of the wife of our subject coming to Michigan 
in the old territorial days and being early pioneers 
in Southfield Township. They ended their days in 
Birmingham. 




Ji^ ENRY J. HAINES, one of the farmers of 
Bloomfield Township who has been the 
architect of his own fortune, by the prac- 
ti'e of economy and industry lias con- 
quered poverty and adversity, and has a pleasant 
home on section 18. He was born in Shelb3-, 
Macomb County, Mich., October 30, 1837. His 
parents, Alson and Lois (Fellows) Haines, natives 
of the Empire State, were married in Mendon, 
Monroe Count}', N. Y., in December, 18.31, and the 
saoje year came to Michigan and settled on a farm 



in the town of Shelby, Macomb County, where 
they passed the remainder of their c\a.ys. Alson 
Haines passed away April 3, 1889, at the age ot 
four-score years, having been born Jul}- 15, 1809. 
His wife preceded him to the other world in 
July, 1842. His second wife was Mrs. Laura D. 
(Stevens) Hodge of Royal Oak, this county. She 
was tlie mother of five children, namely: Ermina, 
Sylvester, Emerson, Adelbert, and John C. F. By 
his third and fourth wives Mr. Haines had no chil- 
dren. 

Lois Haines, the mother of our subjct, had four 
children, Cordelia, I^sther, Henry J. and Alson. In 
their early days she and her husband saw hard times 
and did a great amount of pioneer work. He iiad 
onl}' his ax and liis strong right arm with which to 
make a home in the wild woods. He cleared up the 
farm and cultivated it until, at the time of his 
death he owned a productive farm and was other- 
wise in comfortable financial circumstances. He 
was an earnest and helpful member of the Baptist 
Church and a slurd}' Whig and later a Republican. 
He was raised by his fellow-citizens to many of the 
minor townshi() otlices. 

When young Henry was but cigiit years old he 
went to live with his grandfather, Benjamin Haines, 
in Washington Township, Macomb Count}-. Here 
he remained until the grandfather's death, wliich 
occurred when the boy was nineteen years of age. 
He then began working out by the month on farms 
in Macomb County. In the year 1859, by indus- 
try and economy, he found himself in possession 
of ^100. At that time there was quite an excite- 
ment in regard to the money in circulation; what 
was good one day was wortliless the next. Mr. 
Haines, therefore, sought the advice of Mr. Tins- 
man, a wealthy farmer living in the neighborhood, 
telling him he was afraid he would lose the money. 
Tinsmau said to him, "I have a mortgage on a 
piece of property in Lapeer County of ^300. I 
will will let you have it, take your *100 and your 
note for the balance." Henry said he would like 
to do it, but he had no way of getting money 
except working by the month, and he could give 
him no security. Mr. Tinsman replied, that a boy 
who had saved $100 working by the month was 
security enough for him; so Henry bought the 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



743 



mortgage, giving Iiis note for the .§200, and work- 
ing by the month until he hnd paid the note and 
interest. 

On February- 7, 1861, INIr. Haines was united in 
marriage with Miss Eunice M. Dewej' of Tro^', tliis 
county. This lady is a daughter of liirdsey and 
Sarah (Jersey) Dewej^ whose history will be found 
in this volume. Some time after his marriage Mr. 
Haines came into possession of a farm in Alniont, 
Lapeer County, Mich., which he had taiieu on a 
mortgage. He lived on this land for a short time 
and then sold out and worked a farm on shares for 
a year. Two years after that he rented land in 
Macomb County, and then for ten years farmed six 
hundred acres on shares. In 1870 he removed on 
to ids present form which he had purchased in 
1872. He now has two hundred and seventy acres 
most of whicli is in a high state of cultivation. 
He lias several very large barns and other excellent 
outbuihlings. 

iNIr. Haines erected bis handsome twostory resi- 
dence in 1889 and a view of it appears in connec- 
tion witii tiiis sketch. His farm is one of tlie linest 
places inBloomlield Township and he has attained 
it all liy his own unaided eflforts. He raises a good 
"■radc of slock and is giving considerable attention 
to tlie dairy business. Although a Republican in 
his views he has never taken any part in politics. 
Tliree children blessed the home of Mr. Haines, and 
they were named — Willie B.. Marvel A., and Carrie 
M. Marvel A. married Mary E. Toms and the}' 
have a bright little girl — Eva Madge. 

The following verses were written after the death 
of Alson Haines: 

IX ME.MORIAM. 

A loved one gone, a spirit fled. 

Our father is numbered witii the dead; 

We cannot wish him back again 

To share our toil and care and pain, 

But oh! it seems so hard to say — 
God's will be done. 

We know our loss is his great gain, 
For now he is free from care and pain, 

Willi the friends he loved, who had gone before; 
He is wailing for us on the other shore. 

In the land of everlasting day. 
With the Holy One, 



His aged form, with anxious care 

We have wntcbed, and oflen breaihed a prayer 
That he might be spared yet longer here. 

To those who held his presence so dear, 
And who miss the pleasant smile to-day 

Of a loving one. 

He has cradled our babes in his loving arms, 
And soothed their woes with artful charms. 

Till they dropped to slee|) on grandpa's breast; 
Now Ihat loving heart is forever at rest. 

And our children pause in their busy play, 
Whispering, "Grandpa is gone." 

Ves, now he is gone and we are left. 

Of a loved companion and father bereft; 

We shall meet him there on that bright shore 
AVhere pain and death will come no more; 

Then we with all our hearts can saj', 
"God's will be done." 

— L. V. Haines. 



^^ 



^^^ 



w. 



^OKN H. WENDELL, an old resident of 
the countj' and one of its most progressive 
citizens, lives on section 15, Rose Town- 
ship. He was born in Niagara County, N. Y., 
April 3, 1836. He is the son of Joseph C, the son 
of John A. Wendell of Dutch descent. Tradition 
says that three brothers came to America, and 
settled, one in New York, one in the Lake Superior 
region, and one elsewhere in the West. This was 
in Colonial times. 

The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in 
the War of 1812. He was a farmer and a carpenter, 
and built the first barn in this township. He 
came here in 1836, after a journey across the lake 
with his family, landing in Detroit July 4. He 
worked at his trade and on the farm and died here at 
sixt)' j'esfl-s of age, having lived a life of Christian 
activit}' and industry, being a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. His political afiiliations were 
with the Democratic party, and he represented this 
district in the early daj's. He also tilled a number 
of township offices. 

The father of our subject came here by team, 
traveling through Canada, on the 4lh of July, 
1830. reaching Detroit in compan}- with his wife 
and infant son and his brother Everett and wife, 



744 



PORTRAIT AND BTOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



both having teams, and moving in pioneer style. 
There were few settlers here then, and Indians, 
deer and bears abounded. He tool< up eighty 
acres of land from the Government, Imilt a log 
shanty and a log underground barn. lie cleared 
up eighty acres and at the time of his death owned 
two hundred and seventeen acres. He came here 
with no more means than sufficed to bring his 
family and live during the first year. He used to 
go to Detroit on foot to trade and bring home pro- 
visions on his back. The ground was so broken 
up with the traveling of ox-teams that he pre- 
ferred to go on foot. He was industrious, and 
besides farming worked at his trade as a shoemaker. 
His death took place August 10, 1877. He was an 
adiierent of the Democratic party and held the 
office of Clerk of the Township for fourteen years. 
He was Treasurer a number of years, and Super- 
visor for nine years. He helped to lay out most 
of the roads in the township. 

The marriage of Joseph C. Wendell to Marila 
Coffin was an occasion of great importance in the 
life of the young man. She was a native of New 
York, born there May 1, 1816. She reared a family 
of five sons and two daughters, namely: John H., 
Joseph H., Lorinda S., who died when sixteen years 
of age ; Jefferson, who died when nine years of age; 
Worth W., Homer, and Betsey, Mrs. Gordon. The 
mother of these children lives in Holly with her 
daughter, Mrs. Gordon, making frequent visits to 
the old farm, stopping with her son, John H. Her 
father, Alva Coffin, was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
In the fall of 1836 he came West from New York 
State and located in Waterford Townsiiip and after- 
ward he removed back to New York, returning in 
the year 1858 to the borne of a son. He died at the 
age of seventy years. Our subject was three months 
old when he came West with his parentsT He re- 
members hearing the wolves howl around the log 
cabin at night, and his playmates were little Indian 
children. His schooling was conducted under the 
rate-bill system. 

John Wendell bought land on section 16 this 
townshii), wlien he was twenty-one years old, only 
four acres of which was cleared. He cleared up the 
farm and sold it in 1880. His marriage took place 
iu 1866, his bride being Sarah J. Sharpmack, a ' 



native of Ritchie County, W. Va., where she was 
born Ma^' 1, 1844. The two children who have 
been given to them are both living, Arthur A. and 
Mathew H. 

Our subject has one hundred and eighty acres 
of liis own land, and farms the homestead place and 
another farm. Altogether he operates four hun- 
dred and seventy-one acres. He pays much atten- 
tion to stock-raising, and breeds Hambletonian and 
I'ercheron horses, having eleven head of fine 
blooded horses now in his stables. He has graded 
Durham cattle and Merino and half-blooded sheep. 
Both he and his estimable wife are earnest and 
efficient members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He is a Democrat in his political views 
and has held the office of Township Treasurer for 
four terms. 



\f^ OHN A. SMITH is one of the thorough-go- 
ing farmers of Lj'on Township, and one 
whose work is resulting iu. financial success. 
His property is on section 24, and consists 
oT^the old .Smith homestead of one hundred and 
twenty acres and thirty-five acres which he added 
to it in 1886. The buildings upon the farm are 
such as are usually to be seen, but a first-class wind- 
mill saves much strength and time in drawing 
water, and pipes from its reservoir conduct the fiuid 
to the house and barn. 

Mr. Smith is of Irish parentage, his father, Hugh 
Smith, having been born near Dublin in 1807, and 
his mother, Kliza Smith, about 1812. In 1S32 
Hugh Smith came to America and made a sojourn 
in New York, but after a time returned to his na- 
tive land, whence he again came to America. He 
w.as married in 1840, and in 1842 removed to tliis 
State. Two years later he settled in Lj-on Town- 
ship, this county, bu^Mng eighty acres oMand, but 
afterward securing one hundred and twenty acres. 
His family includes three daughters and four sons, 
and our subject is the eldest. Mr. Smith dic<l in 
1885, some j'ears after his wife's decease, she hav- 
ing passed away in 1872. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these para- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOaRAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



745 



graphs, was born in New York, February 21, 1842, 
and was hut a few months old when brought to 
tliis State. lie grew up amid rural surroundings, 
and received his education in the district school. 
He started in life forhiniself in 18G7, having re- 
mained with bis father for a while after he became 
of age. He bought eighty acres in Novi Town- 
ship, and set up his home there, remaining ten 
years, after which he sold out and bought the 
homestead on which his youth was passed. 

The marriage of Mr Smith and Miss Elizabeth 
Thornton, of Novi Township, was solemnized at 
the bride's home in September, 1867. She was the 
youngest child of Charles and Charlotte (Cronk) 
Thornton, formerly of New York. She became the 
mother of three children. She died in 1877, and in 
the same year Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mar}' 
Chesebrough,who was born in Otsego Count}-, N. Y., 
and was the oldest of eleven children, comprising the 
family of Willi.am and Charlotte L. (Kople) Chese- 
brough. Mr. Smith votes the Democratic ticket, 
and the list of Presidential candidates for whom he 
h.as cast a ballot is headed by the name of MeClel- 
lan, and is now closed b}' that of (irover Cleve- 
land. His religious home 'S in the Methodist 
Church. 



<a i^ILLIAM S. HORTON. Among the patri- 
\ai// °^^^ citizens of Commerce Township, none 
^(^ is more notable for devotion to country 
and for sufferings endured for our flag than the 
gentleman whose name heads this biographical 
sketch. What he passed through in the prison pen 
at Andersonville, no words of ours can describe, 
and all was borne with a patient, uncomplaining 
spirit, and a devotion which ma}- well excite the 
admiration of his countrymen. 

Lewis A. Ilorton, the father of our subject, was 
born in 1808, in Seneca County, N. Y. His good 
wife bore the name in maidenhood of Henrietta 
Sager. She was born in 1810, in .Steuben County, 
N. Y. After marriage they remained in New York 
until 1831, when they came West and settled in 
Webster Township, Washtenaw County, taking up 



an unbroken farm from the Government. He jjar- 
tially improved the farm and lived there for about 
three years, wiien he returned to Steuben County, 
N. Y. In 1848 he again removed to Michigan, and 
settled on the farm where he resided until his 
death in 1882. He cleared off the larger part of it 
and put up the present buildings. He had a seri- 
ous misfortune resulting from a felon on his finger, 
and suffered tliree amputations. First his finger 
was taken off, then his hand to the wrist, and finallv 
his forearm. The wound never healed. His widow 
still survives and is now past her four-score years. 
They were both members of the Free Will Baptist 
Church, at Sibley's Corners. He was a Democrat 
and greatly interested in politics, and was Justice 
of the Peace for years. Five of his eight children 
are now living. 

The subject of this sketch was born Mai'ch 13, 
183S, in Washtenaw County, when Michigan was 
still a Territory. He received a good common 
school education, and taught for nine terms, which 
work he began when sixteen years old. He has 
pursued teaching during the winters a great deal of 
his life, larming in the summer. After the acci- 
dent which crippled his father, this young man 
took charge of the farm, and has continued to live 
here ever since, except for four years which he 
spent on a farm of his own in West Bloomfield 
Township. One hundred of his one hundred and 
sixty acres of land is under cultivation. 

Anna Malcolm, a daughter of George and Jean- 
etle (Andrew) Malcolm, became the wife of our 
subject, January 1, 1878. Mrs. Ilorton's parents 
were both natives of Scotland, who came to Amer- 
ica when young, and were married in June, 1827, in 
New York. There they resided until 1830, when 
they moved to Connecticut. In 1833 they came 
to Michigan and took a farm in West Bloomfield 
from the Government, the patent to which was 
signed by President Andrew Jackson. He thor- 
oughly improved that farm and died there Septem- 
ber 13, 1889, aged eighty-five years. His good 
wife survives him, and now at the age of eighty- 
five years makes her home with our subject. Iler 
husband was Deacon in the Baptist Church, of 
which they were both members. He was a Justice 
of the Peace, and a member of th^ Republican 



746 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



party from its formation. Of tlicir nine children 
five are now living. Mrs. Horton was born De- 
cember 4, 1849, in West Bloomfield Township; she 
received a common school education. 8lie is a 
member of the Baptist Church and sustains a con- 
sistent Christian character, both at home and in 
her church relations. Slie is devoted and affection- 
ale in the care of her feeble mother. 

Mr. Horton is a Republican and is ever inter- 
ested in the progress of the principles of that party. 
He was School Inspector for many years, and High- 
way Commissioner. He is a member of the Milford 
Post, G. A. R., also a member of the Grange, of 
which he has been Secretary for many years, and 
holds a demit from the Masonic Order. Mrs. Hor- 
ton was "Flora" in the Grange. Both are members 
of the Good Templars Organization, in whicli he 
has served as Secretary, and also as Worth}' Chief. 
She has been Financial St'crctary in the same. 

August 21, 1862, Mr. Horton enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company H. Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He 
was promoted to the rank of a Corporal, and later 
to that of Sergeant. The regiment was organized 
at Detroit and sent to Washington, D. C. It was 
thence sent forward to Fairfax Court House, where 
they did picket and outpost duty. They look 
part in the Gettysburg campaign, then crossed the 
Potomac and took possession of certain gaps in 
Blue Ridge Mountains, operating in connection 
with the army of the Potomac, around the Chicka- 
hominy River. They then moved against Mosby's 
guerrillas through the Bull Run Mountains. Leav- 
ing the north side of the Rappahannock and cross- 
ing over in September, I8G3, they drove the rebel 
cavalry through Culpejjer Court House and over 
the Rapidan River. They then did picket dutj- 
along this river until the retreat of Gen. Meade. 

The rebels surrounded Gen. Kilpatrick's division, 
to which he belonged, and they charged through 
the rebel lines and escaped. They now recrossed 
the Rapidan to Bull Run, then turned tlie rebels 
southward again and followed them to Stevens- 
burg, doing picket duty on the north bank all 
winter, while "their friends the enemy" were doing 
the same duty on the south bank of tiie river. 
Crossing the Rapidan River, they took part in the 
battle of the Wilderness and vveut with Sheridan's 



corps against Robert E. Lee. and later fought in 
the battle of Yellow Tavern, where Gen. Stewart 
was killed. They took part in a hard battle at 
Bottom Ridge, and in the fight at Malvern Hill, 
and then returned to the Army of the Potomac. 
At Beaver Dam station they recaptured live hun- 
dred L'nion men whom the reliels were taking to 
Libby Prison. After some half dozen sharp en- 
gagements our subject was taken prisoner of war 
by Hampton's Legion. 

Mr. IJorton's first experience in a rebel prison 
was at Libb}' Prison at Richmond, Va. After a 
few days he was removed to Andersonville, which 
prison pen he entered .June 27, 1804. He had then 
had no food for forty -eight hours, and his first 
repast consisted of a handful of corn meal mush. 
He was there for three hundred and twenty days, 
and Contracted a disease which long afflicted liira. 
In August. 1864, he was desperately sick. The 
boys carried him on a blanket to the prison gate 
and thence to the hospital, where he remained 
until paroled. He saw those raiders, who robbed 
other prisoners, hung in the pen, and he looked on 
from day tu day while guards did their teriible 
work at the death line. He was paroled, and 
reached Jacksonville, Fla., after walking sixty- 
miles to Thomasville. He then marched back 
again to Andersonville. At this time he was 
stricken with moon blindness They made a second 
attempt, and went north to Macon, Ga., and then 
back through Andersonville to Albany. Then 
again marched sixty miles and reached Thomas- 
ville, Ga.. and from there to Jacksonville by 
rail. Thence they went to Annapolis, Md., and 
from there to Camp Chase, where they were dis- 
charged, June 12, 1865. Our soldier returned 
home broken down in health, and with his consti- 
tution permanently inpaired. He will never re- 
cover from the injuries received in Andersonville. 

This brave soldier was one of the detachment 
who made such a desperate endeavor to dig a well. 
Two hundred and seventy of them joined together 
and secured a broken-handled shovel and an old 
water pail. With all the strings they had about 
them they made a rope. They then began to dig, 
much of the work being done with pieces of s()lit 
canteens in addition to the old shovel. They 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



749 



worked night and day, pulling the dirt up in the 
old pail with the poor excuse for a rope, which they 
had made. Thej- dug down eighty-five feet and 
secured good water, which was a priceless boon to 
them. They enjoyed it for two or three days, and 
then the well caved in and their hard work was 
lost. 



EA. P. RIKY, M. D. Among the profession- 
al men located in Orion, a leading position 
? is occupied by Dr. Riky, whose portrait is 
presented on the opposite page, and who is tlie for- 
tunate possessor of a liberal education and a charac- 
ter that gives liiin the warm regard of his acquain- 
tances. He lias a lucrative practice and a large 
following of those to whom his skill .is a physician 
and his S3'rapatliy as a man have lieen grateful. 
He is comparatively young, having been born 
October IG, 1818, and he is a native of County 
Down, Ireland. His fatlier was RobertA. Ril<y, 
who was appointed by the Crown as Magistrate and 
served as such until his death in 18.)3, at the age of 
forty-five years. He w;\s lield in very high esteem, 
especially liy his tenantry, who erected a fine mon- 
ument in his honor in the churchyard at ISIoira, 
County Down. He was a member of the Church 
of England. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Susan Patterson and was the daughter of AVill- 
iam Patterson, Commander in the Royal Navy of 
England, who served through the Napoleonic War. 
Gaandfather Patterson died at the ripe age of eigh- 
ty-three years. In ISGOMrs Riky and her five 
cliildren crossed the Atlantic and located near To- 
ronto, Canada. A tract of land was purchased, 
and on it the family were reared. The town of 
Shelburne, which is located on the Lake Huron 
branch of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, w.ns found- 
ed by this family, and Dr. Riky's brother is now in 
business there. The town has a population of twelve 
hundred. 

Dr. Riky did not attend school in his boyhood, but 
was instructed by private tutors, and upon attain- 
ing his majority entered into business as a partner in 
the firm of E. Berwick & Co., who built the first busi- 



ness block in the town of Shelburne. He sold his 
interest in 1879, and having read medicine with his 
brother-in-law. Dr. James of that place, be went to 
Detroit and continued his studies under Dr. H. F. 
Lyster, for three years. He was graduated from 
the Detroit College of Medicine in 1882 and prac- 
ticed his profession in that city about eighteen 
months. He then located in Orion, where his suc- 
cess has been very pleasing. 

In 1885 Dr. Riky was united in marriage with 
Miss Louisa Farrell, daughter of Charles Farrell 
of the Canada Malt Company of Detroit. Mrs. 
Riky is an intelligent, cultured lady, and with 
her husband holds membership in the Episcopal 
Church. During his resi'lencein Detroit Dr. Riky 
was appointed instructor in Microscopy in the 
medical college. He has served .is Health Officer 
in Orion several jears. His political adherence is 
to the tenets of Democracy. 



'■^■■>^--y 



<«1 I^ILLIAM O. SYLVESTER, M. D., opened 
\/\// ^" office in Rochester in 1887, and is gain- 
W'^J i"g ground among the people because of 
his theoretical knowledge, his care in diagnosis and 
treatment, and the personality that secures confi- 
dence in his judgment and interest in the suffering. 
The Sylvesters are an old New England family-, and 
in the second generation prior to our subject were 
represented b}' Charles, who removed from New 
Hampshire to New York and bought land upon 
which he s|)ent the rest of his life. The father of 
our subject bore the name of Enoch, was born in 
New Hampshire, and was nineteen years of age 
when he accompanied his f.ather to the Empire 
State. There he married Sarah Cook, who was 
among the first white children born in Sparta 
Township, Livingston County, if not the first. Her 
father was a ship car|)enter in his early life and 
later a farmer. Jlr. and Mrs. Enoch Sylvester 
came to this State in 18G8 and located in Barr^- 
Count}', where the husband still lives. The wife 
died December 10, 1890, at the age of seventy-five 
years, six months and seventeen days. 



750 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Dr. Sj'lvester, who was the third in a family of 
nine children, was born at South Danville, Steuben 
County, N. Y., November 14, 1841. He was 
brought up on a farm, but liad excellent educa- 
tional advantages, taking his higher studies in the 
academy at Rochester. He taught school one 
winter, but the war breaking out, he felt it his 
duty and privilege to tender his services to the 
Government. He enlisted July 22, 1862, and as a 
member of Company F, One Hundred and Forty- 
first New York Infantry, became an integral part 
of the Army of the Potomac. He worked with 
that division of the forces until the fail of 1863, 
when he was sent to Lookout Mountain. He 
fought bravely in the battles of Chiekahominy 
Swamp and Suflfolk and was present at the battle 
of Gettysburg, but on that occasion the regiment 
was held in reserve. 

The experience of Dr. S3ivester was that of most 
soldiers, including dangers botli seen and unseen, 
but he was fortunate in escaping wounds. While 
the regiment was acting under Hooker the boys 
took part in many engagements. At Peach Tree 
Creek over half the regiment was either killed or 
wounded and both there and at Atlanta Dr. Syl- 
vester lia<l his clothes shot through. He went with 
Sherman to the sea, returned north through the 
Carolinas and took part in the Grand Review at 
Washington, ever discharging llie full duty of a 
soldier and being able to participate in every en- 
gagement to which tlie command was sent. His 
first promotion from tlie ranks was to the position 
of Corporal and after the capture of Atlanta he 
was detailed as a clerk at headquarters under Sur- 
geon-in-Chicf .lames Chapman. He was discharged 
June 25, 18G5, and returned to his native State, 
where he attended and taught school. 

In 186G Dr. Sylvester came to this State and 
located in Barry County', remaining on a farm a 
few months and then going to Kansas and buying 
property at Independence — the town being built 
u|) purtially vn his land. He read law and was 
admitted to practice in 1871, and tliree years later 
returned to this .Slate and established his home in 
Grand Rapids. There he took a commercial course 
of study, also taught school, and practiced law in 
the ofllce with Judge Sloughtou. For a time he 



traveled in the interest of Bissell & Co. In 1877 
while engaged in teaching, he began reading medi- 
cine, and he subsequently attended the Homeopathic 
Medical College in St. Louis, Mo. He completed 
his medical course at Hahnemann College, Chicago, 
111., and was graduated in the class of 1885. His 
funds being exhausted. Dr. Sylvester entered the 
service of an agricultural implement firm in St. 
Louis, but in the fall opened an office in Chicago, 
where he practiced about a j-ear. Thence he went 
to Birmingham, this State, and from that place 
came to Rochester. 

November 18, 1868, Dr. Sylvester was united in 
marriage with Miss Cora Electa Bleming, daughter 
of the Rev. Alanson Fleming, of Royalton, Ohio. 
A few 3-ears of happy wedded life were granted 
them, then death removed Mrs. Sylvester from 
earth. She breathed her last December 24, 1876, 
in Grand Rapids. She left one daughter who 
bears the name of Clara Louise. Dr. Sylvester is 
Secretary of the Masonic Lodge in Rochester, Sur- 
geon of William P. Everett Post, No. 376, G. A. R., 
and is identified with the Good Templars organi- 
zation. In his political views he is in sympathy 
with the Republican party and his religious home 
is in the Congregational Church. 



-^ 




\ EUBEN RUSSEL, a retired carpenter, con- 
tractor and civil engineer, who makes his 
home in Royal Oak, was born in Chautau- 
qua Couuiy, N. Y., January 27, 1825. His 
father, Ichabod, was a farmer and a native of Con- 
necticut, where he was born about 1794. He went 
to New York with his parents when he was seven 
or eight j'ears old, and in 1846 migrated to South- 
field Township, Oakland Count}-. Four years later 
he came to Royal Oak Township, and about 1860, 
bought a farm of forty acres, upon which he re- 
mained until his death in 1869. AVhen twenty-two 
years old this gentleman was married to .Serua In- 
man, a daughter of Anson luman. Tiie latter and 
liis good wife were natives of New England and 
the parents of four children. 

To Ichabod and Serua Russel were given ten 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



751 



children, equallj- divided between sons and daiigii- 
ters. AYIiile Ichabod was clearing his farm in C'liau 
tauqua Count}', N. Y., he was onlled out as one of 
the minute men and was present at the burning of 
Buffalo in 1813, having at that time the rank of a 
Corporal. He was a thorough pioneer and delighted 
in that work, and has the record of having cleared 
five farms in New York. 

Y'oung Reuben had the advantage of the acad- 
emy at Westfleld, N. Y'. He was a hard student 
and fitted himself for surveying and civil engineer- 
ing. At the age of twenty-two he secured an ap- 
pointment under the Government, and in company 
with William Ives, surveyed Isle Royal in Lake 
Superior. He came to Michigan in 184G, and in 
1850 celebrated the Fourth of July by taking to 
himself a wife. His bride was Margaret J., daugh- 
ter of Henr^- and Elizabeth (Shoudy) J'crry. They 
were natives of New Y'ork and had a family of five 
children. 

The village of Royal Oak became the abode of 
the newly-married couple, and in 18.58 they made 
tlicir home where they now reside. In due time 
five little ones clustered aliout their hearthstone. 
The}' are Reuben A., born Jul}' 20, 18;J3; Henry 
A., August IG, 1856; E.lwin AV., March 25, 1859; 
Elmer E. E., January 31, 1863; and Lettie A., May 
27, 1864. The oldest son lives in Royal Oak and 
Henry at Boyne City, this State. Edwin was 
killed b}' the bursting of a fly-wheel, December 
21, 1884. Elmer lives in C^iicago and is the em- 
ploye as station agent of the Chicago and Grand 
Trunk Railroad. The onl}' daughter, Lettie, was 
married in 1886, to Ilcnry E. Phelps, and lived in 
Ionia till March 19, 1891. At that time her hus- 
band was snatched from her side by death, and she 
has now returned to her father's home. She has 
one child, Iva M. M., who was born November 18, 
188S. 

Mr. Russel has a fine estate of seven acres in 
the village of Royal Oak. He takes an active part 
in home politics and has more than once been a 
delegate to Republican county conventions. He 
served for several j'ears as Township Clerk, has 
been School Inspector some fifteen years, and Jus- 
tice of the Peace for thirty five j'ears. He has been 
an earnest and active member of the Baptist Church 



since 1843, and his wife has been connected with 
the same organization since the year 1875. He 
has been a member of tlic Birmingham Lodge, No. 
44, F. cfe A. M., since 1867, and has served the 
county four terms as Surveyor. 



3^iHi^ 



AMES COX, a prominent farmer on section 
6, Southfield Township, was born near Bris- 
tol, England, September 27, 1836. He is a 
brother of Dr. H. S. Cox, whose biographi- 
cal sketch appears elsewhere in these pages. He was 
reared in England until 1852, when he came to 
Michigan and ut first made his home in the new 
country in Southfield Township. His first monthlj' 
wages were $5.50. He contrnued at this rate for a 
year. He then worked for Mr. Comstock, who was 
afterward his brother-in-law, on the place where 
he now resides. He continued to work by the 
month for four years for different men, receiving 
the last year ^12 per month. He then rented a farm 
and hired his board for nine years. 

The marriage of James Cox with Martha C. 
Comstock was solemnized January 13,1864. This 
lad}' is a native of the township in which she makes 
her home, and was born in the house which is now 
her home July 25, 1840. After their marriage the 
young couple located one mile north of the village 
of Franklin on a rented farm. They then bought 
sixty acres in Farmington Township, but after a 
year sold it and bought what is known as the old 
Comstock homestead. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Cox have been born eight chil- 
dren, one son and seven daughters: Charles II., 
born in 1864, resides at home; Eveline is deceased ; 
Florence at home; Imogene C, Christobel, (twins) 
deceased; Martha W. and Clara May at home; 
Mary, deceased. Mr. Cox has a farm of one hun- 
dred and fifty acres which is in a fine condition 
and upon which he is doing a general farming 
business. He is a Republican in his political views, 
and his church membership is with the Protestant 
Methodist denomination, with whom he is a Stew- 
ard in the church at Franklin. The last conference 
of that church was held at Franklin and he sat in 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



it as a delegntc. For three }'ears he has served the 
efUicalional intc-rests ofjliis district as School Di- 
rector, and he is ever read}- to talve hold of any good 
work for the beneHL of the community. 



-^^^ 



E^^* 



T1 



lOHN HARMON, a noteworthy farmer on 
section 28, Southfield Township, was born 
in Orange County, N. Y., December IS, 
^&)) 1816. His father, David, Was born in Con- 
necticut, March 17, 177.T, and there he remained 
uniil his majoritj', when lie went to New York 
State. He was a farmer by occupation and a de- 
vout member of the Dutch Reformed Church. His 
father was also named David. He was of English 
descent and took part in the Revolutionary AVar 
on the side of tiie patriots. 

The mother of our subject, Sarah Elliott, was of 
Irish birth, being born in County Derry, Decem- 
ber 20, 1777. She came to this country with iier 
parents, when a young lady of sixteen j-ears, and 
made her home in Orange County. Here she met 
and married 3'oung David Harmon. To them were 
born three sons and two daughters, of whom but 
two are now living, our subject and his sister Rachel, 
now Mrs. Willets. 

Mr. Harmon is the youngest child of the famil}- 
and was but twelve years old when they went to 
Michigan. His fust schooling was in his native 
place and he completed it in a log schoolhouse in 
Southfield Township, on section 21. His father 
located on the very farm where our subject now 
resides, and proceeded to clear and improve it. A 
great attliction befell the family in 1849 in the death 
of the father by accident. He was killed by fall- 
ing from a load of grain, on his way to Detroit. 
The motiier survived until 1855, when she also 
passed awaj'. They lie side bj' side in the ceme- 
tery in Southfield Township. 

John remained at home assisting the family on 
the farm and was married April 18, 1849, to Mary 
J. McCleland, a native of Orange County, N. Y., 
who was born January 8, 1823. To them were 
given five children, as follows: David John, born 
Februar}^ 18, 1850, now in Color.ado; George, born 



September 4, 1851, living in Shiawassee Countj-; 
James, born December 23, 1852, living in South- 
field Township; Robert, born January 31, 1855, 
living in Shiawassee County; and Mary Jane, the 
wife of William McCarroU, living in West Bloom- 
field Township. The mother of these ctiililren 
passed away from earth November 22, 1857. 

The second marriage of Mr. Harmon was sol- 
emnized in 1859. He was then united with Jen- 
nelte Young, the oldest daughter of Francis and 
.lane (Woodman) Young. Tliis lady came to Mich- 
igan wilh her mother after she had attained to 
womanhood. To her five children have been given, 
three sons and two daughters: Frank, born Novem- 
ber 8, 1862; Rachael, Noveraber25, 1863; William 
A., August 19, 1865: Nettie (deceaseil), born Ma}^ 
1, 1867; and Hugh, October 7, 1870. All of the 
four living children are at home with their p.a- 
rents. 

This fine farm of two hundred and twenty-five 
acres is mostly under cultivation, and upon it is 
carried on a general farming business. Mr. Har- 
mon belongs to the Republican part}'. He is a man 
of liberal and genial nature, a delightful talker 
and one who encourages sociability in the farming 
community. 



^^^ EORGE 
iisg names of 
*^^i|) none are 



^=!^ EORGE FILMORE COON. Among the 
if the old settlers of Oakland Count}', 
re more favorably' recognized than 
tiint of Mr. Coon. The subject of this sketch is the 
son of Isaac and Rebecca (Rodcnbough) Coon, and 
was born on the farm on which he now resides in 
Independence Township. His natal day was No- 
vember 28, 1848. He has always resided on this 
farm except during a very short period. He had 
ver}- limited opportunities of obtaining an educa- 
tion, as his father was poor, and George Filmore 
was compelled to work on a farm, and assisted his 
father until he was twenty-one years of age. 

On Christmas day, 1869, our subject was mar- 
ried to Hattie A., daughter of Orson Avery, an 
early settler of Lapeer County, Mich. She was 
horn February 27, 1850. After his marriage he 
rented his father's farm, which he operated until 



.-.'*#.«•■■' 



\ o 




'/«■■ ■■ " ■ " V ^ 




JOHN COOPER . 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1879, and then engaged in selling agiicuiltiiral nia- 
cliinery for Altiuan it Co., of Canton, Oiiio. He 
worked for them four years, until the death of his 
father in 1881, when he decided to buy the farm 
whieli he now owns, a fine tract of two hundred 
and foi'ty acres. 

The marriage of our subject has been blessed 
with three children : Avilla May, born September 
1, 1872, p.nd died .January 30, 1884; Linsley I., 
born June 24, 1880; and Avery B., September 11, 
1884. Mr. Coon's father was born near Rochester, 
in the State of New Yorl<, September 1 1, 1807, and 
came to tlie Territory of Michigan July 3, 1832, 
when our beautiful State was still a Territory. He 
took up Government land, and by his nidustry and 
honesty accumulated a good share of property. He 
suffered manj' privations and afflictions incident to 
pioneer life. One terrible affliction marked those 
early da3-s, which was the accidental burning of his 
first log house, in wiiich his beloved mother and 
one sister lost their lives. Mrs. Rebecca Coon is 
still living and resides with our subject, and re- 
ceives from her affectionate son and his estimable 
wife the kind care which the feclileness of eiglity- 
one years requires. In politics Mr. Coon is a Dem- 
ocrat, and he is a member of Tent No. 85, K. O. 
T. M.; also a prominent member of the P-itrons of 
Industry, and is tiie present Cliairman of their Pur- 
chasing Committee. 



fOHN COOPER. The estate which this 
gentleman h.as accumulated is a monument 
to his abilitj' as an agriculturalist, ar.d a 
conclusive proof tiiat persistent effort will 
be rewarded. It com prises sixty-four acres on sec- 
tion 22, Southfield Township, Oakland County, 
and it needs but a glance to assure the passer-by 
that here comfort abounds; while thrift is seen in 
every detail of the work whieli is carried on. 'I'lie 
estate is thoroughly inn)roved, the buildings being 
especially noticeable for their size, number and 
convenience. The residence, which is an unusually 
elegant rural home, was erected in 1871 at a cost 
of $2,500. 

The parents of our subject were John and 



^7 



Hannah (Jaggar) Cooper, natives of Long Island. 
The father, who was born June '18, 1788, died in 
his eighty-fourth year at the home of his son John. 
The mother, whose natal day was May 2, 1791, 
died in 1838 in early womanhood. At a very early 
day they came to this State in 1833, settling in 
Wayne Count}', where the mother died. The fa- 
ther afterward married again and remained in 
Wayne County until a short time j)rior to his 
demise when he came to this county. He was in 
early life identified with the temperance cause, as 
a firm and practical temperance man, and was 
always remarkable for industr}^ economy and in- 
tegrity. 

Concerning this honored pioneer of Michigan 
we glean the following from one of the county 
pai)ers: "A firm and consistent Christian, he was 
identified with the Presbjterian Church of South- 
field, from its beginning, as a faithful member and 
liberal su[)porter. His habits of industry were 
kept up to the very last. He worked all day in the 
corn field on Saturda}-, until between 4 and 5 
o'clock, returned to his house, ate his supper as 
usual, in the evening read in the Bible for awhile, 
as was his custom, attended family worship, and re- 
tired to bed apparently us well as usual, and went 
quietly to sleep never more to waken on earth. 
He was found in the morning entirely cold and 
dead, having passed away so quietly .as to have 
made no noise, nor moved a limb. 

''His first day in heaven w.as the Sabbath, and as 
he had always loved an<l worshipped God in the 
sanctuary here on that hoi}' da}', how blessed to 
him to have that sweet worship made pure and 
perfect and eternal." The features of this good 
man are perpetuated for this and coming genera- 
tions by his portrait, which api)ears on another 
page of this volume. 

Our subject is the youngest brother of Thomas 
and Ste|)hen Cooper, whose biographies will be 
found elsewhere in this Alhiiji. When about eight 
years old he came to Michigan with his v>:irents, 
and has witnessed the development of the county 
from a jjrimeval condition to one of unsurpassed 
fertility. He received the rudiments of bis edu- 
cation in Long Island, and later attended school 
in Wayne Count}', this State. The temple of learn- 



756 



P()11TI{A1T AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ing was two and one-half miles from his fiillit-r's 
home, and this (hslance he walitfd tlirough woofls 
ill whicli wild animals roaiiu'd. He was cnlled a 
good sliot, and lias lulled many deer, wild turkeys, 
and two bears with his rille. 

Politically Mr. Cooper is a Itepublicjn and 
uniformly casts his ballot in the interests of that 
party, lie has served clHciently as School In- 
spector and Pathmaster, and was offered nomina- 
tion as .luslice of the Peace but declined. For 
many years he was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church and has served as Elder for twenty years. 
Ho has been exceedingly useful in the .Sunday-, 
school, having the inlluential position of a Bible- 
class teacher. It has been his custom to give $40 
a year to the support of the ministry. He is a 
strong temperance man in all things, having never 
used tobacco in any shape or form and being very 
much opposed to drink. He hopes to see "the good 
time coming" when temperance shall prevail. He 
has never married but carries on his home with the 
aid of his youngest sister. 



JOSHUA W. BIRD. Among the business 
establishments that reflect credit upon the 
city of Pontiac is one where a fall stock of 
/ clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods 
are found, and merchant tailoring is done under, 
the capable oversight of Mr. Bird. It is favorably 
located in a building 30x1 10 feet, and the stock is 
complete and well assorted. In addition to the 
goods mentioned Mr. Bird deals in trunks and 
valises. The tailoring department is carried on by 
a force of competent workmen and an expert cut- 
ler, and is patronized very liberally. 

Mr. Bird was born in Spaulding, Lincolnshire, 
England, April 30, 1843. His ])arents were Charles 
and Martha (Morris) Bird. The father was a lime- 
burner for many years. In 1850 he emigrated with 
his family, which consisted of his wife and five 
children, and landing in New York came direct to 
this county. He went to work for a few weeks 
near Pontiac, then entered the employ of H. \V. 
Lord, produce deafer, where he remained eight 



years. About 1859 he removed to Springfield 
Township, where he bought three tracts, which made 
a total of two hundred acres. This he im|)rovc(l 
and operated for a period of twenty }-ears. He 
then sold the property and removed to Pontiac . 
but after living in the city four years bought forty 
acres in Waterford Township, three miles from the 
county-seat, and established his home there. He 
finally returned to Pontiac, where he is now living 
retired from active labor, and, with his wife, enjoy- 
ing the comforts they earned by industrious efforts. 
Husband and wife are in good health although 
advanced in years, both having passed their sev- 
enty-second birthday. Their children are George 
M., who is engaged in farming; Joshua W. ; Mary, 
wife of William Cheal, of Waterford Township: 
Anna, who married W. Conklin, of Roscommon 
County; Alfred E.,a farmer now living on the old 
homestead, and Alice, who is teaching in the Pon- 
tiac schools. 

The subject of this sketch was seven years old 
when he came to Pontiac, and his education was 
received in the old Union School building. He 
began his mercantile experience as a clerk in the 
store of James T. Allen, in 185G, and when John 
C. Hall succeeded to the business a twelveniontii 
later he was retained on the force, and remained in 
the establishment six years longer. He then bought 
a third interest in the business, but when ten 
months had elapsed sold out and went West. At 
Central City, Col., he engaged in mining, hut after 
a j'car's experience returned to Pontiac. He next 
entered the employ Of Charles E. Adams, who was 
engaged in the hat and fur trade, and clerked for 
him until he sold out in 1869 to P. A. Hitchcock, 
and then worked for the latter gentleman two years. 

In 1871 Mr. Bird again went to Colorado .and 
stopped at Brownville, where he was employed in 
the Terrible mine one year. He then returned again 
to Pontiac and re entered lheeniplo3-of Mr. Hitch- 
cock as a clerk for about six years .In 1878 he era- 
barked in the grocery business, but after a short 
experience sold out to Frank Church and took a 
clerkship in the store of C. R. Mablev two years. 
He then joined with Mr. Mablej' and W. H. Ham- 
lin under the firm name of C. R. Maliley it Co.. 
and opened a clothing store. Fourteen months 



fl .»««ll?l I *_-.••> 



75fi 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who remains single, and carries on a millinery 
business in Chicago. Miles E., of Detroit, who 
married Miss Maggie Hollar, of Homestead, Mich.; 
Agnes II., the wife of James Old, who lives with 
her father, our subject. Slie has one child, Joseph 
AV. Peter AV. is unmarried and makes his home 
with iiis father. 




i)HOMAS GIBSON. The late Thomas Gib- 
son, whose widow is a well-known and 
liighly-respected resident of Troy Town- 
ship, was born in England, March 13, 1809. He 
emigrated with his parents when about ten years 
old, and for eight years his home was in Canaila. 
The family then came to this county and located in 
Troy Township. The young man worked by the 
month as a farm hand until 1831, when he bouglit 
land on section 13. There were no improvements 
upon the property and he at once built a small log 
house and began to clear and develop the land. He 
carried on his work energetically and industriously. 
and as time passed was able to look out upon a 
well-regulated property. He was well known, not 
only as a good farmer, but as a liberal-minded and 
generous-hearteil man, an excellent neighbor and 
an earnest Christian. He belonged to the Metho- 
dist Church and held the office of Class-Leader. 
Politically, he was a Democrat. He died September 
25, 1876, leaving a widow and four chddren, 
togc^ther with manj- friends, tu mourn his departure 
from the scenes of time. 

Mrs. Gibson bore the maiden nritiic of Hannah 
Walker and was born in Maine, August 21. 1809. 
She is the sixth of the eleven children of Hieliaid 
and Rhoda (Danford) Walker, with whom she 
went to New York when seven years old. In the 
Empire State she grew to womanhood and acquired 
the knowledge and built up the character which 
make her a useful and honored member of .societv. 
She came to this State in lier early womanhood, and 
in 1832 was married to Mr. Gibson. They brougiit 
to the home in what was almost a wilderness, a 
small stock of household goods consisting of a few 



cliairs, a bedstead and some necessary articles of 
kitchen use. As time passed on they were able to 
increase their store of household goods and make 
their dwelling more attractive and their labor 
easier. 

After the death of her husband Mrs. Gibson had 
full control of the estate, which consists of one 
hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land. 
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
and takes an abiding interest in the work carried on 
by that religious body and in all schemes which 
promise to benefit societj'. Cyrus Gibson, the 
eldest son of oursubject and his wife, lives in Troy 
Township, and Franklin is a liveryman in Romeo; 
Elizabeth, the second child and elder daughter, is 
the wife of Oscar Carres and lives in Ironwood; 
Cora is the wife of George Harris and her home 
also is in Ironwood. She has but one child, a son, 
but Mrs. Carres has two ciiildren. 




fare. 



OSES GOODALE. This gentleman h.as 
been identified with the interests of this 
county for half a century and as boy and 
man has done much to promote its wel- 
Hc has been engaged in agricultural work 
and is still carrying on general farming, owning 
and operating ninety-six acres of land on section 
34, Troy Township. Nearl3' all of that acreage is 
under cultivation. Mrs. Goodale has seventy- 
seven acres on section 27, all under cultivation 
but ten acres of timber, and occupied bj' a married 
j daughter. In his early years Mr. Goodale had 
much work to do of a pioneer nature and he knows 
well how people lived when tliis country w.as lieing 
developed. 

Moses Goodale, father of our subject, was born 
in A'ermont in 179G. and adopted the occupation 
of farming, although his father, Isaac Goodale, was 
a carpenter. Grandfatlier Goodale was born in 
Massachusetts in 1755. Moses Goodale married 
Patty Beckwith, who was born in New Hampsiiirc 
December 6, 1800, and whose father, Abel, was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. The marriage took 
place March 29, 1 827, and tiiey came to this State the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



759 



same year. They took possession of land now oc- 
cupied jjy tlieir son Moses, in a forest where wild 
animals abounded and no improvemeuLs were to 
be seen. Tliey bad to go tbrough the forest to 
a market, and so small was their capital in begin- 
ning life together, that tlieir rude log house had 
but little furniture and they ate from the same 
bdwl for some time. They had, however, two 
spoons and some other necessar}- articles for table 
use. The3' used splint bottom chairs, had a little 
square table and a cross-legged stand, and a rude 
bedstead. Oxen were used to develop the place, for 
which the Oovernment price of ^1.25 per acre was 
paid. Husband ancf wife lived to see their own 
place in good condition and the country around 
them well settled. Mr. Goodale died February 22, 
1874, and his widow October 23, 1887. 

Our subject's father was a Republican in politics 
and a Presbyterian in religion. He was a Deacon 
in the church many years and was an active worker 
for the cause of religion. He acted as Sunday- 
school Superintendent for a long time. During 
the later years of his life he was identified with the 
Congregational Church, whose form of Govern- 
ment he liked better than the Presb^'terian. He 
served as Road Commissioner and in School ottices 
and was a liberal contributor to all good causes. 
He and his wife had sis children, but the first-born 
died in infancy and others in following years, and 
onl}- .Icmina W., Permelia and Moses are now liv- 
ing. 

Our subject was born on the homestead in this 
county January 10, 1839. He is the youngest of 
the faniil}' and alfvays remained with his parents. 
He obtained his schooling in the home township 
and learned well how to carry on the farm, lie 
was married September 10, 1867, and brought his 
bride to the old home, where he is now occupying 
a dwelling built by his father some years ago. He 
has two daughters, one dead and one living. Lucy 
M. was born July 1, 1868, and died March 17, 
1872; Kda L was born January 8, 1871, married 
Arthur Groves, and lives on the maternal horae- 
slead on section 27. 

Mrs. Goodale bore the maiden name of Martha 
E. Fall, and is a daughtar of Jolin and Mar3' A. 
(Colvin) Fall, natives of New York and Maine 



respectively. She is the fifth in a family of ten 
children, and was born in Southfield Township, 
November 27. 1847. From her fifth year she was 
reared in Troy Township by her great-aunt in the 
maternal line, Ruth Howland. Mr. Goodale is a 
Rcputilican. He belongs to the Congregational 
Church at Royal Oak and Mrs. Goodale is identified 
with the same society. He is Deacon, Trustee 
Clerk and Sunday-school Superintendent, and is one 
of the most active and liberal members of the 



-J^g^- 




ARRISON SMITH, now in his seventy-first 
year settled in Oakland County, Mich., in 
the fall of 1844. He now resides on a finely 
improved farm of two hundred and thirty 
acres, lying one mile north of the pretty village of 
Holly on section 27, Holl}' Township. No man has 
done more to develop the country than he. Few, 
if any, have contributed more liberally of their 
means to the support of religion, and few men in- 
deed have lived so pure and noble a life as he. 

Our subject was born in Wyoming Count}', 
N. Y., November 27, 1820. His father, Curtin 
Smith, was born in Delaware County, N. Y., Jan- 
uary 1, 1787. The grandfather of our subject was 
of English descent, a very religious man and an ex- 
horter in the Methodist Church. He reared five 
children, and died June 8, 1828. Curtin Smith 
was a farmer and doctor. When a young man he 
settled, in 1811, on the Holland Purchase in Genesee 
Count}', now Wyoming County, and at that lime 
well on the frontier. Having cleared up a farm in 
the woods he sold and bought another in Allegany 
Count}', N. Y., and lived there twenty years. He 
then returned to AVyoniing County, N. Y., and 
made a new home near his old one, where he spent 
the remainder of his days. He was called from 
earth September 13, 1 867, in his eighty-first year. 
He was a great reader and was above the average 
in intelligence. In religion he inclined to the 
faith of the Univcrsalists. He was a Democrat and 
took an active interest in politics. He was a vol- 
unteer soldier in the War of 1812 and fought at 
Lundy's Lane. His wife, Orillie Jillette, the 



760 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGRArHlCAL ALBUM. 



mother of our subject, was born in Delaware 
County, N. Y. Slie was of a kind motherly <lispo- 
sition and was an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. She reared a family of eleven 
children and died October 27, 1866, at seventy- 
seven 3'ears of age. 

Harrison Smith was born and reared in a pioneer 
country. He sat upon slab benches in the log 
sciioolliouse and manufactured bis own ink and 
goose-quill pens. When twenty-two years old lie 
rented his father's place for one year. In 1844 he 
made the journey with team and wagon to Michi- 
gan, and settled in Pontiac. He soon after traded 
his team for some land in Holly Township. For 
three years he spent his summers in cultivating iiis 
land and his winders in Pontiac, working at wagon- 
making and teaming. Two bouses and a mill were 
the only buildings on the present site of the town 
of Holly and Indian trails alone led into what is 
now lliat village. The Indians camped near his 
log cabin where he kept bachelor's hall. He finally 
sold his land and bought forty acres on section 27, 
Holly Township. This land had a house on it and 
was partially improved. Here iie brought his 
l)iide and began housekeeping in earnest. Their 
house was the most capacious and commodious in 
that vicinity and tiiey kept tavern and fed and 
lodged immigrants on their way to the far West. 
Many a night their bouse was crowded full. All 
township business was transacted there. In 1801, 
they left this house and removed to Holly, and in 
1865 removed to the present farm of eighty acres 
on the same section. He cleared up this new farm 
and added to it until it now comprises two hundred 
and thirty acres and beasts a neat and commodious 
frame house and a large frame barn. 

Mr. Smith has farmed extensively and has raised 
and sold a good many horses as well as much other 
slock. He now lives to a great extent retired from 
active work. His marriage took place October 1, 
1848, with Eliza J. Patterson who was born in Mon- 
roe County, N. Y.. Seplumber 7, 1827. She is the 
daughter of James and Eliza (Paten) Patterson, 
who settled here in 1847. and a sister of Pro- 
bate .Uulge Patterson, of Oakland Count}-. Mrs. 
Smith is of a kind motherly disposition. She is a 
woman of no little literary note, and has written 



and read before the Western Pioneer Association, 
of Oakland County, a number of interesting arti- 
cles and poems on pioneer life. The following • 
poem was composed by her and appeared in the 
announcement of the annual Christmas gathering 
of the Patterson family at her residence on Christ- 
mas day: 

''We will greet them with friendship, those kindred 
of ours. 
And in sympathy's garden find beautiful flowers. 
Not onl}' where roses and lilies do bloom. 
But where soul-stirring thoughts ripen ere noon. 

"There are buds on each branch of this beautiful 

tree. 

Softly thej-'re whispering, -Speak kindly to me.' 

Those buds that are human should not be effaced. 

But in .sympathy's garden leserve them a place. 

'-Those buds that arc blooming in youth's happy 
pride 
Need a shepherd to guide them and walk by 
their side. 
Even down to old age this guide will be true. 
And crown them with friendship so bright to 
their view. 

"Some branches are broken and gone far tod.ay; 
Who knows but they're saying, 'Look over this 
way.' 
Those branches so cherished by his loving hand 
Will all soon be gathered to that beautiful land. 

•'Remember the loved ones that have gone far 
away, 
Sleeping where loved ones cannot greet thorn to- 
day. 
The untarnished marble marks their repose. 
Oh ! how we wept when we saw their e^-es closed '. 

•'We will greet tliem with friendship, those kindred 
of ours. 
And in sympath3''s garden find beauMful 
flowers." 

Mr. and ^Irs. Smith were present and sang in 
the choir at the first celebration of the Fourth of 
July ever iield in Holly Township. It was held at 
Holly Center, then called Younges Corners, in this 
township, and Mrs. Smith's father was President of 
the da}- and Michael E. Crofoot, then a loading 
lawyer of Ponti.ac, was the orator. Our subject 
and his wife have had two children, both of whom 
have been spared to them. William J. has married 
Laura E. Pierson, and has seven children, namely 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



761 



Clajtoii H., Worth, George H., Eliza Grace, Glenn, 
Zc'liff and Effie M. Tlie tlaugliter of our subject., 
JMelina A., married Henry Smith, of Ba)' City, 
Mich., anil has one child, Fred Harrison. Mr. and 
Mrs. Siuilh are both members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Mr. Smith experienced con- 
version in the fall of 1832, and was baptized by a 
minister of the Cluistian Church in 1841. He 
joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1845, 
and has been an active worker and a liberal giver 
to the cause of religion. Like fragrance from a 
flower, his Christian influeace has gone forth con- 
tinually for good. Mrs. .Smith united with the 
Eree Will Baptist Church when fifteen years of 
age and after coming to Michigan joined the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. In this connection she 
has been an active worker and is a grand good 
Christian women. Mr. Smith is a Democrat. Fie 
has held the office of Constable one year, Township 
Treasurer six years. Supervisor five years and 
Road Commissioner one year. Besides this has 
held various school offices in which he has proven 
himself faithful and etlicient. He is a member of 
the Masonic order at Holly and also of the Giange 
in which he has served as Master one term. Mrs. 
Snailli was at one time Lecturer to the Grange, and 
prepared and read many ess.ays before that bod}'. 



r 



IRAM ANDREWS, an intelligent and highly 
I yi' respected citizen, carries on one of the best 
K^ kept farms in Orion Township. He is and 
^) has been all his life a lianl worker, and 
now in his later years he is still robust and vigor- 
ous. He was born in Rutland County, Vt., Octolier 
C, 1819. His father, Eber Andrews, a New Hamp- 
shire man, settled in Vermont when quite young 
anil went thence to Steuben County, N. Y., where 
he died about 1825. His wife, Abbie Bryant, of 
New Hampshire, was a devout and earnest member 
of the Baptist Church, and the mother of six chil- 
dren, two of whom arc still living. .She died in 
1847 in New York. 
■■^ The subject of this sketch was but six years old 
when he was bereaved by the death of his father, 



and was at the time bound out to a neighbor. Flis 
mother, however, remarried when he was twelve 
years old and then took him home. He received 
his education in the log schoolhouses, and when 
eighteen years old began to teach, carrying on this 
business for five years in the winters and farming 
in the summers. In 1842, being then twenty-three 
years old, he married Catherine Haines of New 
York. 

The Western fever struck our young man in 
1845. He then removed to .Dodge County, Wis., 
and entered Government land in heavy timber, 
building a log house and clearing up his farm. He 
also built a sawmill, which he operated for twenty- 
two years. His closest and most numerous neigh- 
bors in those days were Indians, deer and wolves. 
He bought many a ham of venison from the red 
men. He sold his farm in 1867 and worked at 
lumbering for some eighteen months and then went 
into Southern Iowa to spend the winter of 1868. 

In the spring of 1869 this gentleman removed 
to Oakland County, Mich., and purchased a farm 
on sections 22 and 23 of Orion Township, this 
county, where he now resides. His first wife 
died in 1854, leaving six children, namely, Mary 
M., Joseph D. (deceased), Orlando J., Hinman F., 
Hiram, Jr., and Emma (deceased). His second 
marriage took place in 1855. He was then united 
with Susan Wright, of Wisconsin, who died in 
1863, leaving two children — Ella and Sarah. The 
present I^Irs. Andrews bore the maiden name of 
Julia C. Crawford ; she was born in Orange Count}-, 
N. Y., February 22, 1823. Her parents, John B. 
and Elizabeth (Thompson) Crawford, removed to 
Southwestern New York about 1833. Mr. Craw- 
ford died in .Schuyler County, N. Y.,in 1861, hav- 
ing lost his wi'e in 1858. Tiiey were Presbyterians 
of Scotch descent, and his fatlie; wiis one of the 
Revolutionary heroes. 

In his early days Mr. Andrews was a Whig, and 
afterward became a Republican, casting his first 
vote for William Henry Harrison. He has held 
various towusliip offices and is identilied with the 
Grange. He helped to organize the townshi)) of 
Rubicon. Dodge County, Wis., and was ma<le its 
first ScIiokI Commissioner. He afterward filled the 
oflices of Justice of llie Peace and Assessor forsev- 



762 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



oral }-ears. lie began life with nothing but his 
sturdy resolution, good heallii and strong muscles. 
At eighteen j'ears of age he hardly bad a suit of 
clothes, and at twenty-five he had accumulated 
*r>00 and moved West. He now possesses two 
hundred and twentj^-five acres of land in a fine, 
well cultivated farm. His specialty is raising grain. 
He built Ills fine, large house in 1878. 




5>ILLIAM H. FOOTE. Among the well- 
improved farms of Milford Township is 
^ one on section 16, consisting of one hun- 
dred and forty acres, owned and operated by Mr. 
Foole. It deserves the title of an elegant farm, 
having been placed in fine condition as regards til- 
lage, orderly arrangement, beauty and adequateness 
of buildings and value of stock. One hundred acres 
are under the plow and large crops of different 
grains are harvested. The stock is of high grades, 
the sheep being Shropsliires. A view of the pleas- 
ant homestead with the principal buildings is pre- 
sented on another page. 

Our subject is the son of Dr. Henry K. Foote, 
whose name is familiar to many of our readers. 
That gentleman was born in East Haddam, Conn., 
February 22, 1803, and when eighteen years old 
went to New York. Ha was a graduate of a med- 
ical college in Albany, but a part of his profes- 
sional course was taken in Vermont. He began 
practice in Conesus, N. Y., and remained there 
until 1834, when he came to this State. He was 
accompanied by his wife, formerl}' Minerva Hen- 
derson, who was born in New York in 1804. The}- 
settled on a farm in Commerce Township, this 
count}', .sojourned there three years, then removed 
to the village of Milford and made that their i)er- 
manent home. Dr. Foote built the large brick now 
the Presbyterian parsonage. He continued in act- 
ive practice until the war. and he and ]3r. Morey 
were the leading pli3'sicians of this locality. 

Dr. Foote was intensely loya! and attended meet- 
ings, raised a company of men for the Lancers 
Hegimemt and was commissioned a Lieutenant. 
The company was attached to the Fifth Michigan 



Cavalry and Dr. Foote still held his rank. The 
first winter the boys were in camp at Detroit and 
in the spring they were ordered South. Old as he 
was Dr. Foote started with them, and on the waj', 
when at Poolesville. Md., he died from pneumonia 
and congestion of the lungs. The date of his death 
was February 8, 18G3, and he was then sixty years 
old. 

It was not only as a physician and patriot that 
Dr. Foote acquired celebrity, but he also has an 
honored name in connection with legislative affairs. 
He was first sent as a Representative from this dis- 
trict in 1844, and he served altogether throe terras. 
He took a leading part in the discussions, and his 
name is inscribed on the pages of liistor}- as one of 
the most prominent law-makers of that period in 
Michigan. Politicall}', he was first a Whig and 
then a Republican, and always an ardent anti-sla- 
very man. He united with the Presbyterian Church 
when eighteen years of age and was a consistent 
member until death; he officiated as Deacon. Mrs. 
Foote was likewise an earnest Christian, belonging 
to the same church as her husband. .She died Jan- 
uarj- 17, 1881. They had five children, those now 
living being Mary J., William II., Charles C. and 
James L. The daughter is the wife of T. D. 
Nutting. 

Our subject was born in New York January 4, 

1833. and was an infant when brought hither. He 
attended school in Milford and also studied in 
the academ}' at Lodi. He began life for himself 
when seventeen years old and learned the trade of 
a blacksmith, at which he worked for some years. 
In the spring of 1858 he settled ui)on his present 
farm, which had been purchased by his father. 
But little improvement had been made and he has 
done much work on the farm. He removed stumps, 
stones, and girdled timber, made an addition to the 
residence and built all the other buildings now 
standing. Following in the footsteps of his re- 
si)ccted father, he has been industrious and ener- 
getic in his personal affairs and has shown the true 
public spirit by joining with his associates in that 
which would be for the good of the people. 

In 1853 Mr. Foote was married to Sarah Enie- 
line Hastings, who was born in I'tica. N. Y., in 

1834, and came West with her parents many 3'ears 




RESIDENCE OF JOHN Wl N D I ATE, SEC, 12., WATER FORD TP, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 




RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM H . FOOTE , 5EC 16. ,M 1 LFORD TP, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



765 



ago. Her progenitors, George and Electa (Reed) 
Hastings, are numbered among the old settlers 
here and for some years Mr. Hastings was tlie vil- 
lage blacksmith at Milford. He died in 1873. His 
widow still survives and her home is in Holly. 
Mrs. Foot is the onl}' one of their children now 
living. Her own family consists of George H., 
who married Anna Scott, has two children and 
lives in Kalka.skia; Charles, whose home is in Gra- 
tiot County, and his wife Flora Curtis; Hattie M., 
wife of Andrew Austin, residing in Milford; Katie 
R., wife of John Smith and mother of a son, Sin- 
clair, and living in Gratiot County ; William K., 
who is unmarried. All have good common-school 
educations and Hattie was for a time engaged in 
teaching. She is a good musician, and Katie sings 
ver^- pleasantly. Mr. and Mrs. Foote were good 
singers in their earlier years, and several of the 
children inherit their ability. 

Mr. Foote has been a member of the School 
Board and has served acceptably as Highway Com- 
missioner. Fiom the time he couhi vote until 
vecently, he was a Republican, but his heart is now 
in the Prohibition cause. lie signed the pledge 
when a boy and has always been a temperance man. 
He and ills wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, 
in wliicli he has been Trustee, Sund.ay-school 
teacher and a member of the standing committees. 
He is an unu.'^ually intelligent, capable man, with a 
fine character which entitles him to respect. 



\l]OHN WINDIATE. Too much credit can 
scarcely be given those who formed the 
vanguard of civilization, bore the brunt of 
privation and arduous toil necessary in 
0|)ening up a new country, and who, having seen 
the fruition of tlieir hopes, are in their declining 
years enjoying the worldly prospeiity they so well 
deserve and tlie esteem of all for their recognized 
Worth of character. Among such men an honored 
rank is held by the gentleman above named, who is 
a native of this county and born in Waterford 
Township March 7, 1838. He is now conceded to 
be one of the most successful agriculturalists of 



the township, where he is extensively engaged in 
his calling and where he has a beautiful home on 
the banks of Silver Lake. His landed estate com- 
prises two hundred and seventy-five acres on sec- 
tion 12, Waterford Township, and one hundred and 
sixty acres in Livingston County, the greater por- 
tion of which is under cultivation. 

John Windiate, Sr., was born in England in 
1808, and in the land of his birth he married in 
1833 Miss Harriet Elliott, also a native of that 
country. Together the 3'oung couple came to 
America in 1836, and after landing at New York, 
proceeded directly to Oakland County, where they 
located on section 12, Waterford Township. The 
farm which they purchased was partially improved 
and the log house served as a dwelling place for 
the family several years. In the meantime the fa- 
ther devoted his entire attention to clearing the 
land of tiie thick growth of timber and planting 
grain, for which labor he received ample recom- 
pense when the bountiful harvests were gathered. 
Soon a good house took the place of the log cabin, 
a substantial barn was erected, and other evidences 
of prosperity became noticeable. 

There were eight children in the parental family 
and seven of these are now living, six in Michigan 
and one in California. All are prosperous and in 
comfortable circumstances. Our subject began life 
for himself at the age of twenty-three, and in 1861 
went to California, where he was reasonably- suc- 
cessful in his operations as a miner. After work- 
ing in California for two years he went to Nevada 
and engaged in buying and selling wood and 
mining. Later he returned to California and spent 
three j-ears. He came back to his native State in 
1868 and settled on his father's farm, which he 
worked one jear. 

Soon after his return from California Mr. 
Windiate was married to Miss I<>lma, daughter of 
Elijah and Catherine D. Clough, natives of Massa- 
chusetts and New York respectively. Mr. Clough, 
who was a shoemaker by trade, came to Livingston 
County', Mich., in 1839, and spent the remainder of 
his life in farming pursuits. By this marriage 
there was but one child, Mrs. Windiate. By a 
former wife her father had four children, all of 
whom are deceased. She received good ad van- 



766 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tages when young, having an excellent common- 
school education and afterward spending one year 
a', an academy. A lady of rare intelligence, broad 
culture and most charming manners, she wins the 
respect of all her acquaintances. 

After working his father's farm one year, Mr. 
Windiate located in Livingston County, buying 
one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land, 
of which he cleared al)out seventy acres. Here he 
built a comfortable residence, and made such 
other improvements as were necessary. This farm 
he now rents, for after a residence upon it of six 
years he returned to Oakland County and settled 
on the old homestead, where he still resides. His 
father died in 1880, while the mother passed from 
earth some five years prior to the decease of her 
husband. Of the five children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Windiate the following is noted: Lora Ma3% a 
graduate of the Pontiac High School, has chosen 
the profession of a teacher, and is at home; Alta 
Elma has been a student in the High School at 
Pontiac two years; William Alfred, aged fifteen 
years, Harriet Bird, thirteen years old, and Pruda 
Fae, aged one year and eight months, complete the 
pleasant family circle. 

The attention of the reader is invited to a view 
of Mr. Windiate's pleasant residence, which ap- 
l)ears on another page. 

pNDREW COULTER, one of the old set- 
tlers and best citizens of Commerce Town- 
(4 ship, is the son of John Coulter, a marble 
cutter and farmer who was born in County- 
Donegal, Ireland, in 180;'). and came lo America 
when a boy. making his home in New York City. 
His good wife w?s Elizabeth (Carson) Coulter, a 
native of County Tyrone, Ireland. She also came 
to this country in her early days. They were mar- 
ried February 8, 1831, in New York City, and in 
1837 came to Michigan, making their new home on 
section 8, Commerce Township, this county. They 
took their farm of wild land from the Government, 
the deed being signed by President .Tackson. Mr. 
Coulter built a log house, and worked hard clear- 




ing the farm. He suffered severely from fever and 
ague. He cleared about sixty acres of his one hun- 
dred and sixty and died March 11, 1847. His wife 
survived him until October 12, 1886, when she 
departed this life at tiie good old age of seventy- 
nine years. 

Both parents of our subject were members of 
the Presbj'terian Church, although Mrs. Coulter 
joined the Methodist after coming to t.his county- 
Her husband was a Whig and later a Republican. 
They were the parents of nine children, five of 
whom are living and bear the names of Andrew, 
Mary Ann (now Mrs. Thom.as Sleeth), William T., 
Margaret and James W. Our subject was born 
December 5, 1832, in New York City, and was but 
a little child when brought to this State. He was 
fifteen years of age when his father died, and heing 
the eldest of the family, took charge of the farm 
and has managed it from that day to this. He still 
has tlie original homestead and has himself cleared 
fifty acres of it of trees, stumps and stones. He 
built the present home and has improved the farm. 

The marriage of our subject took place Novem- 
ber 9, 1865. His wife was Mary Ann, daughter 
of James and Elizabeth (McGee) Wardlow, both 
natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who came to 
America when quite joung and married in New 
York City. They came to Micliigan at the same 
time as did Mr. Coulter's parents and settled iu 
Highland Township, where their son now resides 
Three of their four children are living, namely : 
P^lizabetli, Mrs. Leonard, Joseph and Mrs. Coulter. 
The wife of our subject was born June 3, 1811, in 
Highland Township, where Joseph Wardlow now 
lives. Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have no children. 
They are members of the Methodist E|)iscoi);il 
Church at Milford. Mr. Coulter takes a livelj- in- 
terest in politics and votes the Republican ticket. 
He has been Road Overseer in the township and is 
a ujan universally respe«ted for his temperate 
habits and excellent character. He carries on 
general farming. 

A first cousin of our subject is W. J. McConnell, 
at present United Stales Senator from Idaho. He 
was born in Commerce Township and receivcil his 
earl}' education here and resided here until he was 
twelve years old. lie is now a resident of Moscow, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



767 



Idaho. Senator McConnell is a self-made man. 
having risen to his present eminence by means of 
industry-, perseverance and the emplo3'mcnt of his 
native talent. He has large business interests in 
Moscow, and in Pullman, Wash., and is connected 
with the First National Bank at Moscow. 

Joseph Coulter, the brother of our subject, was 
born November 23, 1843, and died October 4, 
1889. He married, February 2, 1870, Miss Addie 
.Simpson, a daughter of Robert and Elleu(Wallace) 
Simpson. Her parents were born, the mother in 
New York and the father in the North of Ireland. 
Tliey had been residents of BloomSeld Township 
since 1830 and cleared u|) a farm there. Mr. Simp- 
son died in 1878, aged seventy-five years. Mrs. 
Simpson still survives and lives at Pontiac, Mich., 
having reached the age of seventy-five years. Mr. 
and Mrs. -loseph Coulter were the parents of two 
children — Harry M., born February 17, 1877, and 
Bertha E., born March 1), 1883. Our subject h.is 
the deserved esteem of his neighbors, who respect 
his character and enjoy his good social qualities. 



» 3 >v^* 



"\w|OSEPH P. FISUEH, one of the prominent 
citizens of White Lake Township, carries on 
I a farm on section 6. His father was Joseph 
(^y/ P., the son of Timothy Fisher, a native of 
Massachusetts. The grandfather went at an early 
day from Massachusetts to New Hampshire. Here 
he reared his family upon a farm and brought them 
up in the faith of the Congregational Cliurtli, and 
here he died. His son, .loseph P., was born in Ded- 
ham, Mass., in 1800. When a small bo.v he went to 
New Hampshire with his father. Here he grew to 
manhood and married Sylvia Gould. To them 
were born four sons and six daughters: Joseph P., 
our subject; Milton E.; John S.; Alonzo; Alvira M.; 
Adeline ;Philanda; Nancy; Jane; and Orvilla D. 

The father of the subject of this sketch came to 
Michigan in 1834, and settled in White Lake Town- 
ship. When seventy-Gve years of age he removed 
to Allegan County, where he remained with his 
daughter, Mrs. Jane Moore, until he was called 
away from earth. He at one time owned one hun> 



dred and sixty acres. Deer and Indians were his 
frequent callers during the early years of his life in 
this State, and bears and wildcats were numerous. 
He was a hard-working man and opened up a great 
deal of land. At one time he threshed out live 
acres of wheat with a flail, with a crutch under each 
arm. His widow died in'Allegan County, about 
two years after the decease of her husband. At 
different times during his life he was a member of 
different churches, but was in the communion of 
the Seventh Day Baptists at the time of his death. 
■ The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was 
born February 7, 1820, at Crown Point, N. Y., on 
the shores of Lake Champlain. When sixteen 3-ears 
old he came to Michigan with his parents. He be- 
gan working on a farm for wages when twentv 
years old, and received -tlO per month, the high- 
est wages paid. He paid one month's vvages for 
a barrel of flour and ^2 for a team to draw it Lome. 
In 1848 he returned East to bring his wife to the 
now home. He was married October 4, 18J8, in 
Buffalo, N. Y., to Mrs. Ann E. (Nixon) Noyes, a 
daughter of Edward Nixon, a native of Ireland, 
where he ilied in 1839. In i842 his widow, Eliz- 
abeth Nixon, came to America and settled at Ft. 
Gratiot, St. Clair Ct)unty, this State, where she 
lived until her death in 1844. Their daughter Ann 
was born February 21, 1824, in County Cavan, 
Ireland, and was therefore seventeen years of age 
when she came to Michigan. Her first marriage 
occurred in 1844, when she became the wife of 
Sergeant George Noyes of the Fifth Infantry, 
United States Arm}-. To them two children were 
born: Emma (deceased), and George N., who re- 
sides in Terra Haute, Ind., and is express messen- 
ger for the Chicago and Eastern Railwaj-. 

Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. 
Fisher and wife. They are as follows: Florence P., 
Edward A., Sylva P., Franklin P., Edward A.. 
' Abraham L. and Albert S. Mr. Fisher has alw.ays 
followed farming. Before his marriage he had ac- 
quired by his own eft'orts, one hundred and twenty 
acres in Springfield Township, and at present he 
owns one hundred and forty-three acres. He has 
been a hard-working man and has cleared nnich 
land. In 1863 he purchased the hotel building at 
White Lake for the express purpose of driving the 



768 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



demoralizing trade of strong drinlj out of his neigli- 
borliood. lie moved into the hotel, April 3, and 
this enraged the people who had rented the place 
for the sale of liquor, and they raised almost a riot. 
The}^ were detetmined that Mr. Fisher should have 
no peace while he was in the hotel. They, thrust 
one man through the wiiidow, breaking the whole 
window. The}' broke locks and knocked off plas- 
tering and did all the damage the}' could. This 
excitement occurred while the township meeting 
was being held at the hotel, and many of the men 
were under the influence of liquor, but Mr. Fisiier 
kept cool and carried himself quietly through the 
turmoil and came out victorious. He is not a party 
man and always strives to vote conscientiously for 
the best candidate. 



> - :>« -i — •> 




# 



t ORRIS WHEELER, a farmer residi-ag on 
section 3, Highland Township, is a son of 
Cj-rus Wheeler, a son of Benjamin, who 
was born in Massachusetts and married 
there. At an early day he went to Ontario Count}-, 
N. Y., where he endeil his d.ays. His wife was a 
Miss Short of Massachusetts. He served for seven 
years in the War of the Revolution, and received 
a pension for his services. He owned considerable 
land in New York which he farmed. He was also 
a distiller and a drover. He gave his children each 
a farm. 

Cyrus Wheeler was born in East Bloomfield, 
Ontario County, N. Y. Here he married his wife, 
Sarah Colt, and here ids son, our subject, was born. 
Cyrus died at the early age of twenty-one ye.irs. 
His wife married a second time to a Dr. Andrew 
Wood, and by him she became the mother of 
seven children — Jane, Lavina, Nancy, Elizabeth, 
Andrew, Alva and Madison. ■ Tlie mother of our 
subject died in LSiSl in Niagara County, N. Y. 

Morris Wheeler was born in Ontario County, N. 
Y , in 1817. Here he lived in his native town, 
Bristol, until twcnlv-foiir years of age, when he 
removed to Highland Township, Oakland County, 
Mich., which he has made his permaneut home. 



Previous to his removal to Michigan he married 
in 1835, in Ontario County, Mary Whitemore, a 
daughter of Jonas Whitemore, a native of Massa- 
chusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been 
born the following children : Adeline, now Mrs. 
Downs residing atMilford; Cyrus V., residing in 
Highland Township; Jonas, living in Cheboygan 
County, Mich.; Alice, now Mrs. Bridgman, who 
resides in Milford Township; Charles and Ulysses, 
deceased ; Frank, who is now Mrs. Watson and re- 
sides in Nebraska; Hattie, who is at home; Harry, 
who lives in Detroit, and is in business with a 
paper dealer, and Eliza, who is at home with her 
parents. The two oldest children were born in New 
York and the others in Highland Township. 

In 1841, when Mr. Wheeler came to Michigan, 
the country was new and wild animals abounded, 
lie often hoard wolves liowling near his home. He 
bought one hundred and twenty acres of land 
which he now owns, and erected on it buildings 
which now adorn it. His wife is an efficient and 
active member of the Presbyterian Church. His 
political affiliations are with the Republican party, 
but he has never sought ofHce at the hands of his 
fellow-citizens. In 1883 Mr. Wheeler purchased 
a stock of goods and started a grocery and queens- 
ware business in Cheboygan County, Mich. This 
business is carried on for him by his son Jonas. 

ff/OSEPH JOSSM.A N,a merchant of Ox- 
ford, was born in Detroit, Mieh., September 
11, 1861. He is of German pnrent.age, be- 
ing the son of Esidore and Sarah (Lehman) 
Jossman. His father came to this country in 1844 
and his mother in 1845. Joseph Jossman located 
at Goodrich, Lapeer County, Mich., where he en- 
gaged in mercantile business. Later he removed 
to Clarkston, where he still resides, engaged in liie 
same line of business. -Mr. and Mrs. Jossman he- 
came the parents of ten cliildren. seven of whom 
are living, and all are in Clarkston except Joseph. 

He of whoQj we write this life history was 
brought up to mercantile pursuits. He says he 
can hardly remember when he Brst sold goods. In 




;| '» 



,^l 





)A.XrJ^~^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



771 



1883 he began in business for '.limself in Oxford 
and opened up a general store, buyini); and selling 
produce, wool, etc. He lias had excellent success in 
business and carries a general line to the value of 
about $10,000. 

Mr. .lossman was united in marriage April ;">, 
1882, with Clara, daughter of Dr. C. G. Robertson. 
One son, Willie R., has been given to them. Mr. 
Jossinan is a niemliei' of the Masonic Oder, of both 
Chai)ter and Blue Lodge, also of the Knights of 
Pytiiias of uniform rank. He is a Knight of tlie 
Maccabees and a member of the Independent order 
of Foresters. In religion he is an adiierent of the 
Jewish faith, and in politics, of the Demociatic 
party. 




f/^^ON. PASCAL D'ANGELIS WARNER, 
Yl of Farmington Township, tlie youngest of 
three brothers who constituted the family 
of Seth A. L. and Sally (Wixom) Warner, 
was born August 12, 1822, in the town of Hector, 
then Tompkins County, but now Schuyler County, 
N. Y. In April, 1825, the father left the State of 
New York witii his family, and coming to the 
Territory of Michigan, located in what is now 
Farmington, where he resided until his death, in 
1846. The disadvantages, privations and suffer- 
ings incident to pioneer life in those early days 
were experienced by him and his family, but were 
borne with cheerfulness, patience and Christian 
fortitude. 

The father being in straitened circumstances and 
feeble health, the children were early thrown upon 
their own resources, and thus became llie architects 
of their own fortunes. The youngest, having en- 
joyed very limited educational advantages, was per- 
mitted to leave home at the age of fourteen, and 
engaged as clerk in a country store. For the suc- 
ceeding nine j'ears his principal business was clerk- 
ing, being employed the last year in the city of 
Detroit. During the first five 3'ears of this lime 
he was usually allowed to attend school some por- 
tion of the winter months. Nearly the whole of 
the sixth year was spent at a private school in 



Northville, where he completed a fair English edu- 
cation. On the occasion of his going to reside at 
Detroit he assumed the name of Dean in place of 
his second Christian name, for the purpose of rid- 
ding hiniself of an undesirable nickname, which 
had adhered to him from his earliest chidhood. 
Ever afterward he was known only as P. Dean 
Warner. Returning to Farmington in 184o, he 
engaged in merchandising, and continued in the 
trade until 1863, when he retired from business, 
and has since devoted himself to the management 
of his estate and the discharge of various public 
trusts. 

His first political associations were with the 
Democratic party. In 1845 he received the ap- 
pointment of Deputy Postmaster at Farmington, 
and retained the position until the inauguration of 
President T.aylor, in 1849, when he resigned tlic 
office. In 1846, 1858 and 1859 he was Clerk of his 
township, and discharged the duties of that office 
efficientl3- during those years. In November, 1 850, 
he was elected one of the six Representatives from 
the County of Oakland, and served as a member 
of the House during the regular and extra sessions 
of the Legislature iu 1851. 

Mr. Warner always held radical views in regard 
to the question of slavery, but saw no wa^' under 
the Constitution by which the nation could be ex- 
tricated from its complicity with that institution. 
He was therefore willing to abide by what was 
termed "The Compromises of the Constitution," 
but when it was proposed in the XXXII Id Con- 
gress (on providing Territorial governments for 
Kansas and Nebraska) to repeal the legislation of 
1820, by which, after the admission of Missouri, 
all the then remaining territory of the United 
States was forever dedicated to freedom, he zeal- 
ouslj' opposed the proposition. He believed that 
the measure was not only unjust in principle, but 
a breach of National faith. He thus lost the favor 
of many of his political associates, and soon found 
himself outside of any political organization, and 
he therefore identified himself with the Republican 
movement then being inaugurated. 

In April, 1855, our subject was elected Justice of 
the Peace, and re-elected in 1859, 1867, 1871, 1881 
and 1885. In 18C2 he was elected Supervisor of 



772 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his township, and' conlinuert in this office for five 
veais. In 1 86 1 lie was again chosen a member of 
the House from the Fiftli District of Oalvland 
CounU', and became somewhat conspicuous for liis 
knowledge of parliamenlar}' law, and for his active 
advocacy of the right to their seats of those mem- 
bers who had been elected by the aid of soldiers' 
votes. In November, 1866, he was again re- 
elected to the House, and on the convening of tiie 
Legislature he was chosen Speaker. He discliarged 
the duties of that position with such promptness 
and acceptability that no ruling of his was called 
in question by any member during a protracted 
and laborious session. At its close the following 
resolution was offered by a member of opposing 
politics and unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, The Hon. P. Dean Warner has, by 
ills eminent abilities, uniform kindness and impar- 
tiality in the discharge of the responsible and 
onerous duties of the Chair, won the friendship 
and esteem of the members of this House, regard- 
less of political distinction ; therefore, 

liesolwd, Tiiat our sincere regards and well- 
wishes will ever attend him in all the relations of 
life, and we most cordially extend to him the 
thanks of the House. 

In April, 1867, Mr. Warner was elected one of 
the four delegates to represent the County of Oak- 
land in a Constitutional Convention authorized to 
be held du'ing that year. Owing to indisposition 
he was illy prepared for the arduous duties de- 
volving upon him during the sittings of this con- 
vention. In the fall of 1868 he was elected 
Senator from the Fifth Senatorial District. He 
served his constituents during the regular session 
of 1860 and the extra session of 1870. Besides this 
he has held a Notarial commission for most of 
the time during the past forty years. In meeting 
the obligations and discharging the duties of all 
these official positions he was ever governed by an 
honest purpose and a wise discretion. He has re- 
lied more upon the merits of his case, his genial 
disposition and courteous manner for success, 
than upon the strength of his oratory or the 
clearness of his argument. In June. 1866, he 
was selected to represent the interests of his 
county before the State Board of Equalization, and 
the fidelity with which he i)crformed the duties 



of that appointment was illustrated in the reduc- 
tion of over ¥11,000 on the tax apportionment of 
his county. 

Senator Warner was married November 8, 1845, 
to Miss Rlioda E. Botsford, the third daughter of 
Lemuel and Lucy (Smith) Botsford, a lovely- and 
amiable lady, with whom he has lived happily to the 
present time. Having no children of their own, 
they adopted a son and daughter. On the break- 
ing out of the War of the Rebellion he labored 
earnestly to inspire confidence and patriotic devo- 
tion among the people. It need only be said that 
the Oovernraent had no more zealous and faithful 
supporter of all the measi'.res aiiopted for the sup- 
pression of the Rebellion than it found in him. 
His religious views coincide with those of the 
Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a prom- 
inent member for many years. In 1878, in com- 
paii}' with his son. he visited the Paris Exposition 
and took quite an extended trip through various 
portions of Europe. 

A lithographic portrait of the Hon. Mr. Warner 
is presented in connection with this biographical 
notice. 



-^sr^-~< 



■^ 



^p^RIFFIN CARPENTER owns and occupies 
ll f--. a farm located in Lyon and Novi Town- 
^^^ ships, consisting of one hundred and sixty 
acres of thoroughly' developed land. Mr. Carpen- 
ter has owned three hundred and fifteen acres at 
one time, but has reduced his possessions, as he 
assisted his children to make a start in the world. 
Having known what it was to begin the battle of 
life unaided and to toil and struggle in order lo 
get a footing, he has been desirous of doing for his 
own offspring more than circumstances made it 
possible for his father to do for him. He started in 
life for himself by clearing land at *10 per acre 
and boarding himself, and little by little he saved 
the wherewithal to secure and improve a farm. 
Industry and good management brought added 
))rosperity, and he now has a good home and pleas- 
ant surroundings. 

Mr. (,'arpeuter was reared to farm life, his father 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



773 



having been engaged in agricultural pursuits. The 
latter, William Carpenter, was born in New York 
in 1792 and obtained a common-scliool education. 
He lived with his brother-in-law until he was eigh- 
teen years old, doing farm work in the summer, and 
teaching in the winter as soon as his age would 
allow of his getting a school. He was a soldier iu 
the War of 1812. In 1817 he married Mary Taylor, 
a native of New York, born in 1790, and buying 
eighty acres of land in Niagara County, he re- 
mained in ills native State until 1836. He then 
sold out and came to this State, via Buffalo. Soon 
after leaving that port the vessel was injured in a 
storm and the captain put in at Cleveland, Ohio, 
where Mr. Car|)enter embarked on another boat. 
Tlie second vessel was wrecked, but the passengers 
were landed at Port Huron, Ohio, whence they 
came by land to this county. Mr. Carpenter 
bonglit eighty acres in Novi Township and subse- 
quently eighty acres in Lyon Township. He built a 
house on the latter tract and lived lliere until his 
deatli, in 1878. He was an honest, upriglit man, 
with good standing in religious circles, being a 
Deacon in the Baptist Church. In politics he was 
a Republican. To him and his wife there came 
five daughters and live sons, and Griflin is tlie sec- 
ond son and third child. 

The natal d.ay of Griffin Carpenter was April 2, 
1821, and his birthplace Niagara County-, N. Y. 
He was a youth in his teens when he accompanied 
his parents hither, and he did much hard work on 
the new land on wliicli they made their iiome. His 
education was obtained in the common scliools, and 
in mature years he has read and observed so as to 
keep himself well-informed regarding passing 
events. He is a sound Rei)ublican and has been 
since the Whig party was disorganized and a new 
one rose in its place. His first vote liad been cast 
for William Henry Harrison. He has often been 
solicited to fdl official positions, but steadfastly re- 
fuses to do so. He does not belong to any religious 
organization but contributes to the support of tlie 
Protestant Methodist Church, as his bias of opinion 
is toward its tenets. 

In 1846 Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Bet- 
sey Jones, third child of Thomas and Nabbie (Bird) 
Jones. Her parents were natives of New York and 



had two sons and nine daugliters. Mrs. Carpenter 
was born May 29, 1828, and is the motlier of five 
ciiildren — Willis F., whose home is in Lyon; Mary 
N., wife of Joseph Paris of Grand Rapids; John 
F., who lives in Lyon; Hiram, a resident of Cedar 
Springs, twenty miles north of Grand Raijids; and 
Fred, who makes his home under the parental roof. 
For the past five years Mrs. Carpenter has been a 
great sufferer from neuralgia, which has so affected 
her sj-stem as greatly to impair her bodil3' activity. 



•■• •%*5'^'5*i'* *" "" 




ENRY TI-NKEN. This county is dotted 
over with fine farms where tlie land is 
brouglit to the liighest possible productive- 
ness, rich crops are garnered and notable 
stock raised, and every appointment that belongs 
to well-regulated estates is to be seen. The farm- 
houses of this section of the comnionwealtli are 
substantial and attractive buildings, and man3- of 
them would compare favorably in design and finish 
with those in the large towns. A number of such 
estates and dwellings beautify Avon Townsliipand 
one of the finest is owned by the gentleman whose 
name introduces these paragraphs. The estate 
comprises two hundre<l and forty fertile acres, 
ever}' rod of which is made useful or beautiful by 
careful management and judicious oversight. The 
farm-house is one of the best in the county, and is 
by many considered the model, par excellence. 

Mr. Tinken is one of those German-American 
citizens to whom credit must be given for much of 
the prosperity which depends upon the develop- 
ment of the material resources of certain parts of 
the United States. He was born in Hanover. March 
12, 183.5, and is one of the seven children compris- 
ing tlie family of John and Catherine Tinken. His 
parents lived and died in the Fatherland, and he 
and a sister, Mrs. Anna .Seebeck, living in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., are the only survivors of their family. 
In 1855 Henrj' Tinken crossed the Atlantic and 
established himself in New York where he was em- 
ployed as clerk in a grocery store. In 1860 he 
turned his footsteps westward, and reaching this 



?74 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



count}- turned his attention to farming, of which 
he has made a clecided success. 

Tlio lady who presides over the household econ- 
omy at Mr. Tinken's home became his wife in 
January, 18o9. She bore the maiden name of 
Margaret Lubitz, is descended from an old and re- 
spectable German family, and is a careful house- 
keeper, a devoted mother and a companion who is 
in symp.ithy with her husband's desires and beliefs. 
To Mr. and i^Irs. Tinken there have been born six 
children, named respectively: Anna, Ettie, John, 
Henry, William and George. Anna is now the 
wife of A. L. Ross, and Ettie of W. J. Lomason; 
William lives in Detroit, but the other sons are at 
home. 

The political allegiance of Mr. Tinken is given 
to Democratic piintiplcs and policies, in the justice 
of which he has firm faith. He has serveil as Town 
Commissioner a year and has done well in his ofli- 
cial capacity. He is interested in the cause of 
education and other elevating movements, and 
shows a keen desire to give his children liberal 
scliooling. He keeps them at their studies, encour- 
ages them in every way possible and sets before 
them the benefits of thorough knowledge. In his 
personal att'airs he displays great energy and in 
wliatever he undertakes he is full of life and vigor. 



■*c^Se^*" 



OLIVER D. DRAPER, a resident of Brandon 
Township, was born in Cattaraugus Connty, 
N. Y., August 10, 1835. He is the son of 
Barrett, the son of Oliver, both natives of New 
York State and of German descent. Oliver Draper, 
Sr., came here in October, 183G, and took up from 
the Government thrte hundred and twenty acres 
of land. Here he labored for twenty years and 
died when seventy-two years old. He was a Whig 
in politics, and an .active member of the Baptist 
Church, having aided in organizing that church 
here He and his good wife, Polly Bennett, reared 
a large family of children. II<'r f:unily wa^of Iiisli 
descent. 

The father of our subject came here a few yeais 
after his marriage, in October, 183G, by. boat and 



ox-team. He was given eight)' acres by his father 
and erected a log house. The Indians were 
friendly with him and were frequent visitors. He 
saw hard times and worked in harvest near Roches- 
ter for six shillings a day and took it in provisions 
which he carried home on his back. He gained a 
handsome propertj^ and at one time owned two 
hundred acres of land and had large crops of 
wheat. After living a short time in Ortonville. he 
removed to Tuscola County, where he died in 
1878, having nearly reached his seventieth year. 
He was a Whig and a Republican, and filled the 
office of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Harriet Bowcn. She had only two children, 
Almira ami Oliver D. She was called from earth 
when only thirty-nine years old. The second mar- 
riage of Barrett Draper was with Adeline Water- 
bury. This union resulted in the birth of four 
children, and their mother is still living. The ma- 
ternal grandfather of our subject was Darius 
Bowen, of English descent. He was a native of 
Connecticut but migrated to New York .State when 
quite young and died there at the age of seventy 
years. 

Oliver D. Draper was in his second year when he 
came to Michigan with his parents. He saw more 
Indians than whites in his early years and fre- 
quently visited their camps. He began to work for 
himself at twenty-three years of .age, and when 
tweutj-four settled on tlie farm which he now oc- 
cupies, upon land given him by his father. Forty 
acres of it were cleared and fenced but there was 
no house. He built a small frame house and es- 
tablished his home here with his bride. Her maiden 
name was Jane Smith, and she was born in .Scho- 
harie County, N. Y.. March 11, 1841. She had 
five children, namel)'. Major A., who married 
Martha Perry and farms in this townshi[); AVarren, 
who married Alice Green, is a farmer in Wasiiing- 
ington; Tillee, who married Lydia Mitchell, farms 
in this township; Burl and Orrin are at home. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Draper are Baptists in religious 
fuitli. Mr. Dra()er's politics are Republican with 
strong Prohibition proclivities. He is a Patron of 
Industry. He has one hundred and twenty acres, 
one hundred of which are cleared. He makes a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



777 



specialty of raising sheep, and breeds the Jlerino 
sheep. His flock generall}' numbers from one 
hundred to one lunulred and fifty. He built the 
iiorae in whicii he now resides in 1880, and his 
largest barn was erected in 18G5. 



if 



■~^^^' 




LONZO SIBLEY, one of the prominent 
and wealth)' citizens of this county, re- 
i i sides on an attractive and productive farm 
in Commerce Township. He is one of the 
local leaders in the Republican party and has been 
identified with that political body since 1856. His 
father was Elias Sibley, a native of New Hamp- 
shire, and his grandfather was Ebenezer Sibie}-, a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War. The mother of 
our subject, Ruth A Chase, was a native of Con- 
necticut. On both sides the family is descended 
from the Pilgrims. 

After marriage Elias Sibley and wife moved to 
Preston, Chenango Count)', N. Y., where they set- 
tled on a new farm. In 1826 they moved to Wayne 
County, N. Y., and there the>' resided until 1834, 
when they came to Michigan and settled on a new 
farm in Bloomfield Township, this county. Mr. 
Sibley died about thirty-five j'ears ago and his 
widow survived him but two jears. The)' were 
active and devoted members of the Presbyterian 
Church. Of their family of seven children our 
subject is the only one now living. 

'Squire Sibley was born July 14, 1810, in Pres- 
ton, Chenango Count)', N. Y. He went to the 
district schools in the days when English grammar 
began to be taugiit and he remembers how tlie local 
school board met in special session and resolved 
that those who wanted to study grammar should 
attend priv.ite schools. He began work for himself 
at sixteen )ears and when eighteen years old his 
father gave him his time. He worked on farms 
for others by the month until he came to Michigan. 
He landed at Detroit May 10, 1831, from the little 
steamer '-Sheldon Thompson," one of the two 
steamers then plying on the lakes. He was eight 
days making the passage. Michigan was at that 



time very sparsely settled, but Indians and wild 
animals abounded. 

The young man went prospecting through the 
State and soon selected his present farm; he bought 
eighty acres from the Government, the deed for 
which was signed by President Andrew Jackson. 
It was timbered openings interspersed with small 
plains. In the fall of 1831 he returned home and 
spent the winter. In the spring he came West 
again, built a log house here, began clearing off 
the land and putting in crops, and also fenced in a 
few acres. In the fall of 1832 he returned home 
and in the following April was married to Mary 
Heath, who was born in 1813 in Monroe County, 
N. Y. The young couple proceeded directly to 
Michigan and made their home on the farm. Mrs. 
Sibley became the mother of one child who died in 
infancy, and she was called from earth in 1830. 

The second marriage of our subject occurred in 
1837. He was then united with Sarah Ann Heath, 
a sister of his former wife. She died in 1873, 
leaving seven children, threa of whom are now 
living, namely : Mary Jane, wife of James Pratt, 
living near Traverse City ; Watson A., who mar- 
ried Maggie Hubble and lives at Muskegon; and 
Judson L., who married Lucia Banks and is a ])rom- 
inent merchant at Wixom. Mrs. Pratt is the 
mother of three children; Watson is the father of 
four children and Judson also has four. 

The present Mrs. Sibley was Adeline, daughter 
of William and Lucy (Dennis) Colby, and she was 
united in marriage witli our subject November 26, 
1875. Her parents were New Englanders wiio 
came from Maine in the early days and settled in 
Wayne County, N. Y. Mr. Colby was a Minute 
Man in the War of 1812. He died in 1836 at the 
age of forty-five years. She afterwards married 
again and came to Michigan in 1855. Her second 
husband was the Rev. Samuel Wire, a minister of 
the Free Will Baptist Church. They settled at 
Sibley's Corners, where he preached in the scliool- 
house and afterwards in the church which was 
erected. He carried on his ministry for about 
twelve years and died June 6, 1870. His wife fol- 
lowed him to the grave September 18, 1871. 

Mrs. Sibley is one of ten children of her parents, 
and was born June 10, 1817, in Wayne County, 



778 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



N. Y., where she received her schooling. She came 
to Michigan with her mother and step-fatlier and 
kept house for them. Mr. Sibley has three hun- 
dred and fifty acres of land on his farm, two hun- 
dred of which are under cultivation. His barn 
was built in 1836 and his residence fifty years ago, 
when it was considered a fine house, and altogether 
the best in that section. He has had this farm 
under cultivation for sixty years, and is now the 
only person living who resided here the year he 
came. He keeps three hundred fine wool sheep, 
besides other stock. He joined himself with the 
Free Will Baptists when the church was organized 
here fifty-three years ago. For fifty years he has 
served as Deacon and has been one of the Trustees 
of this church wliich he helped to organize. lie 
is a liberal giver to its benevolent work. 

'Squire Sibley is a member of the School Board 
and has held three scholarships in Hillsdale College 
where his son Judson was graduated in the scien- 
tific course. This son also took a business course 
in Detroit. His eldest son, Watson, served in the 
Twenty-second Michigan Infantry for a terra of 
three years and took part in many battles, acting 
also as Hospital Steward. Our subject was a Dem- 
ocrat until 1856 when he became a Republican, in 
which party he has held allegiance ever since. He 
has been a delegate to many county, Congressional 
and State conventions. He lias been Assessor and 
Highway Commissioner, and was Justice of the 
Peace for twelve years. He is strictly temperate 
and a grand old gentleman. His many friends will 
be pleased to notice his portrait on another page. 




came 



' UGU.STUS C. TIBBILS, a farmer of Bloom- 
field Township, was born in Lapeer County, 
Mich., September 10, 1836. His parents, 
John and Clarissa H. (Brown) Tibbils, 
from New York State to Michigan in the 
pioneer dijj'S and settled in Avon, Oakland County. 
The father was a carpenter by trade and did a 
great deal of work in Pontiac. He used to travel 
back and forth from Flint to Saginaw when the 
only road was an Indian trail and tliere were but 



two houses in Flint. He never accumqlated prop- 
erty, as he was very liberal and somewhat careless 
about collecting. He was in his political views 
first a Whig and later a Republican. Both he and 
his wife died in Flint at the home of our subject. 

Augustus Tibbils was one of the 3-ounger chil- 
dren of a family of sixteen. His early days were 
spent in Pontiac Township; when nine years old 
he removed to the vicinity of Holly, and when 
fourteen 3ears old he went to Flushing, Genesee 
County, and remained there until 18G1, when he 
removed to Flint. 

On November 15 of that year the young man 
whose name heads this sketch enlisted as a private 
in Company D, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry. 
After serving almost two 3-ears with the army of 
the Cumberland he was discharged Jul^- 16, 1863, 
at Nashville, Tenn., on account of disability from 
a gunshot wound in the thigh received at the battle 
of Stone River. He took part in the battles of 
Shiloh, Stevenson, Ala., Perryyille, K3-., and Stone 
River. 

After he was discharged this 3'oung hero returned 
to Flint and remained there until 1872, when he 
moved to Big Rapids, where he lived for ten years. 
He then returned to Oakland Couut3-, and bought 
his present farm. He has never had health since 
he left the service of the Government, and received 
a pension at first of $6 per month, which at differ- 
ent times was increased until now be receives |il6 
per month. He owns some raining land in the 
Black Hills. He is a Republican in his political 
views, and socially he is a Free and Accepted Ma- 
son of the Royal Arch degree. 

The marriage of Mr. Tibbils and Miss Mary 
Graham, of Flint. Mich., was solemnized October 
18,1868. This lady is a daughter of Alexander 
and Clarissa (Rounds) Graham, of Canada, where 
their daughter was born. This marriage resulted 
in the birth of seven ctiildren, three living, namely : 
Willie Elmo, Bird Alexander, and Harry Augustus. 
The mother of these children was snatched away 
from them by death March 13, 1880, at the age of 
forty years. 

The second marriage of our subject took place 
May 31, 1883, when he was united with Emma M. 
AVilcox, of Farmington, this count3'. Mrs. Tibbils 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



V79 



was born in Livonia, Wayne County, Mich., No- 
vember 11, 1857. She is a daughter of George 
and Ellen (Bunn) Wilcox, natives of England, who 
came to Michigan in 1850, and settled in Farming- 
ton, this county. Mr. Wilcox died at his liouie 
stead and liis wife still survives. 

The parents of our subject were very poor and 
unable to give him an education. He was thrown 
upon his own resources when but a mere boy and 
had not only to support himself but to care for his 
parents. This family has a grand record of pa- 
triotic service to the countrj' during the Civil AVar. 
Our subject's brother Edgar served for almost three 
years, in Company F, Second Michigan Infantr\-, 
and had his lower jaw shot off. John H., a younger 
brother, was a member of the same company and 
served until the close of the war, passing tlie last 
year and a half of that service in Libby Prison. 
The eldest brother, Charles F., served as wagon- 
master until the close of the war in Comiian^- C, 
Twenty-third Michigan Infantry. Henr^-, another 
brother, enlisted in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry 
and served until the close of the war, being one of 
the part}' who captured .lefferson Davis. All of 
these heroes are still living, constituting five mem- 
bers of the same family in the service and being 
all the sons of that family who were then alive. 

The subject of this sketch left Kalamazoo in 
1862 and from there went to Jeffersonville, Ind. 
From that point he wiis marched down the river 
for five miles and went on board a boat to Salt 
Creek. The regiment there went into camp and 
afterwards marched to Bowling Green, Ky., and 
there was brigaded with the Sixty-fourth and Sixty- 
fifth Ohio, and Fifty-first Indiana regiments under 
Gen. James A. Garfield. They were marched to 
Nashville and from there to Shiloh with lUiell. 
They then went on to Decatur, Ala., and took the 
cars thence to Stevenson, Ala., where they built 
the fort and took part in an engagement. 

On August 31, 1862, this regiment began a forced 
march to Nashville, Tenn., arriving there the 8th 
of September. On September 10, they marched 
tlirough Nashville to a place ten miles north, where 
they drew rations and were put again ui)0n a forceil 
march. At one o'clock that night they went into 
camp near Gallatin, Tenn. They remained there 



for two weeks and were then again put upon a 
forced march to Bowling Green, Ky., making 
thirty-nine miles in one day. After two weeks 
rest they went to Cave City;Ky. They then went 
on to Salt Creek and into camp eight miles below 
Louisville. During the trip from Cave City to 
the last named place they drew no rations except 
raw flour. But the same night at 8 o'clock they 
were again put on the road and were marched into 
Louisville, being in that vicinity when Gen. Nelson 
was shot. They were sent into Eastern Kentucky, 
and took part in the Perryville fight, and from there 
were sent on to Nashville. 

At the time they reached that city the regiment 
had marched over fourteen hundred miles from 
the time they joined the service, December 26, 
1862. They went on to Stone River and took part 
in that engagement, being on the extreme right 
flank of the army and belonging to Gen. Barker's 
brigade. Here our hero was wounded on the sec- 
ond day of the fight and lay in the hospital at 
Murfreesboro for about two months. He was then 
transferred to the hospital at Nashville, until he 
regained his health sulliciently to come home, when 
he was given an honorable discharge. 




^, ARVEL A. WHITE, a resident of Farming- 
ton, was born in Worcester County, Mass., 
April 1, 1821. His father, Alpheus White, 
a farmer and blacksmith, was born in the 
same county in 1762, and ended his days there in 
1827. His ancestors were of the Puritan stock of 
I'ly mouth Rock. The mother of our subject, 
Lydia Taft, was born in 1764 and died in 1847. 
Her days were spent in Massachusetts. They were 
the parents of ten children, four daughters and six 
sons, only two of whom are now living, our subject 
and his youngest sister. He learned the black- 
smith's trade with his older brother in his native 
place, and worked at it until his removal to Caaan- 
daigua, Ontario County. N. Y. Here he engaged 
as a Steward in a female seminary and filled this 
[)Osition for six months. 

The marriage of Mr. White took place M.ay 4, 



780 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1846. His bride was Sarah A. Rogers, who was 
born in June, 1824, in Bloomficld, N. Y. Imme- 
diately after marriage the j'oung couple came to 
Novi Corners, Oakland County, and Mr. White 
operated a blacksmith shop there for seven }-ears. 
He then removed his business and his family to 
Farmiiigton. He had a prosperous run of business 
and kept three or four men in liis eraplo}'. He and 
his estimable wife became the parents of six chil- 
dren, namely — Anna, Mrs. Louis Philbrick, of j 
Farmington; J. Hiram, who resides in Bancroft, 
Shiawassee County; Alpheus, who died in infancy; 
Lydia, Mrs. Eugene Edwards, of Farmington; 
Frank, of Farmington, and Jennie, who resides at 
home with her pai'ents. Mr. White was the Town- 
ship Clerk of Novi for four j-ears, and has filled 
the same position in Farmington for twenty-six 
years. About thirteen j-ears ago he gave up black- 
smithing and has devoted his time and strength to 
farming. He is a Mason and belongs to Farming- 
tpn Lodge, No. 151. Both Mr. and Mrs. White 
are earnest and efficient members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which they find an abundant 
field for usefulness. 




lARDUROUS WEBSTER, a retired farmer 
and harness- maker wlio resides in Farming- 
ton, was born in Clarence, Erie County, 
N. Y., April 21, 1813. His fatlier. Justice Web- 
ster, was born in Whitestown, Oneida Couutj", N. 
Y., in 1781. He was a farmer and a chairmaker. 
His wife, Eliza Doney, was a native of Clarence, 
Erie County. Her father was a Revolutionary sol- 
dier under La Fayette. 

The parents of our subject were married in New 
York, and to them were given ten children. They 
had the happiness of seeing all this large familj-, 
with the exception of one, grow to manhood and 
womanhood, and establish homes of llieir own. 
When their little flock numbered onlj- seven, they 
removed to Canada. The father was not i)rosper- 
ous, and the boys early had to take hold and help 
support the family. Young Gardurous worked 
out by the mouth, and turned in his wages to the 



family purse until 1832, when he went to Detroit, 
Mich., and there learned the harness and trunk 
trade. He served as an apprentice for three years, 
and then worked as journeyman for the same man 
until he had earned ^^lOO. He then went to Bata- 
via, N. Y., where he earned another $100. He 
then visited his home and afforded some substan- 
tial help to the family. He returned to Detroit 
and worked at his trade until he had reimbursed 
himself for what he had spent in traveling and in 
assisting his people. In 1837 he came to Oakland 
County and bought a farm of eighty acres in Farm- 
ington Township as a home for his parents. This 
land was ver^- little improved, but had a log house 
upon it. He paid down ?200 and was to pay $50 
more iu two months, and the remainder in two an- 
nual installments of SlOO each. This money he 
must needs make b3' working at his trade. He 
made the first supplementarj' paj-ment of $50 when 
it fell due. He then went to Ohio and spent some 
years there working at Columbus, Springfield, I'r- 
bana, and at different places. He was industrious 
and frugal, and when the jear rolled around lie had 
the $100 to make the next payment. This was in 
June, 1839. He returned to Detroit for a short 
time and then went to New York .State and worked 
hard to complete the payment of his farm, in which 
he was successful. 

Mr. Webster then went to Canada in June of 
1840 and worked at his trade, after which he returned 
to Michigan and went to work to clear up the farm 
which he had bought. His marriage look place in 
1841. He was then united with Lorinda Sandrough, 
of New York. She lived only three years after 
marriage, and his second marriage took jjlace in 
1846, his present wife having borne the maiden 
name of Lucinda Green. They are the parents of 
six children: Charles Loren, Wilmitt Hale, Maria 
Louisa (died in infancj-), James Judson, Emma 
Dell (wife of Rev. C. II. Morgan, minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at West Bay City), 
Jennie Maria (wife of Edward E. Grace, a merch.ant 
at Farmington). 

After the loss of his first wife, April 1, 1845, our 
subject left his farm and came to Farmington and 
started a harness-shop. He carried on this business 
until 1871, when he sold out and retired from ac- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



781 



tive life. He has about fiflecn acres of land sur- 
rouiuling liis residence in the village. He is a Re- 
publican in politics, and cast his first vote for 
Harrison in 1840, and his last vote for Benjamin 
Harrison. He has acted as Street Commissionci', 
and has been Treasurer of the village of Farming- 
ton for fifteen years. He is professedly a Christian 
man, and his belief is in accord with that of the 
Metho<list Episcopal Church, but he is not con- 
nected with any local organization. 



•^^E 




AMUP:L S. LAWRENCE, a farmer on sec- 
tion 10, Highland Township, is a son of John 
Lawrence, son of John, a native of Connec- 
ticut, who went to Vermont when a young 
man, and locating his farm, returned to Connecticut 
and was married. His father, Jonathan, w.as a native 
of Holland, of English parentage. When a child his 
parents returned to Klngland. The father of Mrs. 
Lawrence disinherited her, and she with her hus- 
band and child sailed for America, where young 
Jonathan was reared in Worcester, Mass. This 
emigration of John and Mary (Townsley) Lawrence, 
took place in 1714. They had been married in 
1693, and both died in 1743. 

Their son Jonathan, who was the great-grandfa- 
ther of our subject, married Elizabeth Buttrick, 
who died in 1735. His second marriage, in 1738, 
was with Hannah Robins. Unto them were born 
six children — Jonathan. Mary, Nathaniel, Abigail, 
John (the grandfather of our subject), and Will- 
iam. The children by the first wife were — Experi- 
ence, Samuel, Jacob and Josiah. Jonathan Lawrence 
spent his latter days in Connecticut, where he died 
in 1769. The grandfather of our subject was born 
in 1746, in Connecticut, anil married in 17G9, Mary 
Cleveland, who was born in 1718. This ci)U|)le 
died, he in 1825 and she in 1836. 

The children of t!ie grandfather of our subject 
were: Ruth, Pitt, John (ileceased), Sarah (de- 
ceased), Lydia. Sarah, Marj', John (the fnther of 
our subject), .Samuel (deceased), and Ali<'e. This 
John Lawrence was a farmer and a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, He was a Minute .Man in the 



battle of Bennington. John Lawrence, Jr., was 
born January 7, 1786, in Bennington, Vt. In the 
same place he was married to Susan Stanton in 
1806. After a few years they removed to New 
York, and settled in Spafford, Onondaga County. 
Here they lived about twelve years, and then re- 
moved to Cortland County, and after a few years 
came to Michigan, where they arrived in 1835. 
Their children were: Hannah N., Phoebe S., John 
C, Russel J., Pitt, Minerva, Alanson T., Porter J., 
Samuel S. and Luman N., »vho all lived to ma- 
turity. 

AVhen John Lawrence first came to Michigan, he 
purchased one hundred and fifty acres in Wash- 
ington Township, Macomb County. He afterward 
added forty acres, and then sold his farm and went 
to Oxford Township, Oakland Count}-, where he 
resided until his death, August 2, 1855. His faith- 
ful wife survived him until M.ay 23, 1866. They 
were both earnest and consistent members of the 
Baptist Church. He was a Democrat, and was for 
nine years Justice of the Peace in Macomb Couut3^ 
He was a school teacher in an early day, and for 
some years he kept tavern in conneciiDU with farm- 
ing. 

Samuel S. Lawrence was born April 23, 1824, in 
Onondago County, N. Y. At the age of eleven 
years he came West with his parents. Januarj', 
1846, saw his marriage with Laura L. Alma, a na- 
tive of New York, where slie was born January 28, 
1.S31. Their wedding took place in Oakland County. 
Their wedded life lasted only tbe short period 
of six years, when the wife was called to her 

I heavenly home August 30, 1852. In 1848 Mr. 

j Lawrence left the farm of his father, and settled in 

' Oxford on a farm of fifty acres, which he ultimately 
increased to one hundred and fifty broail and fer- 
tile acres, lie traveled for an insurance company 
for about two years, and in 1864 came to Highland 
Township, where he has since resided. Here he 
owns two hundred and forty acres upon which he 
has erected good buildings. 

The second marri.age of our subject took place 
March 26, 1855, in Oxford Township, Oakland 
County. His wife, Almeda Tindall, is a daughter 
of Joseph and Patience R. (Freeman) Tindall, na- 

. lives of New York. To this couple were born the 



782 



rORTUAIT AND BIOGKAPHICAL ALBUM. 



following diildri'ii, wlio are all living: Francis, 
Carrie, Fred, Will, Ina and Kd. Mr. Lawrence is 
a breeder of Shropshire sheep, and a general farmer. 
Not only lie and his excellent wife, but most of liis 
family are members of the Congregational Church. 
He and three of his sons are earnest Prohibitionists, 
and he has worked and voted for Proliil)ition for 
nineteen years, |)revious to which he was a Demo- 
crat, lie was educated with more than ordinruy 
care in his youth, and has been a teacher during 
some portions of his life. 



-^^ 



'\f^, I>yrKR OIJKKN. This gentleman is one of 
ve-born citizens who ha.s found no 
■ ])lacc in which to live and carry on 
business than this county, and that part of 
it in which his eyes opened to the light. The most 
of the time since his youth has been spent by him 
in the village of Clarkston, and for some years 
past lie has been engaged in the livery business 
here. lie keeps a good line of teams and buggies, 
and is also the owner of the bus line that carries 
passengers between the village and the lailroad 
station, two miles distant. For about ten years he 
has had charge of the American Express delivciy 
and for fourteen years he has carried the United 
States mail. The last fact alone is sullicient to 
prove his promptness and reliability in that which 
he undertakes. 

Mr. Green was born in Independence Township, 
August 9, 1841. His parents, John and Elinor 
(Addis) Green, were natives of Sussex County, N. 
J. The father died when the subject of this sketch 
was but four years old and the mother passed awaj' 
in 1885. They had ten children, eight of whom 
are now living. IVtcr grew to the age of sixteen 
years on a farm, pursuing the usual studies in the 
neighboring school, and learning much regarding 
the care of horses that he has found useful in later 
years. When he started out in life for himself his 
first occupation was driving a bus for N. E. Dun- 
ell, for whom he worked five years. 

Our subject tlien became a clerk in the store of 
V. Green at Holly, but after a twelvemonth he de- 



cided that he could not stand the confinement 
necessary in that occupntion, and returning to 
Clarkston, he resumed his former emploj'ment. In 
1879 he started the draying and delivery business 
on a small scale, but as success was his, he soon 
afterward embarked in the livery business. Un- 
doubtedly the chief reason for the success with 
which he has met is to be found in the strict atten- 
tion he pays to his engagements and the care with 
which he meets them. He has a pleasant home, 
located on Main Street, nearly- opposite his stable. 
The marriage of Mr. Green and Miss Emma Net- 
ting, daughter of George Netting of Detroit, was 
solemnized October 8, 1880, and has been followed 
by mutual happiness. Air. and Mrs. Green have 
one child, a daughter, Leila M., w'ho was born .Tan- 
naiy 17, 188 1. Mr. Green has been Constable of 
Indepencknce Township six years and Marshal of 
Clarkston five years. Politically he is a Democrat 
and one of the kind who votes a straight ticket. 
He belongs to Tent No. 35, K. O. T. M. 



»^C)R.MAN .1. EL].,IS, a remarkably- successful 
farmer and stock-raiser and a business man 

>(ifci5 of unusual ability-, resides on section 14, 
S))ring(ield Township. He was born in Ontario 
County, N. Y., June 18, 18-14. He is the son of 
Benjamin, the son of Eleser, both natives of New 
York State. The grandfather is of Scotch descent 
and was a ph\sician in Ontario County, where lie 
.died at eighty-six years of age. He was a Whig 
in politics. The father of our subject came to this 
county in 1864 and located on one hundred and 
fifty acres of hind on section 13, Springfield Town- 
ship. He was a Ilepubliean in politics and died at 
sixty-four j'ears of age. His wife, Nancy Frost, 
was a native of the same county as himself and 
was born there in 1818. Her three children all 
grew to manhood : Theron, George and Norman 
J. Their mother did not live to old age, but died 
when only fori}' years old. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on the 
farm, and when twenty-one }'ears of age came to 
Oakland County, and took a farm to work on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



783 



shares. He continued thus until 1872, when he 
purchased one huiidied and sixty acres of iiis 
present f.irm of four hundred and twenty acres, 
now known as the Ingomar .Stock Farm. An im- 
portant event for hira took place March 7, 18G7, 
when he was joined in marriage to Esther A. 
Svva3ze, a native of New Jersey, where she was 
born May 30, 1844, and a daugliter of Anthony J. 
and Hannali (Wamsley) Swayze, both born in New 
Jersej', tlie former in 1812 and the latter in 1816. 
Mr. Sw.-iyzc was a miller in New Jersej', but com- 
ing to Oakland County in 1854 he bought eighty 
acres of land adjoining the Anderson settlement, in 
Springfield Township. He was a good farmer and 
at his death in 1871 he owned two hundred and 
twenty-five acres of land. He was a man of in- 
telligence and a remarkable memory, and served 
for many j'ears as Justice of the Peace. He was a 
member in good and regular standing of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. His wife, who reared a 
family of ten children, now resides with her son, 
John P. Swayze. Eight of lier children .ire still 
living. 

The grandfather of Mrs. Ellis, Israel Swa3'ze, 
owned a large flour mill in New Jersey. He came 
to Oakland Count}- in 18,i4 and bought three linn- 
dred .nnd twenty acres of land, adjoining what 
W.1S llieii Springfield village, on the old Detroit and 
Saginaw turnpike, where our subject now lives. 
He died there at an .advanced age. The Swayze 
family in America originated with two brothers 
who came from ScolLand in Colonial days. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have no children of their 
own. but have an adoptei) son, (ilenn N., whom 
they found on their doorstep a forsaken babe. 
Mr. Ellis has five farms, comprising in all f(jur 
hundred and twenty acres, three hundred of which 
is under cultivation. A portion of hi.s land he has 
rented. He raised twenty-three hundred bushels 
of potatoes the last year and raises grain of all 
kinds. He is a breeder of blooded Percheron 
horses. He recently sold off sixteen head hut has 
still a numl)er of fine horses on the farm. He has 
three fine Percheron stallions, namely: "Ingomar," 
No. 1320 and "Pattachon," No. 5001 and G473 
imported from France by W. L. P^lwood; and 
"Carnot." The latter was sired by -Ingomar," 



and bred on the Ingomar Stock Farm, owned by 
our subject. Jlr. Ellis has bought and shipped 
stock to Buffalo and Albany for the past twenty- 
two years. 

In 1883 the subject of this sketch built a fine 
large residence which was soon after destroyed by 
fire. In 1884 he built the beautiful and palatial 
home, which is the pride of the township. His 
horse barns are excellently arranged on the inside 
although not as fine in appearance as one would 
expect on so excellent a farm. Our subject antici- 
pates in the near future to build a more commo- 
dious and suitable stock barn. 



/^ ORNELIUS SELFRIDGE, a prominent and 
(l( influential farmer of Addison Township, 

^^y w.as born in W.ishington County, N. Y., 
October 30, 1820. His father was Isaac Selfridge, 
a blacksmith by trade, who was a soldier in the 
War of 1812, and came near meeting his death by 
drowning in crossing Lake Champlain during his 
period of service. He was connected with the 
Presbyterian Church for many years, and died in 
Western New York in 1857. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Mar}' McGathron. .She w.as also a New Yorker, 
and activel}' interested in the religious life of her 
church liome, being a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. She died in 1888, having reached the 
good old age of eighty -four years. Of her nine 
children, five are living. 

Our subject is the eldest of nine children, and 
in consequence of the necessities of the family he 
received but a very limited district school educa- 
tion. He began work at the forge with his father, 
when quite a small boy, so small indeed, that the 
father had to build a platform for him to stand on 
while lie worked the liellows. He worked with his 
taiher unlil lie was twenty-five years old, and also 
engaged in farming by the month for neighbors. 
He worked out in a shop at :j<20 a month until he 
had accumuliited ^100, the first sum of money he 
ever possessed. lie put this into a shop, going 
in with his father in the business, and the shop 



784 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



took fire and burned down. He then began again 
with undaunted courage. In 1853 i\Ir. Self ridge 
came to Michigan and located on section 12, Addi- 
son Township, where he bonght one hundred and 
sixty acres of partl^v improved land, valued at 
$3,000. He paid $1,000 down and by dint of 
pluck, push and perseverance he was enabled to 
meet the payments as they came due and to im- 
prove and cultivate the farm. He has replaced 
the old log house with a large and handsome frame 
structure. 

Tlie subject of this sketch was married in Lero}', 
N. Y., in 1850, to Adelaide Kendall, of Massachu- 
setts. Three children came to brighten their home. 
Frank; William G., who is married and lives on the 
farm, and Addie. To all have been given excel- 
lent school advantages. Mr. Selfridge is a thor- 
ough and stanch Republican in his political views. 
He has one hundred and eighty acres of land and 
has given to his son some one hundred and sixty 
acres in another farm. He raises all kinds of live 
stock and may justly congratulate himself upon his 
liandsome buildings, his finely cultivated farm and 
his general success in life. 



OLIVER P. LEONARD, a young and enter- 
prising farmer, is living on section 14, High- 
land Township, on the old homestead that 
was his birthplace. The farm was taken from the 
Government by his grandfather, Jonathan Leonard, 
of whom mention is made in the biographical 
sketch of Jonathan C. Leonard, on another page. 
There our subject was born March 20, 1860, the 
property being at that time in the possession of 
his parents — Jason and Elizabeth (Wardlow) 
Leonard. This land has been in the possession of 
the Leonard family more than half a century, de- 
scending from father to son. It is one of the 
landmarks in Highland Township and is a com- 
fortable home, having upon it orchards, shade trees, 
.--.nd small fruits, as well as good buildings and sub- 
stantial fences. A view of this old homestead ap- 
pears on another page. 

Jason Leonard, father of our subject, was born 



in Parma, N. Y., May 'J, 1819, and lived there un- 
lil he was of age. He then came to this State and 
settled on one hundred and sixt}' acres given him 
by his father, in Highland Township. He also had 
fifty acres of timber land in White Lake and High- 
land Townships, which was bestowed upon him b}' 
his parent. He was married in Milford Townshii) 
to Rachel A. Atwood, who died leaving two sons, 
Theodore and William. The first-born died at the 
age of fifteen years and William is now living in 
Bay City. Januar3' 27, 1852, Jason Leonard was 
again married, his bride being a daughter of James 
?nd Elizabeth Wardlow, mention of whom is made 
elsewhere in this volume. This union resulted in 
the birth of four sons and two daughters, namely, 
Ann, Mrs. Charles St. John, whose home is in 
Highland Station; Mrs. Louisa C. E. Stiff, who 
lives at Clyde; Oliver, subject of this sketch; 
Joseph W., whose .home is at Higliland Station; 
Elmer J., who resides in Saginaw and works on a 
railroad; Irvin C, who is sludging telegraphy in 
Highland Station. The father was a lifelong 
farmer and never aspired to public office but was 
always read}' to vote and cast a Republican ballot; 
he died July 1, 1873. 

The gentleman whose name introduces these 
paragraphs was thirteen 3'ears old when his father 
was called hence, and he remained with his mother 
and aided her in the care o* the family until he 
was of age. He has since purchased the old houae- 
slead and now owns one hundred and fifty-three 
acres in Highland and twenty-eight acres in White 
Lake Township. He is a breeder of Shorthorn 
cattle and is becoming quite well known to dealers, 
lie is a Master Mason, belonging to Milford Lodge, 
No. 165. Politically, he follows in his father's 
footsteps as a sturdy Republican. His mother is 
a devout Methodist and he attends that church. 
He is an honest, straightforward young man, pro- 
gressive in his ideas, well informed and energetic. 

Mr. Leonard was married February 18, 1885, in 
Highland Township, to Emma Shoebridgo, oldest 
daughter and third child of George and Jane 
(Smead) Shoebridge. The other members of the 
family are Henry, George, Ella, Albert, Belle, 
Benjamin and Lilly, living, and Mary deceased. 
Mr. Shoebridge is a native of England, whence he 



a^fei&S^feft^BlfeftS;*?^*^??^***'"*"***'''*^^ 




RESIDENCE OF OLIVER P. LEON ARD,5EC. 14., H IGHLAN D TR, OAKLAND CO., MICH 




as»--W--;i^>a;rifci»'«!<s^-,;-a^.^:--->-'J!^iV»«^ 



CRAIG WHEAT CLEANER COMPANY'S M I LL5,( 300 bbls.) OXFORD., MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



787 



eanie to America when a young man, settling in 
New York. There lie wns iniirried and lived until 
1878, when he came to this .State, maiving his first 
home in Walled Lake, Commerce Township, this 
count}'. From that point he came to Highland 
Township, where he spent the remnant of his days, 
dying November 11, 1887. His wife died in 1874 
in New York. Mrs. Leonard was well reared and 
is an intelligent and kindly lady. 



-^1= 







n^^llOUAS B. FOX, senior editor of the Roches- 
ter Era, was born in Manchester, Dearborn 
'f Count}-, lud., July 2, 1829. He is the son 
of Dr. D. A. B. C. Fox (known in early days as 
Alphabet Fox) and Wealthy (Wilk'\') Fox, natives 
rcspectivel}' of New IIain|)shire and Vermont. The 
Fox famil}' came originally from Wales. Abrara, 
grandfather of our sul)ject, was a soldier in llie 
Revulutionarj- War, and the fatlier of Mrs. Fox, 
El}' Willcj', was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
Mrs. Wealth}' Fox, the mother of our subject, was 
a leaclier in the South as early as 1818. She was 
married to Dr. Fox in 1822, and died at Holly, 
November 19, 1886. 

When a small lad our subject went to .Jamestown, 
N. Y., and resided tliere five years. His father 
tiien removed to Monroe, Ohio, whence after a 
sojourn of a few months, he removed to Milford, 
Oakland County, Mich., in 1838. Dr. Fox en- 
dured all the hardships incidental to life in a new 
country and after ceaseless toil for the weal of 
others, succumbed to the diseases of the country 
and died in 1810. He left a wife and eight chil- 
dren to mourn his loss. Tlie widow bravely 
fought the battle of life, and kept her little brood 
together until some were able to care for them- 
selves. Thomas B., being thus early in life thrown 
upon his own resources, struggled along as best he 
could and engaged in any kind of iionorable busi 
ness in onler to gain a livelihood. During tliis 
trying period lie learned many of life's hard and 
bitter lessons, and also learned to be self-reliant. 

In 1852 Mr. Fox went to Saginaw City. Al)Out 
this time East Saginaw was platted and a little tovvn 



sprung up. There Mr. Fox remained until the 
tiny village had grown to be a large city. He 
spent about three years in Midland City, during 
which time he studied law and was admitted to the 
bar of that county. Ho then returned to East 
Saginaw, and relinquishing the law, engaged in 
journalistic pursuits. He was employed as city 
editor on the Saginaw Daily Eiitiriirise, also on the 
Courior, and became well known in connection 
with the printing and journalistic business. Dur- 
ing his residence in S.aginaw he was appointed 
Chief of Police, being the first chief ever appointed 
there. He also published in pamphlet form in 
1857 the first history of the Saginaw Valley ever 
published, and furnished in tabular form the Sag- 
inaw Valley salt and lumber statistics, the first 
likewise ever published. This was done in the 
'50s for the Detroit Tribune. A few years later he 
published another pamphlet on the business of the 
Saginaw ^'^alley and in 18G8 revised his first his- 
tory. Not getting his work copyrighted he was 
the victim of "sharks," who repeatedly stole from 
liis work for their benefit. 

In 1871 Mr. Fox embarked in tlie newspaper 
business at Milford, this county, starting the Mil- 
ford Era. After having sojourned there less than 
two years he received "a call" to come to Roches- 
ter, his present residence, and hither lie removed 
his press and household elTecls in 1873. Me re- 
sumed the same work here anil established the 
Rochester Era, now a permanent institution, hav- 
ing existed eigliteen years. Several dift'erent 
newspapers liave been started in Rochester since 
the advent of the Era and several grass-grown 
mounds now decorate a lonely spot set apart for a 
newspaper graveyard. Will A. Fox, son of our 
suliject, is associated witli him as |)ubli8lier and 
assistant editor. Occasionally Mr. Fox does a little 
writing outside the columns of his own paper and 
once captured a *50 prize for a short humorous 
article. 

During the year 1858 Mr. Fox was married to 
Miss Sarah M. Bceraan at Mason, Mich., and she 
has ever since been his faithful wife and adviser. 
Four children have been born to them, namely: 
Willoughby A., born October 21, 1859, at East Sag- 
inaw; Blanche Rita, born June 2. 18(H. at Jlidland 



788 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



City, died September 19, 1862; Ethel Bertha, born 
December 15, 1863, at East Saginaw, died April 
17, 1875; Pearl, horn November 30, 1877, at 
Rochester, Mich., died January 25, 1878. jNIr. Fox 
is a member of the Order of the Chosen Friends 
and liis political affiliations are with the Kepubliean 
party. He and his wife were teachers in early 
life and are highly cultured and refined. 



y)ILLIAM BLACKWOOD. There are many 
beautiful homes in Lyon Township but 
none more attractive or pleasantly located 
than that of Mr. Blackwood. His dwelling stands 
on section 10, and is a well-built and handsome 
structure, a fit home for a family of refined tastes 
and comfortable means. Tiie laud to the cultiva- 
tion of which Mr. Blackwood gives his attention 
consists of two hundred and twenty acres, one hun- 
dred and twenty in the home farm, twenty on 
section 14, and eighty in Novi Township.- Mr. 
Blackwood keeps good stock of all kinds, but his 
cattle are the most noticeable, and they are regis- 
tered Short-horns. 

Going back two generations in the Blackwood 
family we come to Samuel, who was born in Ire- 
land and came to America wlien nineteen years ohl. 
He established his home in New York, buying a 
farm on which he lived until about 1832. He then 
came to this State and (jurcliased two hundred acres 
in F'armington Townsliip, this county, living there- 
on until the death of his wife, after which lie re- 
moved to Novi to be with liis son. He reared 
seven sons, the third of whom was Samuel, Jr., the 
fatlier of our subject. The second Samuel was 
born in Seneca County, N. Y., in 1 802, and adopted 
his father's occupation — farming. He had a tract 
of land in his native county, which he operated a 
few years, selling it in 182'J when he decided to 
come to this State. He selected Novi Township, 
this county, as his future place of residence and 
bought two hundred and ninety acres on section 
29. He remained there i)ermanently, dying in 
May, 1888. 

In 1828 Sarfluel Blackwood, Jr., was married to 



Jane, daughter of David and Mary (Lowrie) El- 
liott, natives of Virginia. She was born in Orange 
County, N. Y., about 1810, and was the eldest 
daughter and third child of her parents. vShe died 
in 1816. She had borne six sons and tw(^ daugh- 
ters, four of whom are now living. In 1848 Mr. 
Blackwood married Mary J. Ewing, daughter of 
John Ewing, of Commerce Township. This union 
was blest by the birth of five sons and three daugh- 
ters, and five of the number survive. Mrs. Marj' 
Blackwood died soon after her husband. 

William Blackwood, the subject of tliis sketch, 
was born in Novi Townsliip, this county, April 8, 
1835, and is tlie third child of his mother. His 
educational privileges did not differ materially 
from those of other farmers' sons, and his time was 
spent quite largely' in farm work. When of age 
he started on the farm he now occupies, from which 
he removed the forest growth and on which lie 
broke the sod. In 1867 lie was married to Miss 
Sarah L. Fawcett, who was born November 10, 
1835, and is the eldest of five children comprising 
the family of George and Ann Eliza (Plowman) 
Fawcett. Her parents came to this State from 
New York. 

5Ir. Blackwood is a memljer of the Board of 
Review of Lj^on Township. He came of age in 
time to vote for John C. Fremont, the first candi- 
date of the Republican party, and he has stead- 
f.islly adhered to the principles whicli he then 
decided were best for the governmental policy of 
the Nation. He is a genial, well-informed gentle- 
man, with cordial, kindly manners, and his wife is 
equally courteous and intelligent. Their beautiful 
home is often invaded bj' their friends, as they arc 
the center of a large social circle. 



-o*o-^y^<^^-o*o'- 




AMUEL JONES, a resident of Farmington 
Township. Oakland County, was born in 
Manchester Township, near Clifton Si)ringS' 
Ontario County, N. Y., November 20, 1818. 
His father, who bore the same name, wa« a native 
of Orange County, N. Y.. and was born January 
20, 1789. When he came to Michigan in 1831 he 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



789 



located first at Novi and afterward in Farraington 
Township, wliere lie bought land of the Govern- 
ment. He liad served his country in the War of 
1812. His father, Nathan Jones, was a shoemaker 
by trade and also managed a farm and a sawmill in 
New York State. His natal da}' was June 29, 1757. 
The mother of our subject, Barbara Hill, was born 
in Dutchess County, N. Y., August 24, 1795. The 
maternal grandmother of our subject was the 
daughter of a man who went with his four sons 
into the Revolutionary array, in which conflict three 
of them died for their country. 

The marriage of the father and mother of our 
subject took place September 14, 1813, in the 
township of SLanchester, Ontario Countj^ N. Y. 
Elder Lamb, a noteworthy preacher of those days, 
performed the ceremony. They remained on the 
farm where they made their first home until they 
removed to Michigan in 1831, where they contin- 
ued to reside until death claimed them, the father 
dying November 9, 18C4, and the mother surviving 
for twenty years, expiring at the age of eighty-nine 
in 1884. The}' were ihe parents of eleven children, 
nine of whom are now living, the youngest hav- 
ing reached the age of sixty j'ears. 

The subject of this sketch was but twelve years 
old when he came to the new home in the West. 
He supplemented the schooling which he had re- 
ceived in his native place by attendance upon the 
district school in the little old log schoolhouse. 
lie assisted his father on the home farm, helping to 
clear up the i)lace and cultivate the laud until he 
reached the age of thirty years. In the meanwile 
he had entered into a matrimonial alliance with 
Elizabeth M., the youngest daughter of Joshua and 
Phfcbe (Wells) Lapham who was born April 9, 
1822, in Hancock Township, Berkshire County, 
Mass. Mr. La|)lKim was born November 18, 1778, 
and the mother was born April 9, 1779. The mar- 
riage of their daughter with the subject of this 
sketch was solemnized December 16, 1842. Mrs. 
Jones belongs to a family of distinguished connec- 
tions, Senator Edmonds, of Vermont, being her 
cousin, as is also Miss Susan B. Anthony. 

In 1847 Mr. Jones removed to Wayne County, 
where for « year he managed an hotel and then re- 
moved to Novi village, where he carried on the 



same business. He finally concluded to sell out 
that propert}' and purchase a place where he now 
resides, which he went onto in 1857. Three of 
their six children arc now living. They are: Ham- 
ilton II., born Juno 23, 1844, now residing in Farm- 
ington Township; Mary, born July 21,1857, the 
wife of Alpheus Angel and the mother of two chil- 
dren; Estella, born May 17, 1863, now Mrs. Milton 
West, of Farraington Township. Mary's two chil- 
dren are named Clyde and Estella, and Estella's 
daughter bears the name of Irma E. 

This country was all wilderness when our subject 
came to it and his father owned the second v.'agon 
that was brought into the neighborhood. There 
were all kinds of wild animals in the woods then, 
for he is the oldest inhabitant of the township. 
He has ever been a stanch and sturdy Democrat. 
The marriage of Hamilton S., the son of our sub- 
ject, with Isabel Pettibone, a native of Michigan, 
occurred January 3, 1866. Two only of their five 
children are living — Judson S. and Clara B., who 
both reside with their grandparents. 



• I ^g ^^Xgsf-^-^ 



j^RANK E. LOCK WOOD. Among the 
|— i(g\ younger men who are gaining a maintenance 
1^ by tilling a portion of the soil of this coun- 

ty, Mr. Lockwdod is deserving of mention. He 
is located on section 5, Highland Township, and 
operates one hundred and twelve acres of fertile 
land, whereon may be seen a good residence and 
the necessary outbuildings. He is the son of 
Chai'les II. Lockwood, a well-known native of High- 
land Township, and his grandfather was Edmond 
Lockwood, a native of New York. The hitter was 
married in his native State to Sabrina Lockwood, 
and in 1836 established his home in this county. 
His wife died here in 1860 and he was subsequently 
married to Mary Patten, who is still living 
in Highland Township. Grandfather Lockwood 
passed away in 1878. He was a member of the 
Baptist Church and to that denomination his widow 
belongs. 

Charles H. Lockwood was the oldest son of his 
parents, and under their roof he remained until he 



790 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was of age. He was marriRtl February 25, 1861, to 
Betsey Cole, third cLikl of Orin and Tamer Cole. 
Tbe bride was born in Highland Township, whither 
lier father had come from the Empire Statein quite 
an early daj'. He bought eighty acres of land, half 
of which he has given to his only son, Hiram Cole. 
He was Justice of the Peace for a number of years 
aud also served as Township Treasurer. He belongs 
to tlie Baptist Ciiurch, in which his wife held mem- 
bership. She passed away in 1883, at the ripe age 
of eighty-three 3'ears. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Lockwood there 
were born five children, named respectively: Luella, 
• Loren E., Frank E., Rozelle and Edith A. Mr. 
Lockwood was engaged iu farming from his early 
years. He owned a tract in Hartland Township for 
six J ears and then bought what was known as tlie 
John Morse farm of one hundred and seventy-two 
acres in Highland Township, which be owned at 
death. He died September 4, 1874, strong in the 
faith of the Free- Will Baptist Church. He had the 
full sympathy of his wife in liis religious belief, she 
loo belonging to the Baptist society. Slie now 
makes her home willi her son Frank. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hartland 
Township, this county, June 25, 18G4. He was 
hut ten years old when he was bereft of a father's 
care and he has grown to manhood under the guid- 
ance of his mother, from whom he has scarcely 
been sei)arated except while pursuing his advanced 
studies. From his boyhood he carried on the farm, 
going to school during the winter until he was 
of age. He then attended the Fenton Normal 
School at Fenton for live terms and taught nine 
months. After that period he returned to tlie farm 
which he has since been occupying and operating. 

In Tyrone, this State, in 1888, Frank Lockwood 
received the Christmas gift of a wife, formerly 
Miss Minnie E. Andrews. This estimable and well- 
educated lady is the second child of Adam F. and 
Elizabeth (Ileblethwaile) Andrews, natives of Can- 
ada, whose other children are John, Ida, Edward 
F., Fannj', Frank, Grace and p]dna. Mr. Andrews 
is a farmer aud fruit-grower near Fenton. He came 
to this State about 1864 and enlisted in Company. 
F, One Hundred and Eightj- eighth New York In- 
fantry, and fought for the Union cause until the 



close of the war. He is a member of Fenton Post, 
G. A. R., and he and his wife belong to the Meth- 
odist Church. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Lockwood 
is brightened by the presence of two interesting 
children, who are named Charles A. and Ida A. 
Mr. Lockwood was School Inspector twoj'ears and 
received the nomination of his party for the same 
office in the spring of 1891. He is a Republican in 
politics. He is a respected member of society, with 
a good reputation as an intelligent farmer, a relia- 
ble citizen and a man of social, kindly impulses. 



-^-*^- 




ONROE G. DUNLAP is a native of On- 
ondaga Count}', N. Y., where lie was born 
July 7, )84G, and is the son of David G. 
and Betsej^ E. (Comstock) Dunlap. The 
[larents of our subject were natives of the Empire 
State, and the father is of Irish and Scotch descent, 
his father having come from Ireland. The grand- 
father followed the occupation of a tiller of the 
soil all his life. There were born to David Dun- 
lap and his worthy wife seven children, four of 
whom are living. The eldest, Ruth, is the wife of 
Henr}' Venton, of Oxford. The second, Jefferson 
A., resides in Tacoma, Wash.; Jude E. is a lawyer 
and makes his home in the south ; the youngest 
living is our subject. Mrs. Dunlap died in JMay, 
187o, and Mr. Dunlap passed away in April, 1886. 
The family emigrated to Michigan in 1854 and 
made their home in Oxford, so that Monroe G. 
w.as brought to this town and here received his 
education and liis training upon the farm. 

The marriage of our subject took pl.nce February 
11, 1874. He was then united with Louise Roberts. 
She became the mother of two children, Olin J. and 
Lula Blanche, both of whom died in infancy, 
and' Mrs. Dunlap w.is herself called awaj' from 
earth February 22, 1878. The second marriage of 
our suliject united him with Alpha Barnes. This 
union was solemnized October 2i), 1885. Three 
children have been given to tliem. Verna M. 
has been called to the S[nrit land, and Monroe G., 
Jr., and Olin J., are both at home. Mr. Dunlap is 



r 








-J^ 







PORTRAIT AND BFOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7r3 



a stanch Democrat in his political views and a 
poiHilar man in his party. In April, 1885, he was 
elected Supervisor of the township, and h.as held 
the otHce continuously' since that time, being re- 
elected for the last time, April 3, 1891. He is 
identified with the Masonic order, being a member 
of the Blue Chapter and Coraraandery. He is at 
present Master of the Blue Lodge and has been for 
three successive terms, and has held nearl}' all of 
the offices of said lodge. 



-'■')•"*> • 



•^^^^^:;^^;!t5<'-^^-^ 




% 



AMIEL H. ELLINWOOD, one of the 
leading farmers and stock breeders of Rose 
Township, was born in Rose, Wayne 
County, N. Y., April 9, 1831. He is a son 
of Lucius and Lucy (Allen) EUinwood. His 
grandfather, Jonathan, removed from Vermont to 
Rose, N. Y., in 1816, and there reared a family of 
five sons and two daughters. They were named 
Adolphus, Chester, Lucius, William, Thomas, Polly 
and Betsey. Thomas was drowned in the Erie 
Canal at Macedon Lock, N. Y. The father was a 
sturd}' Democrat. Lucius EUinwood was an early 
settler in Wayne County, >f. Y., and assisted in 
constructing the Erie Canal and afterward had 
charge of a boat upon it. In this way he raised the 
money to purchase and pay for an excelleut farm. 
He was horn May 2, 1803, and died February 27, 
1884. By his first wife he had two sons: Thomas 
II. and .Samuel H. Their mother, who was a de- 
vout Christian and a member of the Baptist Churcli, 
died December 20, 1838. His second wife was 
Mahalah Davis, of Fulton, N. Y., with whom he 
was united in 1858. Her son, Delmer D., grew to 
maturity. She died about the close of the Civil 
War. 

The motiier of our subject was born September 
17, 1801, in Rose, Wayne County, N. Y. She was 
the daughter of Ezra Allen, who was tlie father of 
two sons and five daughters. His life ended in New 
York where he had always made his home. Samuel 
H. EUinwood was brought up on the farm and 
availed himself of such schooling as the district 
schools afforded. When twenty years old he began 



life for himself, assuming the management of his 
father's farm. He spent about ten seasons on the 
Erie Canal and at twenty-two purchased his first 
forty acres in Waj'ne County, N. Y. 

In the fall of 1855 our subject came to Michigan 
and bought one hundred and sixty-three acres iu 
Tyrone, Livingston County, where he resided for 
ten years. In 1873 he bought and located upon an 
eighty-acre farm in Rose Township where he has 
since resided. He now owns an A No. 1 farm of 
one hundred acres. For the past ten years he has 
been engaged in breeding Short- horn cattle, and 
usually has a herd of twenty or twenty-five. He 
is a man who is honored and respected, and has 
been given by his fellow-citizens various town 
offices. 

The marriage of our subject took place January 
6, 1851, his bride being Marina A. Fuller, who was 
born in Rose, Wayne County, N. Y., and is a 
daughter of Ralph and Barbara (Hendricks) Fuller. 
But one child has blest this union, Charles II., who 
was born in Rose, N. Y., January 8, 1852, and re- 
ceived an excellent common-school education. His 
vocation is that of a carpenter. He married Jose- 
phine W. Pasco, a native of New York City and a 
daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wright) Pasco. 
One child blesses this union, a bright, sweet girl 
named Luella M., whose portrait, together with 
that of Mr. EUinwood, is presented in connection 
with this sketch." Our subject and his wife are 
stanch Free-Thinkers. 



"^AMES WILEDEN is a prominent farmer 
who resides on section 30, Oxford Town- 
ship, llis father William was a native of 
England, and when he came to this country 
made his home in Michigan for one year. He 
afterwards ret\irned to New York State, where he 
died some thirty years ago. The lady who be- 
came the mother of our subject, bore the maiden 
name of Ann Elliott, and died in Waukesha 
County, Wis. 

The subject of this sketch is English by birth 
and first opened his eyes to the light April 9, 1828i 



794 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in the Parish of Head Corn, Kent, England, and 
was nineteen years old when he came to America, 
making the journey in the ■•Switzerland." He 
landed in New York and made his first home in 
Orleans County, that State. There he remained 
until he came to the Wolyerine State about thirty- 
five years ago. He worked out by the month on a 
farm and engagcfl in various branches of work, 
among which was well-digging. 

The marriage of Mr. Wileden and Sarah Ann 
HoUister, nee Banta, took place when he was about 
thirty-one years of age. After that he worked 
about four years for others and gained means with 
which to purchase land. Three children came to 
this happy home: Peter H., Elsie A., and Huldah M. 
Mrs. Wileden had two children b}' a previous 
marriage, Penolton K. and William IL The mother 
of these children died September 22, 1890. Mr. 
Wileden has improved his farm, setting out part 
of the orchard which adorns the place. He has 
also completed tlie house, which was not in first- 
class order when he took it. He is a Democrat in 
his i)olitic»l views and has filled the ofHces of 
School Moderator, Pathmaster, and other positions 
of trust. His good wife was au earnest and con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Church and her 
loss is deeply felt, not only by her family but by 
those who were united with her in church connection 
and by the entire community. 



-^3^ 



-V-- 



ViTOIlN D. OODEN, an old resident and prom- 
inent farmer in Spiinglleld Township, was 
born in tlu; Township of Groveland, Sep- 
tember 11, 184.'). He is the son of Gabriel 
S., a son of Josepli, the son of Gabriel. The 
great-great-grandfather came with three brothers 
from England and settled in New .lersey. They 
remained together but a short time and soon lost 
trace of each other. The great-grandfather of our 
subject was a farmer and a local preacher in the 
Baptist Church. The grandfather was a wealthy 
farmer in Sussex County, N. J. He married Sarah 
Shaw, and to them were given nine children, six 
of whom lived to maturitj'. His wife died at the 



age of forty years and he lived to be eighty years 
old. He brouglit up his children in the Baptist 
faitli. 

The father of our subject attended school until 
twenty -one years of age and completed a collegiate 
course at Goshen, N. Y. He made a special study 
of surveying and civil engineering, and had a set 
of instruments and practiced surveying to some 
extent. He came to Oakland County, Mich., in 
May, 1837, journeying on the Erie Canal to Buf- 
falo, thence across tiie lake to Detroit, and teaming 
it to this county, his team being a yoke of oxen 
which he purchased at Detroit. His young bride 
came with him on this journey. 

Mr. Ogden bought two hundred and forty acres 
in Groveland Townsliip, at the rate of ¥3 per acre. 
He built a log cabin and began his domestic life. 
There was but one roadway in the vicinity and 
that was the old turnpike. Travelers had to tind 
their way b}' means of blazed trees. The Indians 
often visited his cabin and loved to slip in behind 
the stove. Three hundred at one time cncami)ed 
near his cabin. Wolves howled about them at 
night and iicrds of deer were often in sight. He 
was a hard-working man and cleared his farm up 
in good shape. He drove his ox-team and w.igon 
to Detroit for provisions, being gone two nights 
and a day. He was an earnest member of the 
JNfethodist Church and was the means of organiz- 
ing the church in his neighborhood, beginning be- 
holding meetings in the houses, and then at the 
log meeting house. He was a man of rare intelli- 
gsnce and a Whig in politics, and although he died 
at the age of thirtv-eight years he had held nearly 
all the township offices. 

The parents of our subject were married in Mt. 
Bethel, N. J. The mother's maiden name w.as 
Sarah E. Egbert. She wns born in 1810 in Warren 
County, N. J. All but one of her six children ar- 
rived at maturity. They were: Mar}-, Mm. Austin; 
Kachaol, deceased ; Lucy, Mrs. Molby; Sarah, Mrs. 
Buzzard; J. Durbin, and llulda, Mrs. Bird. Their 
mother died at the age of sixty-two j'ears, and 
both she and her good husband lie in the Mt. 
Bethel cemeterj'. Her father w.as a large farmer 
and stock-raiser in New Jersey, a man of wealth 
and an active member of the Methodist Church. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



795 



John D. Ogden attended the district school and 
early learned the practical work on a farm. He 
began for himself early in life, as he was bereft of 
his father in his sixth 3'ear. He remained at home 
with his mother and was the mainstay of the fam- 
ily. He farmed the home place until after his 
mother's death. 

The married life of our subject began April 4, 
1872, when he was joined in the bonds of matri- 
nion}' with Mary A. Bird, of Groveland Township, 
where she was born May 18, 1851. The)' have 
had live children, namely — Israel S., Guy W. (de- 
ceased); Durand; Lizzie F., and J. D. One hun- 
dred and forty acres of land forms the home farm. 
It is all under cultivation with the exception of 
fifteen acres. Percheron and Hambletonian horses 
are Mr. Ogden's specialty, but he raises other stock, 
and farms grain of various kinds. His beautiful 
home is situated on an eminence, and the house 
was erected in 1878. The large red barn was built 
in 1889, and the other one the year before. The 
farm is in an excellent condition and massive stone 
walls mark the boundaries. 

Mr. Ogden's political xfHliations are with the 
Democracy, and he has held some minor offices in 
Groveland Township. He is identified with the 
Masonic order at Clarkston, Cedar Lodge No. 60, 
and belongs to the Royal Arch Masons, Chapter 
and Knights Templar, No. 14, of Fenton. 



DMUND ELY owns and manages the larg- 
est general store at Davisburg, and is an 
l> — s, extremeh' popular man. He was born in 



Gainesville, Wyoming County, N. Y., January 7, 
1836. His father and grandfather both bore the 
name of Jabez. The first of the family to come 
to America was Richard, who came from the Isle 
of Wight early in the seventeenth century. Tlie 
grandfather was a i)ensioner, having served in the 
Revolutionary War. He was a farmer and re- 
moved from Connecticut in middle life to Hamil- 
ton, Madison County, N. Y. After a few years 
there be removed to Gainesville, Wyoming Count)', 
and taking up a farm from the Government, spent 



the remainder of his days there. He reared a fam- 
ily of nine children and died at the age of saventy- 
six years. The father was drafted in the War of 
1812 and started for the place of conflict during 
the time of the engagement at Black Rock, but the 
company was soon disbanded. He died in Gaines- 
ville in the fall of 1859 at sixty-three years of age. 
He was in his early life a Methodist, but later be- 
came a Universalist. He belonged successively to 
the Whig party and to the Republican party. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Cornelia Patterson. She was born at 
Manilas, near Syracuse, N. Y. She became the 
mother of nine children, namely: Dennison J., 
Laura L., Mrs. Fisher; William P., Mary E. Mrs. 
Brown; James, Edmund. Ralph, Martha C. Blrs. 
Green; and Elizabeth A. The mother of these 
children lived to be seventy-nine years old and 
died in April, 1888. She was a very devout mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. Her father was a 
farmer in Wyoming County, N. Y., and was of 
Irish descent. 

The subject of this biographical sketch was edu- 
cated in the district school and on the farm. When 
seventeen years old he began clerking for a brother 
in Vienna, Canada West. After clerking for three 
years he engaged in the nursery business in El- 
niira, N. Y. After three years experience here he 
entered the employ of W. and T. Smith, of Geneva, 
N. Y., one of the largest nursery firms in the 
United States. He remained with them two years. 

During the Civil War our subject felt it his 
duty to go to the defense of his country. He en- 
listed September 9, 1864, in the Eighteenth New 
York Light Artillery. He was transferred at Baton 
Rouge, to the Twenty-fifth New York Light Ar- 
tillery Independent Battery, and finally received 
his discharge July 31,1865. While in the Army 
of the Gulf he was located at Br.ashier City and 
did garrison duty most of the time. He returned 
to the employ of the Smiths and continued in the 
nursery for two years. He then farmed four years 
and again returned to the nursery business where 
he remained until 1884. 

The subject of this sketch came to Springfield 
Townsiiip June l,1876,and was in the nursery bus- 
iness for the Smiths until 1884. The following year 



796 



PORTRAfT AND BlOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



he established ii store of general merchandise and 
in 1889 bought the building in which he now car- 
ries on business. It is a fine two-story bricli store 
in which he handles an excellent slock of (by 
goods, boots and shoes, clothing, gent's furnishing 
goods and groceries. 

The first marriage of our subject occurred in 
.June, 1860. Mis wife was Maria E. Quigley. a 
native of Northampton, Mass. They have one 
child, Alton A., who died in Denver, Col., April 
29, 1886. The mother of this son died February 
22, 1864. Mr. Ely's second marriage took place 
June 14, 1866. He was then united with Helen V. 
Granger, who was born at "N'ernon, Oneida 
County, N. Y., November 27, 1840. Two chil- 
dren blessed this union — Francis G. and Eva M., 
both of whom reside at home. Mr. Ely is a Re- 
publican in his political views, and a member of 
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Charter 
Oak Lodge, No. 56, at Davisl)urg. He is also a 
member of the Grand Armj- of the Republic at 
Holly. 



^ATRICK GORDON, a successful farmer in 
Rose Township, is a man who deserves great 
credit for the position to which he has at- 
tained, as he began life without capital, and 
has gained his property by sturdy industry and 
sterling intelligence. He was born in County An- 
trim, Ireland, .January 29, 1830. His father was 
James, the son of N« tbaniel. Both father and 
grandfather were farmers, and the grandfather also 
worked at the blacksmith's trade. James came to 
this countrj' in 1847, and settled^ in Long Island, 
whence he came in 1852, to Oakland County, and 
settled in Rose Township. He bought one hundred 
and twenty acres of land. His health was poor, and 
he died February 16, 1869. His religion was in 
accord with the faith of the Presbyterian Church, 
and he was a Democrat in politics. 

James Gordon married Jennie McCurdy, who 
was born in County Antrim, Ireland. She reared 
to maturity, ten of her children, namely: Margaret, 
Nathaniel, Patrick. James, Elizabeth, Thomas, 
John, Anna, Rebecca and AVilliam R. She reared 



her children in the Presbyterian faith, and died 
March 12, 1867. 

The subject of this sketch came to America in his 
seventeenth year. He hired out to work on Long 
Island for a time, and came to Oakland County in 
1852. He worked by the month until the time of 
his marriage, when he took a farm on shares. In 
18r)9 ho bought the farm which he now owns. It 
then comprised eighty acres, thirty or forty of 
which had been cleared off, and had upon it an old 
house and barn. 

The marriage of Patrick Gordon took place in 
1855. He was then united to Sarah Sutton, born 
in November, 1837, in New York State. Fivechil- 
dren were born to them: James P. died at the age 
of twenty-three years; Nathaniel J. married Ella 
Highfield, and farms in this township; William S. 
married Jane Stone, and keeps a general merchan- 
dise store at Chase; Willis B. married Mary Yor- 
ton, and lives in this township; Eliza Jane, still at 
home. 

Mr. Gordon is a Republican although his father 
was a Democrat. He has three 3-ears held the office 
of Township Treasurer, and filled one term as Jus- 
tice of the Peace. He has also been School Director 
of this district. All but fifteen of his one hundred 
and fift3'-nine acres are cleared and under cultiva- 
tion. He built his large and commodious house in 
1875, and erected his large frame barn in 1881. 
The smaller barn was built in 1867. He. raises 
stock and grain, and keeps Short bom cattle and 
Merino and fine wool sheep. He began with noth- 
ing but his own brawn and brain, and has made a 
marked success of life. 




, ANIEL S. RODGERS, one of the residents 



J)j of Novi Township, has a splendid farm 
which he carries on witli energy, economy 
and enterprise. His father, Samuel Rod- 
gers, was a native of Pennsj'lvania, and a farmer, 
and his mother, Jane Sayre, a native of Seneca 
County, N. Y. They were married in New York in 
1833, and came to the Wolverine State in the same 
year, settling in Novi Township. Mr. Rodgers came 




A A. Sn YDER 




MRS. A.A.SNYDER 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



801 



to Micliigan prior to marriage, in 1830. They took 
unbroken, uncleared land from the Government, 
built a log house and lived in it about aj'ear. They 
then purchased the farm wliioh is now owned by 
our subject. This land was first bought b>- the 
grandfather of our sul)ject, .James Rodgers, who 
came here in 1830, and died soon after. Samuel 
then bouglit out the interest of the otlier heirs and 
made the old homestead his home. He cleared up 
most of the farm and built a frame house and two 
barn.s. His wife died in 1854, and his second mar- 
riage was with Martiia Chapin, who now, at the age 
of sixty j'ears, makes her home with her son, hav- 
ing been bereaved of her husband iu 1875. 

Samuel Rodgers and his wife were faithful and 
active members of the Baptist Church at North- 
ville, of which he was a Trustee. He also served 
as a teaciier in the Sunday-school. He was much 
employed in settling up estates, as his judgment 
was highly respected, and liis integrity undoubted. 
He was a Whig in his earlier political views, and in 
ills later years voted the Republican ticket. For 
many jears he was one of the Supervisors of Novi 
'I'ownship, and w.is also Director of the school dis- 
trict. He was a strictly temperate man in his hab- 
its and belief. AVhen he began life in the West he 
was very poor, but before his death had acquired a 
handsome propertj'. But one child blessed his 
home. 

The subject of this sketch first saw the light 
April 26, 1834, on section 8, Novi Township. Here 
he received a good common-school educati(m, and 
remained on the farm, making occasional trii)S 
West. He carried on the farm for his father until 
the death of the latter, when he came into posses- 
sion of the property. He now owns two hun<lred 
and forty acres of excellent land, one hundred and 
fifty of which is under cultivation. He carries on 
mixed farming and keeps some Jersey stock. He 
has added to the residence and repaired and im- 
[iroved the barns, and erected additional buildings. 
He has also done not a little underdraining. 

The marriage of Mr. Rodgers, in Februar}', 1890, 
was a surprise to all his friends, as they had made 
i;p their minds that he was going to live and die an 
ol<l bachelor. The lady who broke the spell of 
single blessedness and brought him to choose the 



marriage state, is Fannie, daughter of Harman and 
Lucy Chapin, who were New York people, now re- 
siding in Nebraska. Mrs. Rodgers was born in 
March, 1853, in New York State, and IheVe received 
a good common-school education. Mr. Rodgers is 
a Republican in his politics, and temperate in his 
habits. He has a handsome property, and is in all 
respects a man esteemed by his neighbors, and to 
be commended in his manner of life. 




„,,., BRAM A. SNYDER, who was a very suc- 
LM cessful farmer and stock-raiser in Addison 
Township, was highly respected Ijy all who 
knew him, having achieved success in his 
efforts and tieing puldic spirited and of value in 
the community. A native of Warren County, N. 
J., he first saw the light December 9, 1824. He 
accompanied his parents to Michigan in 1832. His 
father cut liis way to this place through the woods 
when there were only two families in the township, 
and the county was otherwise uninhabited except 
by wild game and Indians. 

A log house was built in which the Snyder fam- 
ily took up their residence. Our subject was then 
only eight years old, and his schooling was limited 
to the advantages obtained in a log schoolhouse 
situated four miles from home, and which he could 
be spared from farm work to attend only during 
the winter. He always lived on the old homestead 
as he assisted his father until lie became of .age and 
after that assumed the responsibility and took care 
of his parents. 

The father, Dennis, who was also a native of 
New Jerse}', came to Michigan when he was forty- 
four years old with some i>900. At the lime of 
his death he was worth ^60,000. He entered a 
large tract of laud and was a very successful man- 
ager and financier. At the death of his father Abram 
[jurchased theold hointjlead comprising three hun- 
dred and twenty acres from the other heirs and 
jiroceeded to improve the farm, adding fine, large 
and substantial buildings and otherwise embellish- 
ing the estate. The father died October 23, 188G, 
at the age of eighty-four years, and was greatly 



802 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mourned not only by his family, liut by all who 
knew his worth and esteemed liis character. 

Abram Snyder was tiirioe married. IIi» first 
wife. Anna M. Bowers, died April 7, 1848, and left 
no children. The second marriage was contracted 
with Mary A. Hulick who died August 2, 1882. 
Slie left four cliildren. tiiree daughters and one son, 
only one of whom. Miss Laura L., a young lady of 
unusual refinement and attractiveness, is now liv- 
ing and she resides with her father's widow at tlie 
old homestead. The others hare passed away. The 
tliiid marriage took place May 20, 1886. The lady 
who then became the wife of Mr. Snyder bore the 
maiden name of Emma May Tribe. Siie was born 
in Elgin County, Canada, and is a daughter of 
Prof. John A. Tribe, who was born in London, 
November 7, 1807. 

This gentleman of learning and distinction was 
educated in the capital of Great Britain, where he 
received his diploma. He came to Canada in 1829 
at the age of twenty two years and became princi- 
pal of the High School in London, Canada. For 
fourteen years he filled this position with lasting 
benefit to his pupils and distinction to himself. He 
was familiar with various languages, in whicii de- 
partment of learning he took especial interest. He 
also taugiit in Aylmer and Port Huron, and for 
several years in La|)eer. He was connected with 
the Baptist Church for forty-flve j'ears and was 
higldy esteemed in his church connections. The 
mother of Mrs. Snyder was Eunice ■ M., daughter 
of Thomas Ward who emigrated to Canada from 
Massachusetts and was esteemed as a worthy and 
prominent man. His daughter Eunice, died Janu- 
ary 10, 1881. Of her eight children only two re- 
main, both daughters, the sister of Mrs. Snyder be- 
ing Mrs. Jacob Benner, of Alymer, Ontario. 

Mr. Snyder always affiliated with the Democratic 
party, and was a Methodist in his religious views. 
He served for some time as Justice of the Peace. 
Besides his farm of three hundred and fifty acres of 
good land he fitted up a loller mill at Lakcville. 
and while engaged in this contracted a severe cold 
which brought on his last illness. He was known 
as one of the most systematic, energetic and pros- 
perous farmers in all this section, and as one whose 
heart and hand were ever ready to respond to the 



call of the needy or to contribute to any public 
enterprise. He engageil largely in raising fine horses 
and sheep. He never kept inferior stock and look 
great pride in the welfare of his flocks and herds. 
He was a very successful financier as well as a 
farmer and at his death his estate vras valued at 
from $75,000 to 180,000. 

Mrs. Snyder is a lady of refined taste, intelligence 
and capability. She was born at A3'lmer, Ontario, 
on the 15th of March, 1850, and was married 
May 20, 1886. She was reared and educated in 
Lapeer Citj% being but eight years old when her 
parents removed to Miciiigan. She twice received 
a teaclier's certificate but never followed teaching. 
Her home is a most delightful one, as the large 
frame house is surrounded by fine evergreen and 
deciduous shade trees. The lawn is covered with 
rare plants and flowers in which she takes great de- 
liglit. The large red barns and other commodious 
farm buildings foi m a practical background to the 
beauties of the home. 

Elsewhere in this volume appear lithographic 
portraits of Mrs. Snyder and the late Mr. Snyder. 



~;OHN W. CANNON, editor of the Oxford 
Globe, Oxford, Oakland County, was born 
in Ro3nl Oak Township, this county, 
January 17, 1836. He is the son of the 
Rev. John and Sallie (Cook) Cannon, natives of 
New York and Vermont, respectively. The Rev. 
John Cannon, or Elder Cannon as he was known, 
was a pioneer minister of the Christian Church who 
came to Michigan in 1831, and located first at Lodi 
Plains near Ypsilanti. From that time on and 
until after 1836 this good minister traveled about, 
preaching in the homes of the settlers and in the 
sclioolhouses as soon as the3' were erected. His 
efiforts for tiie spiritual instruction of his widel}' 
scattered flock were crowned with success and his 
name is ever spoken with gratitude, as belonging to 
a self-denying and noble man ; he is still living in 
Macomb County. He was born September 21, 
1808. To himself and his good wife were given 
seven children, three sons and four daughters, who 



PORTHAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



803 



are all living to he a comfort to tlieir father in his 
old age. Stephen B., lives on llie old homestead in 
Macomb Count}'; Sarah M., is the wife of S. G. 
Cole, at Marquette, Mich. ; John \V., is our subject; 
Hannah M. is the wife of W. "W. Watkins of 
Rochester; EUery C, lives in Evurt, Osceola 
County, a member of the Legislature; jMary L. re- 
sides on the homestead ; Theda A., is the wife of 
Horace Perkins, of New Baltimore, Mich. 

The subject of this sl<etcli was educated at what 
is known as Dickinson Institute at Romeo, and also 
at Disco Academy. He taught school a number of 
terms and during the war took charge of the farm 
of a brother who entered the army as a soldier. 
After the close of the war he engaged in merchan- 
dising which he followed for sixteen or seventeen 
years. He was Postmaster at Disco, Macomb 
County, from 1877 to 1879. While holding this 
office he came to Oxford and established the Ox- 
ford Globe. This necessitated his resignation as 
Postmaster of Disco. Tlie G*to6e has continued since 
tiirougli mucli tribulation and opposition. Seven 
other papers have started since its coming here 
and have succumbed to the inevitable, while the 
Globe continues on its independent course. 

The marriage of our subject May 25, 187G, with 
Juliette E., daughter of Jacob and Sarah A. John- 
son, pioneers in this section of the county took 
place at Addison, this county. Mr. Cannon is a 
Republican. He cast his first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln and has been faithful to the parly ever 
since, lie is a member of the Masonic fraternity 
both Lodge and Chapter and also the Knights of 
Maccabees. 

I LBERT A. RUST, Postmaster at Franklin, 
(@Y4J[ has been carrying on a store in this vil- 
li lage since August, 1861. He at that time 
bought out John A. Biglow, whose stock 
was invoiced at ^50, and he has continued the sale 
of general merchandise, drugs, etc. He also has a 
farm of one hundred and ten acres on sections 5 
and fi, which he carries on in connection with his 
other business. By close attention to business, 




honorable dealing and good judgment, he has se- 
cured a steadily increasing run of custom and he 
has prospered accordingly. His dwelling is one of 
the handsomest in the county, being a brick house 
which cost ¥5,000. He has held the Postmaster- 
shii) since 1869, and his continuance \'ear after 
year shows that he is popular with the people, and 
that they are not anxious for a change. 

Mr. Rust is descended from families of New Eng- 
land, and his parents, James P. and Lydia (Pratt) 
Rust, were born in Orwell, Vt., July 29, 1810, and 
April 2, 1814, respectively. They were married in 
Southfield Township, this county, to which the 
bride had come with her parents in 1834. They 
lived in that township all their lives, but changed 
their place of residence, and went to another 
farm in 1840, where the father died in 1857. 
The widow is still living and makes her home 
with her elder living child, Albert A. The 
family included James Edgar, who died when seven 
years old, and John B.. who is living in Oakland, 
Cal. The latter is a merchandise broker, repre- 
senting about thirty firms, among them Georo-e C. 
Wearherby & Ca., of Detroit. Mr. Rust was a 
member of the Whig party and of the Methodist 
Protestant Church, in which he was active and 
efficient. His father, Clement Rust, spent the 
most of his life in Orwell, Vt., where he died. 

The natal day of Albert A. Rust, was September 
9, 1840, and he was born on the farm in Southfield 
Township, that was the home of his parents for a 
number of years. He began his studies in the 
district school and completed them in Birminwhara 
in 1860. A few months later he was established 
in business in Franklin, with the interests of which 
place he has been closely identified in- an official 
capacity, and as a citizen of irreproachable charac- 
ter and business ability. He was married in 1862, 
to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John German 
who was born in this county in 1840. They have 
had two daughters: Ada M., who was born March 
11, 1865, and died April 12, 1878, and Alice G., 
whose natal day was November 10, 1867. and who 
is still with her parents. 

The first official position held by Mr. Rust was 
that of Township Treasurer in which he served in 
1881, 1883-84. He was Supervisor in 1889 and 



804 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1890. He has been a Mason since 18G3, anil is 
enrolled in Birmingham Lodge, No. 44. Politi- 
cally he is a steadfast Republican. He is a very 
prominent member of the United Presbyterian 
Church, and has held all the offices in the society, 
and has been a delegate to the annual conference 
fifteen different years but not consecutively. In 
1872 he was elected to the general confert nee at 
Pittsburg, Pa., and in 1876 to that held at Balti- 
more, Md. He is now one of the Trustees in the 
annual conference, and Treasurer of the annual 
conference boards. 

. HINEAS LYON, one of the oldest settlers 
'■ in Milford Township, is probably as well 

^ known as any resident in this locality. For 
more than half a century he has lived on 
section 5, and he now owns a fine farm with a sub- 
stantial house, barns and other buildings, where 
every comfort is to be found. In the operation of 
this estate Mr. Lyon is aided by his son. By his 
personal efforts one hundred and forty-five acres 
were denuded of timber and placed under cultiva- 
tion, and few can honestly claim a better record 
for industry and perseverance. Father Lyon, as 
he is commonly called, was born in Middlesex 
County, Conn., May 7, 1808, but grew to manhood 
in New York. He received a common-school edu- 
cation, and early learned how to carry on a farm. 
He -worked out for others before he was of age, and 
then took the management of his father's business. 

Earlj' in 1837 Mr. Lyon came to this State, hav- 
ing left hfs home to find some hind in the West. 
He made a short stop in Romeo, and in 1838 bought 
one hundred and sixty acres in Highland Town- 
ship, this county, adjoining his present farm. It 
was raw land of the kind known as oak openings. 
Mr. Lyon lived in a rented house for a short time, 
while building a small frame. He afterward bought 
one hundred and five acres where he is now living. 
He had charge of the farm, and during the first 
year cleared thirty-two acres and broke the soil 
ready for planting. He made a trip to New York 
to settle up business affairs there. 



Phineas Lyon, .Sr., father of our subject, was 
born in Connecticut in 1770, and was a shoemaker 
and tanner by trade, and later in life a farmer. He 
married Sarah .Stevens, who was born in Connecti- 
cut in 1777. The marriage ceremony took place 
in Oneida County, N. Y.; from there they removed 
to Otsego, where they remained until 1837. They 
then came West and took possession of the land 
selected by the son, and here they remained until 
death. Mrs. L3'on died in 1843, and Mr. Lyon 
April 5, 1859. The}' had six children, but our 
subject is the onl}' one now living. The father was 
a Democrat in politics, and a Quaker in his relig. 
ious faith. 

In June, 1846, Phineas Lyon, Jr., was married 
to Miss Adeline Phelps, of Dexter, this State, sis- 
ter of N. A. Phelps, a well-known resident of that 
place. She proved her worth as a wife and mother 
during a quarter of a century of weililed life. She 
died Marcli 18, 1872, at the age of flft>-lwo years 
and three months. She was an liumble Christian and 
active worker in the Methodist Episcoi)al Churcli. 
The marriage was blest by tlie birth of four children 
— Alfred P., Sarah and Mary (twins) and Sanford 
R. Alfred was born July 27, 1847, married Lillie 
Arms, and has one child; he now lives in Bay City, 
where he is practicing law. The twins were born 
September 15, 1848. Sarah is the wife of Levi 
Crawford; and Mary married Aloi.zo Kimberly; 
the one lives in Milford Township, and the other 
in Pleasant Valley, and each has one child. The 
younger son was born in February, 1857, and is car- 
rying on the home farm. On November I, 1877, 
Mr. Lyon was married to Mrs. Eliza (Walker) Mc- 
Dermand, the daughter of William and Sarah 
(Fansher) Walker, and tlie widow of Franklin Mc- 
Dermand. 

Mr. Lyon has always voted a Democratic ticket. 
Ho has been Highway Commissioner, Assessor and 
School Director, and in the last named ollice has 
served for many years. From his youth he has 
taken a deep interest in whatever would tend to 
elevate the status of society and add to the pros- 
perity of the nation. His faith is that of the So- 
ciety of Friends, and he possesses the peaceful, 
happy nature which is so characteristic of that class 
and which has a beneficial effect upon all whom 




RESIDENCE OF PETER R El D , 5EC4., ROYAL OAK TR, OAKLAN D CO., MICH. 




RESIDENCE or PHINEA5 LYON , SEC. 5.,MI LFORD TR, OAKLAN D CO.,MICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



807 



tlicj' mp.et. He is beloved by everyone who knows 
him, and it affords his friends satisfaction to know 
that he is well supplied with the good things of life. 
Mr. Lj'on lias met with many accidents. His collar 
bone was once broken, and other serious injuries 
received while he was threshing, the accident being 
occasioned by a fractious team which broke the 
coupling irons and knocked him down. While 
hauling hay to Milford, a team ran away with him 
and he was thrown upon the frozen ground, caus- 
ing a fracture of the skull five inches long. Other 
catastrophes have befallen him, but he makes the 
best of every misfortune. 

Elsewhere in this volume appears a view of the 
pleasant home of Mr. Lyon. 



?:'l"KR RKID. Royal Oak Township is not 
J, without her share of line farms that are no- 
ticeable features in this county and stamp 
it as one of the most flourishing agricultural 
districts of the State. One of these attractive 
pieces of properly consists of two hundred and six 
acres on section 1, and is owned and o|j(rated by 
Mr. Reid. Almost the entire acreage is under cul- 
tivation and the owner keeps nineteen head of 
cows and otiier stock in proportionate numbers. 
The land is well tilled and various crops are raised, 
the amount per acre being generally satisfactory 
and the quality A No. 1. The buildings that have 
been put up are substantial, conveniently arranged, 
and sufficient to answer every need. A view of 
the residence and pleasant surroundings api)fcars on 
another page. The prosperous condition in which 
Mr. Reid now finds himself is due to iiis having 
worked hard and given his close attention to his 
business affairs and when necessary exercising fru- 
galiij' and self-denial. 

The birthi)lace of Mr. Reid was County Antrim. 
Ireland, anii his natal day November 20, 1820. 
The reader is referred to the sketch of his brother, 
Adam Reid, for facts regarding the parents. Peter 
was the eldest child in the parental family and was 
reared and educated in the land of his birth. He 
engaged in farpning and carried on his vocation in 



the Emerald Isle until 1846, when he emigrated, 
believing that in America he would find a broader 
field in which to exercise his ability. His first so- 
journ was made in New Jerse}', where he worked on 
the farm by the month, remaining there until iSGI. 
He then came to this .State and located in South- 
field Township, this county, but in 1875 changoil 
his place of abode to that which is now his home. 
He is fortunate in having won for his wife a lady 
of good judgment, housewifery skill and fine char- 
acter, whose maiden name was Jane Howe. She 
was born in Ireland and their marriage took place 
in New Jersey in 1 840. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reid have four children, of whom 
we note the following: Samuel and Adam, the eld- 
est and youngest, reside with their parents; Eliza 
is the wife of Albert Todd and resides in Troy 
Townshij); Molly A. married Benjamin Hartrick 
and their home is in Detroit. Parents and children 
belong to the United Presbyterian Church, and all 
being good singers have been members of the 
choir for a long time. Mr. Reid is an Elder in the 
church and a teacher in the Sunday-school and 
has always taken an active interest in promoting 
the cause of religion. In politics he is a Republi- 
can. The family has high standing in the com- 
munity and its members count their friends by the 
score. 



j^, HE.STER M. WYCKOFF is one of the olass 
known as retired farmers, several of whom 

iJ^J are enjoying the ease and pleasure of town 
life in Pontiae. He is the representative of one of 
the old families of this county, his parents having 
come hither in 1832, and he is himself a native of 
the count}', born in the town of Oakland May 2, 
1835. His father, William Wyckoff, was born in 
Warren County, N. J., in 1809, and is the son of 
John Wyckoff, whose ancestors came from Holland. 
The mother of our subject was Hannah Perry, who 
was born in New Jersey in 1805, and was a daugh- 
ter of .Tacob and Sarah (Grundyke) Perry, who 
were of Dutch stock. 

Soon after their marriage William Wyckoff and 
his wife came West and located in Oaklapd, liMt 



808 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



three years later they sold out there and removed 
to Inde|)endence Township, where they made a 
permanent home. They had a farm of two hun- 
dred and fortj' acres, a portion of which was lieav- 
11}' timbered when they took possession. In those 
early days Indians were numerous in the locality 
and when the men were away from home would 
often frighten the women and children from the 
house and go in and lielp themselves to whatever 
they could find. Having gotten enough to e«t 
they would have a grand earous.al and then leave. 
They were, however, generally of friendly dispo- 
sition and did no special damage, other than to 
keep the timid in a slat(! of unrest. Mr. Wyckoff 
helped to organize the township and was its first 
Justice of the Peace. He was a stanch Democrat 
and for 3ears prior to his death was a regular at- 
tendant at the Presbyterian Cliurch, in the faith of 
which he died. The date of his demise was Septem- 
ber 30, 18G0, and that of his wife September 13, 
1875. /rhey reared one son and four daughters, 
the latter being Catherine, now deceased, who was 
the wife of Joshua Predmore; Sarah, wife of Na- 
thaniel Hart, living in Orion Townshii); Nancy, 
wife of AVilliam Beardslee, living in Cole Station; 
and Mary, who married (ieorge Walters and lives 
in Independence Township. 

Our subject attended school in Orion Township 
and in ttie summer drove oxen and otherwise aided 
bis father on the farm. He <lid not leave the 
homestead, but even after he grew to maturity 
continued to work there, and on the deatli of his 
father took charge of the farm. lie has carried 
on general farming and stock-raising and taken 
quite an interest in fine wool sheep and Sliort-liorn 
cattle. The landed estate to which he liolds the 
deed consists of one hundred and eigiity-lwo acres 
which he now rents out, having himself lived in 
Pontiac since March, 1878. The farm is well im- 
proved in every respect and is the source of a very 
good income. 

April 24, 1862. was the wedding day of Mr. 
Wyckoff and Miss Rebecca J. Van Syekle, of Orion 
Township. The parents of the bride were Morris 
Green and Sarah Ann (Swayze) Van S3'ckle, na- 
tives of Warren County, N. J. They lived in Pike 
County, Pa,; a short time and there their daughter 



was Ijorn April 16, 1842. When the child was nine 
j-ears old they removed to Bradford County, Pa. 
While on a visit to relatives in this county she be- 
came acquainted with the gentleman to whom she 
gave her hand. The union has been blest by the 
birth of one son, William Morris, telegraph opera- 
tor and station agent at Dryden. Lapeer Countj'. 
For 3'ears Mr. Wyckoff has been numbered 
among the Democrats and he is a stanch advocate 
of the principles of the parly. He and his wife 
hold membership in the MethodistEpiscopalChurch 
and have given it liberal support during the long 
years of their connection therewith. They have 
endeavored to be useful in their day and genera- 
lion, and no one who knows them questions their 
success. Mr. Wyckoflf is strictly honest and con- 
scientious and is held in high esteem wliercver 
he is known. 



^ 



z^N ASSIUS C. STEVENS. Among theyoungei' 
members of the farming community f)f this 
county mention siiould certainly be made of 
Mr. Stevens, of Oxford Township. He lias altained 
a high position among his fellow-men, not only for 
his knowledge of all that pertains to the develop- 
ment of the soil, but also because of his good judg- 
ment and excellent understanding of the general 
affairs of life. An intelligent, well-informed man, 
he thinks for himself and his good judgment has 
enabled him to meet with marked success both as 
a farmer and stock-raiser. In addition to agricul- 
ture, he devotes considerable attention to work not 
usually found among men of his calling. A natu- 
ral mechanic, it is fitly said of him that "he can 
turn his hand to ilo almost anything." Although 
he never learned the trade of a mechanic, he is 
skilled in the art. and has recently built a carriage 
fine enough for anyone to ride in. At the forge he 
is as much at home as behind the plow, and his 
versatile genius is displayed in many other ways. 
The grandfathei- of Mr. Stevens, Daniel Stevens 
by name, was a native of Connecticut, whence he 
removed to Genesee County, N. Y., and there he 
followed farming many years. At the time of his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



809 



removal to New York his son, Riley, the father of 
our subject, was only one year old and hence his 
earliest recollections are of scenes of the Empire 
State. In his youth he leaiiied the trade of a car- 
penter, which he followed leveral 3* ears in New York, 
and until his removal to Michigan, where he located 
in Romeo, Macomb County. There he also engaged 
at his trade for three years, and afterward spent 
three years on a farm near Romeo. We next find 
him in Oxford Township, Oakland County, where 
he I'urchased a farm on section 2. 

At the time of his removal to this county', Riley 
Stevens found the country much of a wilderness in 
appearance. Wild game was plentiful and deer 
frequently appeared within sight of the house. Mr. 
Stevens was a wide awake man and lost no time in 
clearing and improving his land, which repaid his 
industrious efforts by bountiful harvests of golden 
grain. For several years bis team consisted of a 
yoke of oxen with which he made many a trip to 
Pontiac to market produce and to bring back 
building material, etc. He lived until 1883, becom- 
ing one of the venerable pioneers of this county, 
and as such the present and coming generations 
will hold him in reverence. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Charily H. Co>vley, and was born in 1808 in 
Ca3 uga County, N. Y. Her parents were Kastern 
people, her father a native of New York and her 
mother of Connecticut. Both died in the Empire 
State. Mrs. Stevens is Slill living and makes her 
home with our subject. She has always enj'jyed 
good health, and is a woman of culture and marked 
trails of character. Our subject is the onl^' sur- 
vivor of a family of four children born to his pa- 
rents and his birth occurred in Romeo, Mich., June 
23, 1850. AVhen he was three years old he was 
taken b}' his parents to the farm where he still 
resides and he has always I'emained at home. His 
parents gave him the advantages of rs good an ed- 
ucation as could be obtained in the district schools 
of that day and he began at an early age to assist 
in the farm work. For several years prior to his 
father's death he conducted the farm work and in 
bis youth received a thorough practical training 
in his chosen calling. 

Mr, Stevens vindoubtedly owes much of his hap- 



piness and prosperity to the devoted wife, with 
whom he was united in marriage November 1, 1874. 
She is a notable housewife, understanding well not 
only how to make her home comfortable but also 
attractive, and she is greatly esteemed for her kind- 
liness and cheerful hospitality. Mrs. Stevens was 
formerly Miss Annie Haines and was born in Bruce 
Township, Macomb County, Mich., in 1859. Her 
parents, Milo B. and Emily Haines, natives of New 
York, are now living in Almont, Lapeer County. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have a family of bright and 
intelligent children, who are named as follows: 
Fred F., Mark E., Harmon R., Cassius H. and 
Harry (twins), deceased, Marvin and Mahlon 
(twins). Politically Mr. Stevens is a stanch Repub- 
lica, and socially belongs to the order of Macca- 
bees. His residence is a large and handsome frame 
house, and in the rear are noticeable numerous sub- 
stantial buildings, such as are needed for the stor- 
•ige of grain and shelter of stock. The farm com- 
prises one hundred and forty acres and is one of 
the best improved in the community. 



"aj^v" 



RED M. CLARK. The subject of this 
; brief notice was born in Lapeer County, 

this State, August 8, 1858. He is a son of 

Robert and Laura (Pembcrton) Clark, natives of 
England and Penns3lrania respectivel}-. The fa- 
ther sailed from England in 1848 and settled 
in Lapeer County, where he worked for awhile at 
his trade, that of a baker. He then began farminsr 
in Elba, Lapeer County, which he considered more 
remunerative. There were eight children born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Clark, who are named as follows: 
Leslie, a farmer in Lapeer County; Eva. widow of 
the late Melvin Inman: Fred M., Arthur D., is a 
farmer in Lapeer County, Flora, the wife of H. 
Green, residing in Chicago; and Lorin, a drug- 
gist at Oxford; besides Bertha and Carrie wlio re- 
main at home. The father of this family passed 
away May 25, 1891. 

The suliject of this sketch spent his boyhood on 
the farm and received his educiation in the district 
schools. In 1882 he entered ujjon the work of 



810 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tnanufactmiiig. and started a small factory for 
the making of bedsprings. Success crowned his 
efforts and his business grew to a large ami wide 
spread wholesale trade through various counties 
in tlie State. In 1887 he came to tlie thriving 
little city of Oxford and in connection with his 
brother, A. D., built the Union Hotel, which under 
his management soon became tlie leading hotel of 
that city and indeed was counted equal to any 
public house in towns of the size of Oxford in this 
part of the State. He had the management of the 
Union about a year when lie sold it. He then 
erected the present hotel, the Oakland, which has 
all tlie modern improvements and is elegantly 
furnished from attic to basement. The building 
and furniture cost $12,000. This liouse is known 
throughout the State l\v travelers and is universall}- 
named as the leading hotel of its size in Michigan. 
Mr. Claik has recently sold his hotel business and 
is now erecting a business block adjoining the Oak- 
land Hotel on the south in wliich he expects to es- 
tablish a first-class restaurant. 

Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
Sullivan, December 24, 1879. She is also a native 
of Lai)eer County. One child, John L., has been 
granted to them. Our subject is a member in good 
standing of the following organizations: The 
Knights of Pythias, Ancient Free and Accei)ted 
Masons. Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the 
Independent Order of Foresters at Oxford, and is 
an active member of the Democratic party. 



^^ivEHEMIAH SMITH is one of the old set- 
I jj tiers of Holly Township, of whom Oakland 
ll\r^ County people may well feel proud. His 
life of industry and enterprise lias led to success, 
and his strict integrity and resolve to keep out of 
debt, have made him universally trusted in finan- 
cial circles. He was born in Ulster County, N. Y., 
January 29. IS27. His father was Moses, and his 
grandfather Jonathan Smith, both natives of New 
York. 

Jonathan Smith was a farmer, and a soldier in 
the War of 1812. The father came from Ulster 



County, N. Y., to Oakland County, Mich., in the 
fall of 1834. He made his journey by Erie Canal 
to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Detroit, and 
teamed it to this county. He settled near Olive 
Branch and took up one hundred and sixty acres 
from the Government. He was a good shot, and 
game was in plenty. He came here poor, and finally 
was the owner of five hundred acres of splendid 
land. He helped to lay out many of the roads in 
tills county. He used to travel to Detroit by ox- 
teara to do trading. His milling was done atPou- 
tiac in the very early days, and later at Ciarkston. 
He died near Olive Branch in 1884. His religious 
home was with the Methodist Church. He was 
originallj- a Jacksonian Democrat, but he joined 
the Republican party in 1856. He married Cath- 
erine Coon, the mother of our subject, who was 
born in Ulster County, N. Y. She reared six of 
her eight children to maluritj', namely: Lucinda, 
Nehemiah, Mathew, Dennis. Frank, Lott and Sarah. 
The mother was a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and lived to the good old age of 
eighty-five years. 

Tlic subject of this sketch came to this county 
with his parents when he was eight years old. He 
iiad vivid remembrance of the trip and of his early 
life in the log cabin in the woods. He attended 
the school in the log schoolhouses, and sat ui)on 
the slab benches. The rate bill system was then in 
vogue. This j'outh worked in clearing the forest 
and went barefooted about his work, and often 
found himself walking over snakes and reptiles of 
various kinds. He began to work for himself at 
twenty years of age. For seven years he worked 
out by the month at teaming in Detroit. He bought 
the present farm in 1854, onl^' two acres of which 
were cleared, and the old log house was the only 
improvement placed upon it. He helped to clear 
seven farms before coming here. He has one hun- 
dred and si.xt^' acres, all but thirty of which is 
cleared, and iie raises stock and grain. His present 
fine residence was erected in 1872, and liis barns 
were built in 1866 and 1877. 

Tiic married life of our subject began happily 
in 1857. His bride, Eliza J. Ritchey, was born in 
this county. Her parents John and Ann (Hamil- 
ton) Ritchey, were natives of Ireland, and were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



813 



pioneers in tliis region in 1836. Six fliildren liave 
blessed this home, three of whom are now living, 
namely: William R. married Libhy Minoc, and is 
a farmer; Jolin R. married Nellie I. Everts, and 
farms the liorae farm; Minnie J. married Leman 
Cam[)bell. Our subject and his wife are Metho- 
dists in their religious belief, and Mr. Smith's po- 
litical afllliations are witli the Democrats. 

LFRED GOODMAN, who represents a 
( @/'Jl l well-known family in Southeastern Michi- 
gan, is by occupation, farmer, hotel-kee|)er 
and dairyman. Ho makes his home in 
Royal Oak Township, although an owner of much 
valuable real estate, besides the Goodman Hotel, in 
Detroit. His portrait is presented in connection 
with the following brief account of his life. The 
father of our subject, Stephen Goodman, was a 
Baptist minister and was born in August, 1799 in 
Middlesex Count}-, England. He came to America 
in June of 1830, and proi'eeding directly to jMichi- 
gan became the organizer of the first Baptist 
Churcli at Detroit. It was composed of four 
women and three men. He remained with them 
through the next two years, then went to Saline 
and after two years there bought a farm at Auburn 
where he located. 

The Rev. Mr. Goodman traveled extensively 
over this part of Michigan and came to Troy in 
1S38, and buying a farm made it his permanent 
home. He also engaged in mercantile business at 
Troy Corners where he died in 1871. He had mar- 
ried in 1828 Jane Barrow, who became the mother 
of six children, three sons and three daughters. 
John S., who was a son by a former marriage, was 
born in 1822 in London, England. He studied at 
the University at Madison, N. Y., afterward at 
Hamilton, Ohio, and was graduated from the Uni- 
versity at Ann Arl)or, fitting himself for mission- 
ary work. He was married in 1845 to Harriot 
Peters, daughter of Capt. I'eters of Scio, AVash- 
tenaw County, Mich. This lady died in 1851 in 
Ohio. After this he married JIary Price, who 
went with him in 1852 as a missionary to Africa, 



I 



They were located at a place one hundred miles 
south of Sierra Leone. l'.\ Africa one chihl was 
born to them which did not lire. 

They came home b}' way of London, England, in 
September, 1855, and the3'oung missionar}' became 
pastor of the church at Flint, Mich. Two years 
later be went from there to Saginaw in 1857 and 
became the pastoi- of the Baptist Church. After 
serving in this capacity for three years he was made 
County Superintendent of Schools which office he 
held for nine years. His election was the result of 
an agreement between both parties as he was the 
choice of both and there was no opposition. He 
was also engaged in doing missionary work in the 
country while carrying on his educational matters. 
About this time he became identified with the order 
of Masonry and took the highest degree in Amer- 
ica that is granted. He officiated as Chaplain at 
the laying of the corner stone of the library build- 
ing in Detroit. This reverend gentleman died in 
November, 1884, mourned by all who knew hini. 

Our subject, the second son of the family, was 
born in London, England, May 22, 1829, and 
came with his parents to Detroit in 1830. He re- 
ceived his education as the boys of those days did, 
on the farm and in the log schoolhouse. In 18-16 
he started out as a peddler witli a tin trunk, but ho 
had not yet cora|)leted his education, and deler- 
mining to have more, he attended the Romeo 
Academy for three months in 1849. In 1850 he 
engaged in the business of furnishing plank to the 
Detroit <fe Birmingham Plank Road Company. In 
1851 he was smitten with the gold fever and went 
to California, but came back in 1855 and went into 
business at Troy Corners. In 1859 he sold out and 
farmed for a year; next he went to Detroit and 
began the hotel business by the purchase and man- 
agement of the Grand River House and in 18G8 he 
built the Hotel Goodman of which he is the pro- 
prietor. 

Tiie marriage of Mr. Goodman took place in 
185C. His bride wasUlennall. Bradley, daugiiter 
of Wakeman Bradley, one of the first settlers and 
the first Supervisor of Ro3al Oak, Troy and Avon, 
when the}' were on« township, lie was also a 
teacher and was the first English clerk in Detroit. 
Two children bless the marriage of our subject 



814 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with Miss Bradley. Fred A. was born October 16, 
1871, and when seventeen years old joined the 
Scott Guards. He now lias charge of the Hotel 
Goodman, and is the youngest hotel manager in the 
United Sta'.es. The daughter Nellie, who was born 
October 22, 1874, is attending school at Detroit 
and fitting hereelf for the stage, for which she has 
decided talent. 

Our subject has one brother, William Goodman, 
who is a hardware merchant at Clare, Mich. Two 
of his sisters, Mrs. Yorbies and Mrs. Julia B. Town, 
reside at Grand Island, Neb., and the third sister, 
Mrs. Lucy B. Cutting, at Troy Corners. Mr. 
Goodman's experiences in going to California are 
of interest. He was one hundred and two days on 
the way from New York to San Francisco; was 
shipwrecked three times on the trip and was put 
on short allowance for fourteen days. He is now 
making his home on the farm tiiat was pre-empted 
by Wakeman Bradley in 1825, and the deed was 
signed by John Adams. He is attending to farm- 
ing simply because he is not content to be idle and 
finds it better for his health to continue the stirring 
life which has always been his. He is a man of 
sterling qualities and broad intelligence, and has 
achieved large prosperit)' b^' close attention to 
business and by wise investment in Detroit prop- 
erty. The famil}' is an old and well-known one 
and this gentleman feels a just pride in his talented 
children. 

A portrait of Mr. Goodman appears in connec- 
tion with this record of the principal events of his 



life. 



'*-^-^;t^:i;Ut7<^ 



i,OBERT JOHNSTON, M. D., established 
himself in Milford in the spring of 18G6 not 
long after his return from Southern battle- 
fields, where he had gone into many dangers 
in bis efiforts to aid those who were suffering from 
the wounds made by shot or shell or the diseases 
incurred in camp and on the march. He is one of 
the partners in a well-established drug business 
which was in.stituted iu 1881 and is conducted 
under the style of Johnston <fe Crawford. 

Pr, Johnstpn is descended froin the Cameron 



clan of Scotland, but his grandfather, Christie 
Johnston, was born in the North of Ireland. 
When a youth that gentleman came to America 
and located in Pennsylvania. He was a saddler 
and harness-maker and his son Robert, father of 
our subject, learned the same trade and worked at 
! saddlemaking for a number of years. Robert 
Johnston was born in Washington County, Pa., in 
1790. He removed in 1842 to Ralls County, Mo., 
near Hannibal, and engaged in farming. In politics 
he was first a Whig and then a Republican. He 
was Justice of the Peace and held other local 
offices and was an Elder in the Presb3'terinn 
Church; he d.ied in 1865. His wife, formerly- 
Rebecca Yan Eman, was born in the same county 
as himself and was the daughter of a lumber 
manufacturer there; her ancestors came from Hol- 
land. She still lives and is now a resident of 
Monroe City, Mo. The parental family comprised 
four daughters and eight sons, and five of the 
latter took part in the Civil AVar. Maj. Andrew 
Johnston, one of the number, was killed at 
Centralia, Mo. 

Dr. Johnston, the sixth child of his parents, was 
born in Washington County, Pa., Julj' 5, 1838, 
and went to Missouri when four 3ears old. His 
time was chiefly spent on the farm and his early 
education was obtained in a log schoolhousc under 
the rate bill system. He then entered \an Rens- 
selaer Academj' at Big Creek, Mo., and when 
eighteen years old engaged in teaching. While 
teaching he studied medicine under the guidance 
of Dr. Robert Frazier of Madisonville, and after 
some preliminary reading entered the State Tni- 
versity at Keokuk, Iowa. The breaking out of the 
Civil War interrupted his peaceful pursuits and in 
September, ISCl, he enli>ted iu the Fifth Missouri 
Infantry, Company A, and was mustered in at 
Louisiana, Mo. 

The first six months' service of Dr. Johnston 
was under Gov. Gamble, in Missouri, and ho 
was honorably discharged in March, 1862. He 
went to Ohio and at once entered the Oliio 
Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he re- 
ceived the degree of Doctor of Medicine Jul^' 3 of 
that year. He at once went on duty at Camp 
Dennisoii ?is surgeon, having oversight of two 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



815 



wards in the liospital, and on September 8, he 
received the Government appointment of Assistant 
Surgeon in the One Hundreth Ohio Infaiitr^', wiiich 
was attached to the Army of Ohio. He took part 
in scenes of danger and toil in Kentucky, Tennes- 
see and Georgia, after the Athinta campaign re- 
turned toward the North in Thomas' command, 
and was present at Spring Hill, Franklin and Nasii- 
ville. 

During the battle of Limestone Bridge he was 
captured by Gen. Jackson's men and sent to 
Libbj prison, where he was confined two months. 
The medical men were at this time usually released, 
but they were detained on account of the trial of 
Dr. Rooker, which involved the question of the 
Confederacy being a separate government, from 
September 24 to November 24. He then reported 
to his command, wiih whicli he remained until the 
close of the war and was mustered out at Cleveland, 
Ohio, July .3, 1865. 

The experience of Dr. Johnston in surgery had 
been very useful to him and he was desirous of 
still further [lerfecting himself in that branch of 
his profession. After practicing until fall, he en- 
tered Bellevue Hospital in New York from whicli 
he was graduated in the spring of 18(J6. He 
then came to Milford, which was quite a small 
place, without railroad communication with the 
surrounding country, and here he has remained 
doing such satisfactory work that it was not long 
before he had his hands and heart full, lie is an 
advocate of the regular school of medicine. 
Wordl3' prosperity has been his and he is able to 
gratifj- his scholarly tastes, and his fine home con- 
tains a large collection of the best literar}^ works. 
He owns a farm of six hundred and forty acres in 
Dakota. 

In Penn Yan, N. Y., in 1871, Dr. Johnston was 
married to Miss Minnie Jacobus, a native of that 
city and a lady of more than ordinary mental cul- 
ture. She was graduated from the Academy in 
Penn Yan and for some years was engagc<i in 
leaching. She is the mother of five children — 
Ernest Van E., Robert E., Fred M., ^Villiam D. 
and Minnie E. The oldest son is attending the 
Agricultural College at Lansing and the others are 
at home. Dr. Johnston has been a member of 



the School Board for more than twenty years 
consecutively. He is a deniitted Odd Fellow and 
is Surgeon in the Grand Array Post of Milford. 
Politically, he is a stanch Republican and religiously 
a sincere Presbyterian. He belongs to the O ikland 
County Academy of Medicine. He and his re- 
spected wife move in the best circles of society and 
their residence in Milford is considered an honor 
to the place. 

— .^3-^ ^ 



eHARLES BROOKS, on« of the American 
citizens of Britisli descent who are a credit 
to the home of their parents' adoption, was 
born in Connecticut October 25, 1835. His father, 
John Brooks, was an Englishman and a silk weaver 
by trade in his native home. He came to America 
»nd located in 1832, and engaged in various occu- 
pations in New England. His death occurred 
February 17, 1883, when he had reached the 
goodly age of seventy- five years. He was a zealous 
and warm-hearted member of the Baptist Church 
and brought his children up in the faith. His wife, 
Ann Brooks, who was taken from his side by death 
in 1857, also followed the trade of a silk- weaver. 
Of their large family of eleven cliildren, all are 
living except one. 

The subject of this sketch received a good dis- 
trict-school education, beginning it in New Eng- 
land and going on with it after his emigration to 
Michigan, which occurred when he was six years 
old. At that date, 1841, the country was new and 
wild. Deer were plentiful and Indians abounded. 
The boy went to school in a log schoolhouse and 
learned farming at home. After he became of age 
he undertook farming independently, and with his 
wonted energy. He worked farms on shares for 
several years, thus making a beginning as many 
another young man has done. He has several times 
purchased farms and sold again as he found he 
could better himself, and in 1880 he located on his 
present tract of land on section 17. 

When this young man was twenty-five years old 
he met a young lady, Sarah 31. Lockwood byname, 
and becoming interested in her chose her as his 



816 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wife. They wero married in 1860 and the following 
children crowned their union. They are all living 
except Rojina and Jessie. Those who survive are 
Charles W., Thomas D., Mary A., Addison R., 
Frank S., and Timothy L. This gentleman is a Dem- 
ocrat but does not mix much in political matters. 
His one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved 
land and bis lieaulifui home and fine farm build- 
ings carry out the testimony of his neighbors who 
sa^' he is a '"hustler." 



-?-H-§g^^=' 2 ■ ■ I " 




RANK HARFF. Those who believe that 
^•\ comfort is not to be found in country life, 
have but to visit the home of the above- 
named gentleman, to see conclusive evidences to 
the contrary, and to learn that a farmer's familj- 
may have as tasteful surroundings as those found 
in the majority of city homes. The estate to which 
we allude is located on section 3, Bloomfield Town- 
ship, and lies three miles southeast of Pontiac. It 
is well stocked with thoroughbred Short-horn cat- 
tle and other stock of a high grade, and the build- 
ings which adorn the place are commodious and 
well designed, and include every convenience for 
household and farm work. The barn, which was 
erected at a cost of $3,400, is the largest in the 
county, being 120x50 feet with a ten foot base- 
ment. The residence is also one of the most com- 
modious and elegant in the county, and, with its 
rural surroundings is represented by a view on an- 
other page. It is a brick structure, with a large 
double -'L," and all modern conveniences. Alto- 
gether, the estate is one of the finest in the township, 
and its value is increased liy the fine system of 
water-works introduced and perfected by the owner. 
Mr. Harff is one of oui substantial citizens who 
elai.n Germany as their Fatherland, and he was 
born in Prussia, December 15, 1834 Of that coun- 
try his parents, George and Catherine Harff, were 
also natives and there they spent their entire lives. 
Of their six children our subject was the first-born 
and he was reared in his native place, receiving the 
advant.ages of a common-school e<iucation and as- 
sisting his father with the farin work. In 1850 he 



set sail for the New World, and after an unevent- 
ful Yoyage of thirty-six d.iys landed in the city of 
New York, whence he came West to Cleveland. 
He arrived in the latter city with just three cents 
in his pocket and engaged to work upon a fai-m for 
IG per month. At the time of his arrival he could 
not speak a work of English, but has now become 
proficient in the use of the language. 

After remaining on the farm three months Jlr. 
Harff procured work in a planing mill in the city 
of Cleveland for which he- received eight3--five 
cents a day. Here he stayed for two years and 
then came to the pineries of Michigan and followed 
the occupation of a cook in the logging camps for 
one year. He received no money at all for his 
work here, being cheated out of it. He then came 
to Detroit, and entering the em ploy of a vessel, acted 
as fireman to the engine, for a passage to Lake 
Superior. He remained several years in that part 
of the country, engaging in mining. At the time 
the war broke out he returned to Detroit, but not 
being able to obtain employment he went into the 
country and chopped several hundred cords of 
wood at thirty-six cents per cord. 

Returning to Detroit he went to work on the 
docks, and continued there, loading vessels until 
the close of the war. He then began buying and 
selling old iron, hides, etc.. in the Lake Superior 
regions. He followed this for two or three years 
making several thousand dollars by it. He then 
in company with William Smith of Detroit, started 
a tobacco and cigar factor^'. After losing ^1,000 
he closed this business relation and engaged in the 
manufacture of cigars and in wholesale dealing in 
liquor. He was engaged in this business at Detroit 
until April, 1878, when he sold it out and purclias 
ing his present farm moved on to it. He has since 
given all his attention to farming and stock-rais- 
ing. 

The marriage of Mr. Harff look place October 
8, 1859. He was then united with Eliza Dielz of 
Detroit, where she was born December 23, 1842. 
She is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Dietz, of 
Germany. They came to America at an early d.TV 
and <licd at Detroit, Mich. Our subject and his 
wife have had four children, all of whom are liv- 
ing, namely — Fred H., Christina, Mary and Annie, 




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



819 



The son is still single and resides at homo. Chris- 
tina is tiie wife of Joseph Range and lives in 
Parker, Turner County, S. Dak. She has five ciiil- 
dren, namely — Lizzie, Freddie, Minnie, Josie and 
Frances. Mary married Bruce Chatlield, a farmer 
in Troy, this county, and has one child, Hazel. 
Annie married Wilber Lewis, a farmer in Pontiac 
Township, this county, aud has one son, Frank. 
Mr. Harff is a Republican in his political views, 
but takes no other part in politics than to cast his 
ballot upon election daj'. 



.«^^ 

"5^%- 




ARCUS D. ELLIOTT, one of the repre- 
sentative farmers of Rose Township, was 
born Januar\^ ]9, 1827, in the town of 
Florida, Montgomery Countj-, N. Y. He 
is the son of Alexes and Elizabeth (Tripp) Elliott, 
natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. 
Our suliject's grandfather, George P^lliott, was a 
farmer who lived and died in Montgomery County. 
Here his son, Alexes, was born in 1800, and about 
the year 1830 he left this locality for Otsego 
Countj', the same State. 

It was in the year 1844 that Alexes Elliott came 
to Michigan by lake and settled east of Holly, Oak- 
land County, wiiere he resided until his death, in 
1848. Both he and his goofl wife were earnest 
and active members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. They reared seven children to be an 
honor and comfort to their parents. Thej' were 
named: Nathan T., Polly Stadan, Celestia, Marcus 
1)., Oscar D., Calvin H. and Caroline. All these 
have established homes and families of their own. 
Tlieir mother was a daughter of David Tripp, a 
farmer, who represented his home locality in the 
New York Legislature. He was a native of Rhode 
Island. He and his aood wife, Mary Dickinson, 
were the iiaients of fifteen children, all of whom 
grew to maturity. They were members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm 
an(( has been almost entirely self-educated, for at 
nine vears of age he left home to make his own 



way in the world. At ten years he had advanced 
so that he received $3 a month as his wages, 
and he continued to work out until he was 
twent3'-flve. In 184G he came to Jlichigan, aud 
in 1852 he located on sixty acres of land which 
belonged to his wife. In the spring of 1855 he 
traded this for one hundred and twenty acres on 
section 5, Rose Township. This was wild land, 
whicii he has cleared and splendidly improved. 
They now own one hundred and sixty acres and 
have a fine brick residence and an excellent barn. 
He is a breeder of Hambletonian horses and French- 
Merino sheep. 

In 1876 Mr. Elliott was elected to the Legisla- 
ture upon the Republican ticket. For twenty years 
he has been a delegate to most of the State con- 
ventions held by that party. His war experience 
began in the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in Bat- 
tery H, First Michigan Light Artillery. He took 
part in the battles of Point Gibson, Raymond, 
Jackson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg and Brown- 
ville, and was in the Meridian raid. He was struck 
by a shell during the siege of Vicksburg, but was 
not seriously injured. During 1864 he saw the 
smoke of battle at Kenesaw Mountain, Nickjack 
Creek, Atlanta and Jonesville. He received his 
honorable discharge in December, 18G4. He had 
been promoted in March, 18G3, to the rank of 
Second Lieutenant and after the siege of Vicks- 
burg to that of First Lieutenant, and the follow- 
ing spring received the commission of a Captain. 

The following description of the battle of At- 
lanta is condensed from an account furnished by 
Capt. Elliott to a local paper: 

"Jul}- 22 was the day of the famous battle of 
Atlanta. I was with the Third Division of the 
Seventeenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee. Maj.- 
Gen. Frank P. Blair was commanding the corps, 
and Brig.Gen. M. D. Lcggett was commanding 
the division. As all know, the gallant Gen. Mc- 
Pherson was commanding the army. The day was 
a beautiful one, clear and still, but warm. 
Bald Hill had been captured the day before 
by Brig.-Gen. Force after a verj' tough struggle. 
Our battery participated in the charge and cap- 
ture, and after it was in the power of the Union 
forces our battery was located on the hill, but that 
same afternoon we vacate<l it, and it was then oc- 
cupied by Battery D, First Illinois, consisting of 



820 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



four 24-pourui liowitzer guns. My command then 
took lip .1 position about one luindred rods left 
of Bald Hill. We slopped there during the night 
iutrenclied. 

"The guus of all the batteries were good. We 
had sis guns, all of wiiieh were Rodman's steel- 
rifled cannon. They were the best guns in that 
part of the army, if not in the entire service. The 
large amount of artillery practice that we had at 
VicksDurg made our men very proficient. We 
had the reputation of being a crack organization, 
and when we met the enemy, if our division was 
anywhere near the front, we were alwa^^s called 
upon to fire the first shots. 

"Two of our guns at 10 o'clock on the day in 
question were on the left of Murray's battery, 
under command of Lieut. William Justin. About 
10 o'clock that morning Gens. McPherson, Blair 
and Leggeltt, and Chief of Artillery W. S. Will- 
iams rode past ray command and asked me to ac- 
company them. They were talking of establishing 
a new line in front of the one then occupied, and 
we rode half-way to Atlanta in selecting a site. 
AVe saw the rebels marching out of the town, and 
we thought they were evacuating. They had 
asked me to select a location for my battery, 
which I did, and it was arranged that a detail of 
infantry was to report to me immediately' after 
dinner to dig inlroiicliments. Everything was as 
quiet as on Sunday, but 1 had just started for ray 
dinner when I heard firing on our left rear hi the 
direction of Decatur. I spoke of it to Capt. Will- 
iams, and asked him if I had not better have my 
horses harnessed ready for use, as I knew that 
should any troops be ordered forward we would 
be called upon to go to the f)ont if it was decided 
to send artillery in that direction. He thought 
the suggestion a good one, and I issued the order 
and then went to dinner. I had just commenced 
my meal when hades was let loose upon my left. 
I jumped for my horse and got out just in time 
to see cannon balls rolling down the road th«t led 
from the left. I ordered my driveis to mount and 
fall back immediately. AVe then started off to our 
right through a cornfield, with the rebels not 
twenty rods in our roar, yelling and shooting and 
commanding us to hall. But we didn't stop. I 
was riding l)y the last gun, the lead team of which 
was ridden by an Irishman named .lim Gordon. 
As 1 rode up to him I asked, 

" 'Jim, shall we halt.'' 

" 'Divil a bit,' was his quick response, "this is no 
place for us to halt.' 

"^^'e went on about five hundred yards when 
we came to an elevation which I thought was a 
good place to try to do something. I ordered a 



halt and commenced firing right in our rear. Our 
stopping seemed to rally some of our forces, who 
had been started on the run by the rebels, and they 
began forming around us. When we first halted 
we li.ad no support at all. We had been firing 
about fifteen minutes when a man came up and in- 
formed me that he was one of Murray's men and 
that the battery had been captured. He wanted 
to help and J set him to work, and he kei)t at it 
faithtuUy all afternoon. 1 was naturally nervous 
about my other two guns, which were on Murray's 
left, but I had no time to make inquiry. It was 
two hours later when I learned that Lieut. Justin 
h.ad not only escaped being captured but was then 
in our rear and to our right doing effective work. 
Later be informed me personallj' that he had fired 
two rounds after Murray's guns had ceased and 
still made his escape from the enemy. 

"We had many sharp fights and had others after- 
ward, but that afternoon was the hottest of all our 
ex])erience. Between 12:30 and 4 o'clock, with 
four guns, we fired four hundred rounds of am- 
munition. Several of the men worked until they 
were exhausted and dropped where they stood. 
We began by firing in what had been our rear. 
When we cleared the enemy out in that direction 
we tufned the guns toward the woods. Then we 
were attacked on our flank by a battery located 
on a slight elevation. But it took only about fif- 
teen minutes to clear them out. Our most deadly 
work was when we were charged by Cheatham's 
division. Our battery was supported by the rem- 
nants of an Indiana regiment. Our guns were 
loaded with a double charge of canister and the 
balls that the infantry had thrown from their re- 
peating rifles. Only a single man of the enemy 
readied us in two charges. His comrades were 
mowed down like grain." 

The marriage of Capt. Elliott took i>lace on 
New Year's Daj-, 1852. He was then united with 
Emily A. Seeley, who was born in Onondaga 
County. N. Y., July 16, 1832. She is a daughter 
of Isaac and Emily P. (Darling) Seeley, who were 
natives of New York. Mr. Seeley was a tanner 
and shoemaker. In the fall of 1837 he came to 
Ponliac, Mich., where he remained until the spring 
of 1838. He then entered one hundred and sixty 
acres, which he cleared and improved and liverl 
upon until his death, in 1844. He had served 
in numerous township offices and was well known 
throughout that region as an active and consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
politics he was a strong and prominent Whig. He 



PORTRAIT A.ND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



821 



left at liis fl<!at!i a wife and two chiklren — Me- 
lissa M. and Emily A. His widow married a Mr. 
Daniel Fuller for her second husband. 

The subject of this sketch and his excellent 
and lovely wife have reared to usefulness five 
children, namely: Herbert M., an attorney in De- 
troit; Addie E., wife of William Zelener; George 
M., Cora 15. and John D. Mrs. Elliott is an earn- 
est and efficient member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Capt. Elliott is a leading and 
prominent member of the Masonic order and also 
of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a very 
popular man and respected b^' all who know him. 



H^^^^ 



El^M- 




[^ ON. MICHAEL E. CROFOOT, of Pon 
tiac, was born in Schenectady, N. Y., the 
14th of March, 1822, the son of Charles and 
Louisa Crofoot, and died in Pontiac, May 
11,1884. When he was seven years of age his 
father with his family removed to Constableville, 
Lewis County, N. Y. Mr. Crofoot's educa- 
tional advantages were confined to the public 
schools. He was ambitious to study law, and al- 
though unable to procure a college education, b}- 
close application to his studies in the common 
schools, and afterwards by teaching school, he ed- 
ucated himself. 

In 183G he went to Rome, N. Y., to live in the 
family of B. B.H^-de, a canal collector. Here he 
remained two years and attended the public school. 
He then returned home, engaged in farm work, and 
attended school a portion of the time, until 1838, 
when he began teaching to earn the means to en- 
able him to finish his education. As soon as he 
was able he entered the Temple Hill Academy, at 
Geneseo, N. Y., and took a two years' course. In 
1841 he undertook the study of medicine, that be- 
ing the only profession oi)en to his limited means. 
He continued his studies for about a year, when ho 
engaged to teach at the town of Gates, near Roches- 
ter, N. Y. 

In the spring of 1843, acting under the advice of 
Mr. Monroe, an officer of the school district and a 
warm personal friend, Mr. Crofoot entered as a 



student the law office of General IL L. Stevens, 
then one of the most prominent lawyers of Roches- 
ter. He continued his law studies there for a pe- 
riod of three ye.ars, teaching school during the win- 
ter seasons, and also attended to various suits in 
the justices' courts, and some matters in the pub- 
lic courts. In the spring of 1845, Gen. Stevens 
had business which called him to Michigan, and 
and soon after removed his family to Pontiac, en- 
gaging in the practice of law at that place. 

Mr.Crofoot continued at Rochester in earnest pur- 
suit of his studies. Seven years of preparation were 
then required to gain admission to the bar, yet four 
years might be allowed for the study of the clas- 
sics. During the fall of 1845 he was persuaded by 
Gen. Stevens to remove to Pontiac. In the 
winter of 1846 he was admitted to the bar, and con- 
tinued in the regular practice of his profession up to 
1870, when he retired from active practice owing 
to ill-health. In 1848 he was elected Probate Judge 
for Oakland County, and re-elected in 1852, serv- 
ing eight years. In 1862 he became Prosecuting 
Attorney, and in 1864 was re-elected to that office. 
He was connected with most of the public enter- 
prises in Pontiac, and gave much encouragement 
and attention to the public schools. He was also 
interested in the Oakland County Agricultural So- 
ciety, of which he was an officer for some years. 
He was one of the Building Commiisioners for 
the Eastern Asylum for the Insane, at Pontile, 
and was one of the Board of Trustees for the 
administration of the asylum for a number of years. 
He, with Col. J. Sumner Rogers, projected the 
Orchard Lake Military Academy, which was 
opened in September, 1877, and has since taken 
rank as one of the best educational institutions of 
the country for boys and young men. He believed 
in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and in the Biblical 
doctrines, with no sectarian connection or preju- 
dice, but was an attendant of the Episcopal 
Church. 

He married on the 29th of October, 1849, Miss 
Annie E. Fitch, daughter of Lodowick Fitch, Esq., 
of Bloomfleld, N. Y. They had seven children 
— four sons and three daughters. Six of the 
children are living, as follows: Charles M., born at 
Pontiac, now in mercantile business at that place; 



822 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Margaret S., the wife of Mr. AVilliam J. Evans, re- 
siding in London, England, died in December, 
1890, in Xew York Citj-; Lewis W., now practicing 
law in Dakota; Mary F., residing at home; Lo- 
dowick F., Omaha, Neb., who was admitted to the 
Oakland County bar in 1887 ; and Sarah E., wiio 
resides at tlie family homestead at Ponliac. Mr. 
Crofoot gained a distinguished place in his profes- 
sion, and early showed s[)ecial power as a jurist. 
He was admitted to |iracticc at Rochester, N. 
Y. in 1846, and in the Oakland County courts on 
February 12, 1848. 

His first great case was the trial of the Bismuth 
murder case (so-called), wherein he gained much 
celebrity in the defense of the accused and pro- 
cured the acquittal of his client. In addition to 
his practice at Pontiac, he opened an office in De- 
troit, and continued his practice in both places, 
spending much of his time, however, at Detroit. 
He was one of the leading members of the Oak- 
land County bar, meeting with marked success. 
He was a member of the Democratic party, and in 
former years took an active and leading part in po- 
litical matters, but during the latter ten years of 
his life was not an active politician. 



/^. R N E L I U S BROOKS, who is a Brit- 
(l( _ isliAmerican citizen and the head of an 
^^f' influential family in Soulhfield Township, 
was born in Berkshire, England, near Reading, Oc- 
tober 24, 1823. His father was Charles Brooks, a 
shoemaker by trade and a great singer and musi- 
cian, being a member of a choir in England, where 
he died when this son w.as but three j'ears old. His 
wife, whose maiden name was Jane Perkins, sur- 
vived him for many j-ears, and died in Reading 
when about seventy years old. 

The subject of this sketch is the third in a fam- 
ily of four sons and the onl^' one now living. He 
left home when sixteen years old to learn the trade 
of a carpenter in London. After serving there 
for two years he came to America in 1841. He 
worked at his trade in Jersey City, N. J., and then 
a little later learned the weaver's trade. In 1842 



he came to Michigan and lived in Lapeer County 
for two years. He then came to Southfield Town- 
ship, and located on section 11, in September, 
1844. Here he worked out by the month, the 
first year at $5 per month, the second year at ^G 
and the third year at ^9. The young men of to- 
da}^ probably think they could not live on such 
wages. But this enterprising and frugal young 
man, not only lived, but laid up money. 

Mr. Brooks bought the farm where he now re- 
sides in 1840. There was then a log house on the 
place. The lady who became Mrs. Brooks in No- 
vember, 1847, was Mary A., a daughter of James 
and Mary (Stewart) Robb. She was born in 
Orange County, N. Y., April 11, 1829. She was 
bereaved of her mother when about two years old, 
and was reared by David and Ann (Porter) Stew- 
art, an ui.cle and aunt. She spent most of her life 
in Oakland County, being onlj' ten years old when 
she came to Michigan. Slie attended school in the 
first log schoolhouse that was ever built on section 
1], and here she received her only schooling. She 
remained with her uncle and aunt until she was mar- 
ried. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brooks settled on 
section IG, in a little log house, 18x24 feet in di- 
mensions. This first home was destroyed by fire 
in the following June, and the young couple set up 
their home in a little log shanty on the place which 
had been used for cattle. In the fall they built a 
new log house which thev occupied until 1873. 
Air. Brooks then built a frame house where he re- 
mained until he erected the home in which he now 
resides. This was built in 1885. 

Six children were granted to this worthy couple. 
Two of them, William and John, died years ago. 
Those who survive are: David, who resides on 
section 17, Southfiebl Township, on a farm of 
sixty acres, where he farms and carries on the car- 
penter's trade; Sarah Jane, a graduate of Birming- 
ham, has been teaching for eighteen years; James 
R., the Supervisor of Southfield Township, and 
School Director, who is a member of the Protest- 
ant Methodist Church, and Joseph who is an excel- 
lent musician, who resides with his brother James. 
James was Treasurer of the township during 
1889-90. He and his good wife, whose maiden 




■#^ 







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^ 




<:>-z>C''Z-^<2^ 




/l/C^y0^2,^<^ ^rC , AO<^ ^^^^'^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



827 



name was Augusta Pickering, are the parents of 
two sons. 

Mr. Brooks is a Republican. Botli lie and his 
good wife are members of the United Presbyterian 
Cliurcli. The}' are active workers in the Sunday- 
school and Mr. Brooks is an Elder in the church. 
Tliis prosperous farmer has one hundred and eighty 
acres of good Land still in his possession, besides 
having given each of his sons a farm. He had no 
money when he came into Michigan, and had only 
$2 when lie first made his home in South field 
Township. All his property has been the result of 
his own industr}', frugalitj- and enterprise. 






if/OHN VV. CRAIO. Among the bright in- 
ventive minds which have made America 
known throughout the world as the land 
of inventions and the source of labor-sav- 
ing machinor}', may be counted that of our sub- 
ject, whose |5urtrait, with that of his estimable 
wife, appears in this connection. The inventions 
which he has already produced are coining money 
for him and for others, and he is still at work 
upon plans which he believes will rival those he 
has already produced, lie makes his home in 
Oxford, Oakland Count}-, Mich. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Ann 
Arbor February 11, 1814, and is the son of Rob- 
ert S. and Ann U. ((uenville) Craig, natives of 
Scotland and England respectively. Mrs. Craig 
crossed llie Atlantic in 182G, coming here with her 
parents, and Mr. Craig arrived about the siune 
time. He was a merchant who located- and pur- 
sued that business at Ann Arbor. He died at 
Howell, Mich., in 1872, but his widow still sur- 
vives. To them were born eight children, of 
whom our subject was the third in order of birth. 
John W. Craig was given excellent school ad- 
vantages and pursued a medical course with Dr. 
Huntingdon, but the opening of the Civil War 
broke up his calculations in the line of a profes- 
sional career. In lieu thereof he took a course in 
Bryant ifc Stratton's Commercial College at Chi- 
cago, and afterward clerked in a store in the (Jar- 



den Cit}' two years. He took a pleasure trip to 
Washington, D. C, and not only found employ- 
j)loyment in a store but also there found a wife 
in the jierson of Mary M. Malloy, to whom he was 
married October 15, 1865. In Washington he was 
engaged in cigar manufacturing aiwl the tobacco 
trade. In 1869 he left the National Capital and 
went into business at Saginaw, Mich., but after 
two years returned to Washington.- 

The milling business next attracted the atten- 
tion of this enterprising young man, and com- 
ing to Pontiac in 1S72, he bought what was 
called the White Rose Mill. After three years 
he returned to Washington, D. C, and engaged 
in mill machinery business, having become inter- 
ested in a wheat cleaning machine of which he 
secured the patent. In 1879 he went to Canada 
and engaged in milling at Listowell. In 1881 he 
built a mill at Port Elgin, Canada, which he sold 
in 1884 and went to Hamilton, Canada, to work 
a patent be had taken out himself. He sold out 
his Canada interest and came to Michigan, engag- 
ing in business at Detroit in 1883. Four years 
later he came to Oxford. 

While in Detroit Mr. Craig invented an auto- 
matic feeder for roller mills, which has come into 
quite general use in such mills. His sales on this 
patent have amounted to over 1100,000, and he 
still enjoys a ro^'allj' on the invention. The idea 
of this automatic feeder came just in the nick of 
time, not only to enhance the fortunes of our 
subject, but also to forward the milling interests. 
He built the Craig Automatic Roller Mills at 
Oxford at an expense of $45,000, and having a 
ca|)acity of three hundred barrels per day. Mr. 
A. M. A'arncy went into business with Mr. Craig 
in 1886, and together they owned the mill and also 
the electric plant of Oxford, a five hundred-light 
plant, which was started last December at a cost of 
*7,000. 

Mr. and Mrs. Craig have been blessed by the 
birth of four interesting children: Mildred H., 
lola, Louise I. and John W., Jr. loladied at the 
age of four years. To the surviving children have 
been given excellent opportunities for education. 
The son has taken a business course at Detroit and 
is now book-keeper and cashier for his father. 



828 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Craig's political convictions are with the 
Democratic party. He is an earnest aud active 
member of the Christian Church, and he and his 
household are influential in the social circles of 
Oxford. 

The attention of the re.ider is invited to a view 
of the fine mill which Mr. Craig owns and oper- 
ates, and which represents one of the most im- 
portant industries of Oakland County. 




'\i-^ ENRY BIRGE. Fortunate is the l>oy who, 
thrown upon his own resources at an early 
age, has the skill to do and the strength to 
endure until he acqunes a footing among 
men; more fortunate he who combines with his man- 
ual skill and bodily strength the moral principles 
and self-respect that bring with his financial success 
the esteem of those who know him. Such were the 
fortunate qualifications of Mr. Birge in youth and 
they assisted him in gaining his present enviable 
jwsition as an influential and well-to-do citizen of 
Waterford Township. Through dint of unremit- 
tini^ industry he has acquired a competency and is 
well known as the owner and operator of a fine 
farm of one hundred and eighty acres on .section 3. 
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Birge was born 
October 24, 1816, and when four years old was 
taken to New York by his parents, William and 
Minerva (Fox) Birge. The father was born in 
Connecticut and came of patriotic stock, his ances- 
tors taking part in the Revolutionar3- War and 
his brothers in the War of 1812. He w.-is 
reared on a farm and in manhood followed the 
trade of a clothier. In company with his wife, also 
a native of Connecticut, he removed to Pennsyl- 
vania, where they remained until 1820. Their 
family included nine children, of whom five sur- 
vive. One brother died in the Mexican War and 
another in the Civil War. 

At the age of twelve years Henry Birge went 
from the parental roof to live witti his uncle. Dana 
Fox, and in his home he remained two years. He 
then worked for a Mr. Strong four years, and 



afterward for eight years worked from place to 
place, wherever he could find employment. In 
1836 he came to Michigan and worked by the 
month in Waterford Townsliip until 1838, being 
for a time on a farm and also finding emplo^'ment 
in a saw-mill. In .July, 1837, accompanied by his 
two older brothers, he went to Wisconsin and there 
each pre-empted a quarter section of land at 
Whitewater. The country then was in the prime- 
val state of nature, untouched as j-et by the refin- 
ing influences of civilization, and Mr. Birge and 
four others, including his two brothers, were com- 
pelled to cut roads through the woods from Mil- 
waukee to AVhitewaler. He plowed the first fur- 
row and sowed the first wheat in the county- of 
Walworth. 

In October, 1838, Mr. Birge returned to this 
Slate and worked land on shares until 1844, when 
his carefull}" hoarded earnings enabled him to buy 
a farm in Pontiac Township. His father, whom he 
had left in New York, came West in 184.5 and found 
a home in Wisconsin, whither his two oldest sons 
before mentioned had gone. He remained with 
them about ten years, then came to Michigan and 
resided with his son, our subjeqt, until his death in 
1874. The mother had accompanied her husband 
to Wisconsin, but remained only a short time, 
returning thence to her former home in New York, 
and making her home with her eldest daughter 
until her death in 1857. 

Mr. Birge continued to manage his farm in Pon- 
tiac Township until 1848, when he sold out and 
removed to Lansing. There he was for two years 
engaged as the proprietor of a livery- stable, but 
not finding the occupation congenial he sold out 
Ihe business and bought a farm on section 16, Wa- 
terford Township, where he ni.ade his home about 
two years. We next find him the owner and oper- 
ator of a farm in West Bloomfield Township, 
whence, after a sojourn of ten months, he removed 
to Waterford Township and here he has continued 
to reside. The intervening years have been busily 
employed in the diligent pursuit of the duties de- 
volving upon him, and he now has substantial 
outbuildings, good machinery and everything con- 
venient for carrying on farming. 

In 1819 Miss Sarah Staples was born in Tomp- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



829 



kins Count}", N. Y., and at tlie early age of twelve 
years was deprived of a mother's loving care. In 
1836 she accompanied her father to Michigan, 
where he located in Waterford Township and fol- 
lowed his trade of a cooper. He died in 1853. 
Prior to that, Miss Sarah was united in marriage, 
in December, 1838, with Henry Birge, whose intel- 
ligent co-laborer and loving helpmate she has since 
remained. Six children were horn to them, viz: 
Fannie, born in 1839, married William Coffron, a 
lumber dealer in North Branch, Lajjcer County, 
and also an extensive farmer; Minerva, born in 
1842, died in 1859; John W., born in 1845, mar- 
ried Eliza Van Campen, and they are living with 
our subject; George S.. born in 1847, is married and 
a farmer in Kansas; Jennie, born in 1849, married 
John Swift, present Surveyor of Emmet County; 
Minnie, born in 1851, married William R. Drewatt, 
a farmer living in White Lake Township. The 
children all received good common school educa- 
tions; John had in addition two years tuition in 
Pontiae High School and one and one-half years in 
Horicon,Wis.; Jennie attended the Clarkston graded 
school four terms. Mr. Birge has held several 
township oflices, has served as Treasurer two years 
and has been elected Justice of the Peace but has 
never qualified. He casts his vote with the Demo- 
cratic party and is ever to be relied upon to assist 
any movement for the benefit of the communit}'. 
His first vote was cast for Martin VanBuren and he 
has never failed on anj' account to cast his vote 
for every Democratic candidate for President 
since. 



'4^ UMPHREY HICKEY. One of the well- 
known residents of the village of Royal 
Oak is Mr. Hickey, who was for eleven 
years engaged in business here, conducting 
a livery stable and having the contract for carry- 
ing the mail. Prior to his coming to the village 
he was engaged in farming for some time. He also 
became known for his labors in behalf of order 
and good government, as he filled the position of 
Deputy Sheriff for eleven years. He has a good 
property, including eight lots in the village, and is 



able to enjoy the rest which is so proper for those 
who are advancing in years and who have worked 
hard and well. 

The father of Mr. Hickey bore the name of 
James and was born in New York in 1 788. He 
came to this State about 1837 and located in De- 
troit, where he remained two years. Thence he 
came to this county and spent three years in Troy 
Township, and thence he came to Royal Oak. 
About 1840 he bought eighty acres of Land in 
Waterford Township. He divided his time and 
attention between preaching the Gospel and carry- 
ing on agricultural work. Fe was first married in 
1818 to Rhoda Thompson, who died in New York 
in 1826. The union resulted in the birth of two 
sons and two daughters. In 1827 Mr. Hickey was 
again married, his bride being Juliette Babcock, 
elder child of George Babcock and a native of 
New York, born December 25, 1809. She bore 
him six children, of whom our subject is the sec- 
ond. Having been bereft of his former compan- 
ion, Mr. Hicke3' was married in 1844 to Mrs. Be- 
thiah Dean, widow of Alanson Dean, of New 
York. Mr. Hickey died December 15, 1851, and 
his widow survived until August, 1890. and 
reached her ninetj'-first year. 

The subject of this notice was born June 15, 
1830, and came to this State in his boyhood. His 
youth was spent in the customar}' manner, the 
hours being devoted to stud}', work and play, so 
that he grew to a vigorous manhood and had 
practical knowleiige with which to begin his work 
in the world. He started out for himself when 
twenty years old, working on a farm at ?13 per 
month, and about two years later he bought a 
forty-acre farm in Southfield Township. He occu- 
pied the place two ^-ears, then removed to Pontiae 
and spent about the same length of time in mason's 
work. Then returning to Southfield he resumed 
farming and remained there seven years, after 
which he spent a twelvemonth in operatin"- a 
forty-acre farm that he had purchased in Wayne 
County. He next came to the village of Royal 
Oak and engaged in the business before men- 
tioned. 

During the year 1850 Mr. Hickey was married 
to Harriet A. Hutchins, daughter of John and 



830 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM- 



Asenath (Gregory) Hutchins. The bride was born 
November 13, 1833, and was the third daughter 
and child in a family of seven. She has looked 
well to the ways of her household, and has done 
all that she could to prepare her children for the 
duties which would lie before them when they had 
grown to maturity. She has had five sons and two 
daughters, but two sons have been taken away by 
death. George, who was the second born, died 
when one j'ear and two months old; Charles 11., 
whose death occurred December 27, 1868, was the 
seventh son on the family roll. The surviving 
children are James. Harriet A. John C, George H. 
and Ella X. Harriet is the wife of Clark Fay and 
Ella married Charles Ruttle. The devoted wife 
and mother was called hence August 11, 1886. 

Mr. Hicke}' is a Democrat and has been a work- 
ing member of the local party, whicli he has rep- 
resented as a delegate in county conventions many 
times. He was Collector of Taxes in Sonthfield 
Township two terms and his duties were dis- 
charged during the war. In 1866 he joined the 
Masonic Lodge in Bedford, Wa^-ne County, and 
was sent as a delegate to the Grand Lodge, but in 
1868 he took a demit and has now identified him- 
self w^ith Birmingham lodge. No. 44. For eighteen 
years he was connected with the Methodist Ei)isco- 
pal Church, and he still holds the letter of com- 
mendation that was given him at that time. 



^ 



^ 



(^^>HOMAS W. MORRISON, a one-armed sol- 
/^^3^ dier of the Civil War. and the owner of one 
^^^' of the neatest forly-acre farms in Oakland 
Countj', resides in a new and cozy home of modern 
style and construction in Oxford Townsldp. On 
another page appears a view of this residence and 
the pleasant rural surroundings. The grounds sur- 
rounding this house are laid out with taste and are 
adorned with shrubbery and flowers. 

Mr. Morrison was born in Rochester, N. Y., Feb- 
ruary 20, 1842. His father was a native of the 
Isle-of-Man. where he was born in 1810. and came 
to America in 1825. He vvas a shoemaker by trade, 
and made his home in Rochester, where he died in 



1852, having led a life of industry and integrity, 
and having been an earnest and conscientious mem- 
ber of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church. Ills wife's 
maiden name was Mar}' Kneal, and she was also 
a native of the Isle-of-Man. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public schools of Rochester until he was about 
twelve years old when he began work in Bennett's 
Furnace in Rochester, where he staid three years. 
He learned the trade of a moulder here. But the 
Civil War now broke out and the youth enlisted in 
April, 1861, in the Twenty-seventh New York In- 
fantry, under Gen. Slocura, and in August, 1862, 
he re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighth New 
York. He was in the first battle of Bull Run and 
lost his right arm at Antietam through a wound 
received from a minie ball. He lay for more Ihan 
a year in the hospitals at Washington and in New 
York Citj', and finally received his discharge in 
1864. 

After returning from the army Mr. Morrison 
spent some time in Rochester and held the office of 
Health Officer for one year. Constable for one year, 
and was Coroner of the County for twelve years. 
He was also engaged in the shoe business for three 
years. In 1 880 he came to Michigan and locating 
at Oxford, made his home on a farm on section 29. 
His marriage took place in 1867, when he took to 
wife Viola Sharp, who was born in Monroe County, 
N. Y. No children have blessed this home. Mrs. 
Morrison is an earnest and consistent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Morrison 
is indeiiendent in politics. The order «nd sp'.endid 
condition of his farm speak loudly for the energy 
and system of this farmer who is able to do with 
one hand more than many who have more hands 
and less brains and determination. 



-^5 

^^s 



^^S'^s^' 




>ILLIAM M. HALL. One of the prosper- 
ous farmers of Troy Township is the gen- 
tleman above named, whose home is on 
section 33, although his propertj' includes two hun- 
dred and ten acres on section 32. The home place 
consists of one hundred and fifty-eight acres and 
the entire estate is under improvement. The resi- 




i«*<S»W!!sa*B*e3s*!aa^rS^^^ 



RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM M. H ALL , SEC. 33., TROY T P., OAKLAND C0.,IV1!CH. 




RESIDENCE OF THOMAS W. MORRISON , SEC . 29., OXFO RD TP, OAKLAND CO., MICH. 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



833 



clence, a view of which is shown on another page, 
is one that woulrl attract tlie attention of any 
passerby-, as its very appearance indicates prosper- 
ity and a desire for comfort. The barns, granaries, 
sheds, etc., are numerous and complete in tlieir 
appointments, as befits a farm on which extensive 
worli is done. Mr. Hall handles much stoclv, has 
from two hundred to five hundred sheep on the 
farm and otlier animals in proportionate numbers. 

Mr. Hall was born in Ontario County, N. Y., 
June 24, 1839, and accompanied his parents to this 
State when eight years old. The reader is referred 
to the sketch of Horace Hall, on another page, for 
facts regarding the history of his parents. He is 
their only son and there is but one other nieinbor 
of the family, a sister. The first scho<jling ob- 
tained by our subject was in his native place and 
he continued his studies in the log schoolhouse of 
the home district in Macomb County. He aided 
his father on the farm until he was of age, and 
from the time he was old enough to transact the 
business was engaged in stock buying. For about 
twelve years his attention was cliiefly given to the 
business of a drover, and for six ^ears he made 
his home in the village of Royal Oak, this county 
whither he came after his marriage. He the!! lo- 
cakd on section 32, Troy Township, rem:iiniiig 
tlicre eleven yeais and then coming to his present 
location. 

The wedding of Mr. Hall and Miss Rebecca A. 
Rose was solenniized at the bride's home, December 
31, l.s()7. She was liorn in Hran(U)n Township, 
this county, October 31, If^-lO, and is the fourth of 
six children comprising the famil}' of .loseph L. 
and Charlotte (Btdihy) Rose. Her father wns born 
in New York and her mother in Pennsylvania and 
they settled in this county al)out 18;!y. Mr. Ruse 
died here in 1855 but Mrs. Rose is still living and 
her home is in Royal Oak Townshi|). The daugh 
ter who became the wife of our subject is a well- 
informed and energetic lady who takes [iride iu 
making liej- home attractive and enjoys disi)ensing 
liosi)itality to her friends. She performs many 
kind deeds and is a good neighbor. She has had 
two children — a son Frank who died at the age of 
thirteen months, and a daughter, Lottie B., who i? 
attending school in Birmingham, 



Mr. Hall is a Mason and his name is on the roster 
of a lodge in Detroit. His political allegiance is 
given to the Democratic party and he is the first 
Democrat that has been elected Supervisor in Troy 
Township for forty years. As a citizen he is pub- 
lic-spirited and reliable, and his associations with 
his neighbors and acquaintances are cordial and 
friendly. 



<il felLLIAM C. AXFORD. Among the most 
Vaj* highly-esteemed and useful citizens of 
V^y\y Orion, we ma3' well name Mr. and Mrs. 
William C. Axford. Every visitor to the city is 
attracted by the beautiful home which they have 
established, and stop to admire the handsome brick 
structure which shelters their household. Mr. 
Axford was born in Warren County, N. J., April 
14, 1827. His father was Abram, who came to 
Michigan in 1830, and entered a tiact of Govern- 
ment land in Oakland Townshii), Oakland Count}'. 
He was a New Jersey man and was among the ver^' 
first settlers in the county. He purchased eighty 
acres of partly improved land upon which their 
was a log house in which he made his home. In- 
dians were his near neighbors and often camped 
just across the road from his house. He retired 
from active life some years after the war closed 
and settled in Pontiac. He finally removed to 
Oiioii where he died in 1885, having rounded out 
bis four-score years. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and a successful man 
in ever}' wa}'. His wife was Penninah Swayze and 
was born in Warren Count}', N. J. She is still 
living at the age of eighty-three years and is a 
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Of their seven children, six sons are still 
living. 

William Axford remained at home, helping in 
clearing and improving his father's farm until he 
reached the age of twenty-two years. He then 
bought eighty acres from his father, on which he 
located and lived for three years. 

Mr. Axford's marriage to<k place in 1849. His 
bride was Mary Plummerfelt, born in Warren 
County, N. J,, in 1824, Her parents were Williaui 



834 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and Esther Plummerfolt. Her father came from 
New Jersey to Michigan about 1833. aiul located 
in Oakland Township. Here he died in 1884 at the 
age of four-score years and four. Her mother 
had died in New Jersey, in 1832. The second 
Mrs. Plummerfelt still survives. Of Mr. Pluiumcr- 
felt's twelve children, eleven are still living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Axford were blessed with five child- 
ren, but they have been greatly afflicted as every 
one h.is been removed by death and they are now 
childless. Their eldest child Zenas lived to be 
twenty-four years old. He received a good com- 
mon-school education and then attended JRomeo 
High School and took a course in the commercial 
college at Detroit. After keeping books for a few 
years he began the study of law at Lapeer, where 
he took sick and after being brought home he 
died. He was the only one who outlived early 
childhood. 

The suliject of this sketch finds his political 
sympathies with the Republican party and he is 
looked u]) to by the men of his party as one of 
their natural leaders, being often made a delegate 
to conventions. .Socially Mr. Axford is a member 
of the Grange, and in all ways helps to promote 
the interests of farmers. He owns three hundred 
and thirty acres of land, mostly in Oakland Town- 
ship and has made all that he has. He is one of 
the successful and prominent men of Orion. Mrs. 
Axford is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 



Church. 



■>^^>^^i^^^ff^r^^^ 




ALLAS WARRKN, M. D., is a well-known 
physician and druggist of Milford, who is 
f^ now paying more attention to the drug- 
trade than to his practice. He represents 
an old New York family, and his grandfather, Joel 
Warren, was a cousin of Gen. Warren of Revolu- 
tionary fame. The grandfather was a farmer in 
Delaware County'. N. Y., until Michiga'i began to 
be settled, when he came West and idenlilied him- 
self with the pioneers of Washtenaw County. He 
opened u]) a farm there and made it his home until 
his decease. His son. Hiram G.. father of the Doc- 
tor, also came West, and was engaged in agricult- 



ural pursuits in Washtenaw County until he retired 
from active life. He then made his home in .South 
Lyon, this county, and died there in the fall of 
1889 at the age of sixty-nine jears. He was 
financially- prosperous. In politics he was a Demo- 
crat. 

In the maternal line Dr. AVarren is descende<l 
from New Jersey families. His grandfather, 
Nathan Nailer, was born in that State and joined 
the band that was opening up the forests of Michi- 
gan, making his home in Northfleld, AVashtenaw 
County, where he eventually died. His daughter, 
Sarah A., who liecame the wife of Hiram Warren, 
was born in New Jersey' and is now living in .South 
Lyon, this county. She belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. She has five children living, 
the eldest but one of whom is the subject of these 
paragraphs. 

The natal day of Dr. Warren was February 4, 
1850, and his birthplace Northfield Township, 
Washtenaw County. He was reared on a farm, 
the most of his youthful years being spent 
in Salem Township. He had the district school 
advantages prior to his seventeenth year, when he 
entered the high school at Ann Arbor. He studied 
there three years, then worked on the homestead 
for some time. Having a desire to stud}' medicine, 
he turned his attention in that direction, and in 
1876 entered the medical department of the Uni- 
versity of Michigan, from which he was graduated 
after three years' stud}'. He took the three years' 
course and he also graduated in the first class that 
graduated in the nine months' course, and when the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine was obtained he 
located at Highland, this count}'. He practiced 
there until 1881, then located in Milford, where 
he has continued to work at his chosen pro- 
fession. In 1883 he started in the drug business 
as one of the firm of Warren & Babcock, and in 
July, 1887, bought out his partner. He h.is a well- 
equii)ped drug store, in a g':iod location and in 
addition to drugs and medicine has a book and 
stationery department. He also owns his resi- 
dence, which is substantial and well furnished. 

In Ann Arbor in 1870 Dr. W.irreu was united 
in marriage with Miss .Sarah Vandawarker. The 
bride was bom in Ann Arbor, where her father, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



835 



Jacob Vandawarker, was a boot and shoe dealer, 
and is a native of tiae Empire State. Mr. and 
Mrs. Warren have two children — Grace and May 
— neither of whom have yet flown from the home 
nest. 

Dr. Warren was President of Milford in 1883, 
and has been a member of the School Board for six 
years. He is Treasurer in the Blue Lodge, aud has 
the degree of a Royal Arch Mason also. He is ^ledi- 
cal Examiner in the Knights of tlie Maccabees and 
the Tonti, and is Health Officer of both village 
and township. He belongs to the Oakland Count}' 
Academy of Medicine, a society whose members 
consult together and investigate matters pertaining 
to medical science and thus add to their practical 
value as professional men. Dr. Warren belongs 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church and holds the 
office of Steward. Politically lie is a Democrat. 
Personally he is cordial and agreeable, and his 
friends are many. 



"irlOSEPH BAILEY has an elegant farm, a 
handsome residence and well-equipped barns 
on section 4, Commerce Township. His 
father, William Baile}-, was r. native of 
County Monaghan, Ireland. His mother, a native 
of liie same place, bore the maiden name of Isabella 
Graham. Both are now deceased. The father was 
a yeoman farmer and he and iiis good wife were 
the parents of ten children, six of whom are now 
living. 

The subject of this sketch was born sevent}--two 
3'ears ago, in the count}- where his parents first saw 
the light. There he grew to manhood and began 
his life as a farmer. He received his education in 
the schools of his native town and was married in 
1846 to Isabella Bailey, who was a second cousin. 
They married in the old country and resided there 
till 1849, when they left the I^merald Isle, and 
coming to America, landed in New York. Tl'tir 
faces were turned westward and they came directly 
on to Michigan and bought a farm of forty acres 
on section 5, Commerce Township, It was already 
somewhat improved and had a log bouse on it. 



Here they made their happy home for four yea/s. 
They then bought one hundred acres where liiey 
now live. Here they have continued to reside 
from that day to this. Mr. Bailey has added to 
his acreage until he now has two hundred acres, 
most of it improved. In 1865 he erected a frame 
house. This was burned in 1888 aud he rebuilt, 
putting up the house in which he now resides. 
He was afflicted by the death of his wife in 1882. 
They were the parents of ten children, namely: Is- 
abella, Mary Ann", Kann.ih, Samuel. Eliza Jane, 
Sarah M. (deceased). Susan, Wallace, Joseph and 
William A. 

The second marriage of Mr. Bailey took place in 
1890. He was then united with Mrs. Susan 
Trump, an old settler here, whose maiden name was 
Cox. She was the mother of three cliildren by her 
former marriage, and is an active and influential 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
is greatly interested in pulilic affairs, especially in 
the progress of the Republican party, which counts 
upon his vote and influence. He is a man of 
strictly temperate habits and in this respect sets an 
example worthy the emulation of his children. 
His early opportunities for acquiring a handsome 
property would have seemed small indeed to a 
prophetic eye, but he has conquered difficullics and 
by dint of perseverance, hanl work and enterprise 
has cleared the debt on his land and placed him- 
self in the front rank of prosperous farmers of this 
township. Seven of his children are married and 
have homes of their own and he is the happy 
grandfather of eighteen children. 

^»r=*i UGENE MACK, a stirring farmer of Addi- 
son Township, who has spent his entire life 
in the home where he was born January 3, 
184.5, is a man of popularity and of broad and 
strong influence in the community where he resides. 
His father, Lewis, was born in Georgetown, Madi- 
son County. N. Y.. in 1821. The grandfather, 
Arnold Mack came to Michigan in 1832 and loca- 
ted in Bruce Township. Macomb County,, where he 
entered Gorernraent land. He was one of the first 



836 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



settlers in that region and there was no other white 
man within a number of miles. The country was a 
wilderness and wild game was plentiful. Indians 
camped near and often passed through the coun- 
try, lie continued to reside liere until about 1850 
when he made a tour to Texas and Mexico and on 
the way home died of the cholera at Xenia, Oiiio. 

The Mack family trace their ancestry back to 
Scotland. Lewis was the eldest of four children, all 
of wliom are now deceased. He was twelve years 
old wlien his father came to Miciiigan. When he 
reached his majority he built a good frame house 
for himself just across the line in Bruce Townshij), 
Macomb County. He owned at one time about 
four hundred acres on both sides of the county 
line, much of which he cleared and cultivated. He 
was Supervisor of Addison Township, and Justice 
of the Peace. Both he and his good wife, who 
bore the maiden name of ^'ivala Middleditch were 
members of the Free Will Baptist Church. The}' 
were a couple of more than ordinary congeniality, 
and died in 18G4 within five days of each other. 
He was a hard worker and a successful man. The 
only brother of our subject is Dr. George J. M.'ick, 
now of Waterloo, lona. 

The subject of this sketch is the eldest of the 
two sons and was reared on the farm where he still 
resides. He received su"h education as the district 
schools of the earl}' days afforded and assisted his 
parents on the farm until he M'as nineteen years of 
age. After the death of his parents he assumed 
entire charge of the farm. His marriage took place 
February 6, 1865, and he then took to wife F' ranees 
Hosnor, who was born in Bruce Townshiji, Macomb 
County, Mich, ."^he was the mother of one child, 
Charles, from whi^nn she was removed by deatli in 
1870. The second marriage of oursul)ject occurred 
in 1880. He was then united with Klla .lones, who 
was born in Bruce Township, Macomb County. 
One daughter. Lena, is the result of tiiis union. 

Although Mr. Mack was reared a Democrat he 
joined the Ke|j\il)lican jiarty in 1872. The town- 
shi|) in wliicli he resides generally ijoes Democratic 
b\' from fifty to one liuudred votes, but the popu- 
larity of this man has several times given him a 
handsome majorit}' over any Democratic 0|)ponent, 
and he is now serving his fifth term as Supervisor 



and has held the offices of Highway Commissioner 
and Justice of the Peace. His excellent and in- 
telligent wife is a member of the Protestant Meth- 
odist Ciiurch. 

Two hundred and twent3-five acres are com- 
prised in the home farm and Mr. Mack owns in all 
some six hundred acres, part of which is in Lapeer 
County. He raises all kinds of stock. In 1883 he 
patented the Mack door-hanger which is now used 
in nearly ever}' .State in the Union. He manu- 
factured them himself for some time at Romeo, 
Mich., but in 1891 he sold his right to a firm in 
Dubuque, Iowa. He has been a successful farmer 
as well as inventor and is highly esteemed by his 
neiiifhbors. 



\Y)UDS0N lewis, resides in bis native town- 
ship, Addison, in Oakland County, Midi., 
where he was born September 12, 18(il. 
His father, Joseph Lewis, a New Jersey man, 
came here at an early day and bought^ land upon 
which had been placed some slight improvements. 
He was a worthy and respected member of the 
Baptist Church and died in 1888 at the age of 
sixty-five years. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Diana Fisher. She was born in Ohio and is still 
living. Like her husband she was long connected 
with the Baptist Church and in it has found a life- 
long field of usefulness. She had a family of four 
children, all of whom are living. Her son, Judson, 
was born and reared upon the farm where he now 
lives. 

This son received a good district school educa- 
tion and remained at home assisting his father upon 
the farm until the death of that parent. He and 
his twin brother tieorge afterward purchased the 
old farm and they managed it in partnership. The 
business has been carried on with a great degree of 
harmony and success, as the brothers are united in 
their views and plans. 

An event of great importance in the life of the 
subject of this biographical sketch was solemnized 
in 1888. It was his marriage with Miss Daisy 




LELAND GREEN 



PORTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



839 



Bowers, who, like himself is a native of Addison 
Township. Her parents are Whit and Melinda 
Bowers both of whom are natives of the Stale in 
wliicli their daughter resides. The subject of this 
sketch is a Democrat in his political convictions, 
but being one of the younger men in his township 
has not made himself at all prominent even in local 
politics. The two brothers own two hundred acres 
of fine arable land, which tiiey are cultivating and 
upon which the}' will no doubt attain the success 
which their industry, enterprise and push entitle 
tliem to. 



I 



bELAlND GREEN. Among the retired busi- 
ness men of character and standing in the 
community who honor the county in which 
they did the hard work of their mature years by- 
spending their last days in it, we find the gentle- 
man wiiose name heads this sketch and wliose por- 
trait appears on the opposite page. He was for 
manj' years one of the largest stock dealers and 
drovers in tlie county, sending cattle to Detroit 
and Buffalo and otlier large maikets. He is now 
ninety years old, having been born in Schohaiie 
County, N. Y., June 4, 1801. 

James Green, father of our subject, was a native 
of Rhode Island, where he first saw the light in 
1764. He was a farmer by occupation and had a 
brother in tiie Revolutionary War. When a ^oung 
man he went to Sclioharie County, and in IHIO 
removed tliencc to Ontario County, N. Y., where 
he was engaged in farming, lie came to Oakland 
County, Micii., in 1823, making his home in a log 
house in Troy Township; he dierl tiiore in 1 82G. He 
was a Democrat in his political views. His wife, 
Hop3' Short, was a native of JMassacliusetts, where 
she was born in I7t>8. The marriage was solem- 
nized by Elder Leiand, a very notable Baptist min- 
ister of INLassachusetts, for whom tliey named their 
son. Twelve children were sent to this worths- 
couple, and although there are only two now sur- 
viving all lived to maturity. 

I'ntil our subject was nine years old he lived in 
Schoharie County, after which he resided in Ontario 
County until 1823, when he came to Troy Township, 



this county, where he bought land. After working 
it one year he bought anoUicr piece in Farm- 
ington Township, vviiere he built a log house. He 
then purciiased eighty- acres in another part of the 
township and erected a frame house, where he re- 
sided until 1S84, when he sold it. He lived upon 
this farm sixty years and has owned it sixty-eight 
years. He was in the township of Farmington 
when there w.as not a man there but himself; he 
bought his land of the Government and his deed 
bears the name of James M ):ir,)3. 

Mr. Green continued farming until he reached 
the age of fifty years, when he began buying stock, 
driving them to Detroit and shipping them to New 
York Cit}- and Albany. On one trip he lost -^oOO. 
He bought cattle all over the countr}' and made a 
very extensive business of it. His first marriage 
took place in Novi Township, this county, in 1830. 
His wife was Nancy Willmarth, a native of New 
York. To her were born five children : Dexter W., 
living in Nebraska; Mary A. and Mira (twins), the 
latter deceased; Wesley A., who was First Lieu- 
tenant in the Fourth Michigan Cavalry during the 
war, and Thomas, who was also a soldier in the 
Civil War, but now deceased. The mother passed 
away in 1837. 

The second marriage of Mr. Green took place 
in 1839. He was then united with Rutii Haines, 
from the State of New Jersey. She died in 1885. 
In his third marri.age our subject took to wife Mary 
(Lapham) Blanchard, widow of Worth}' Bianehard, 
of Erie Countj', N. Y., where she was l)orn M.ay 
27, 1820. She was tlie eldest daugiiter of Asa 
Lapham and Sarah Allen. Mrs. Green was eleven 
years of age when she came to Michigan with 
iier parents, and she attended school in the log 
schoolhouse in Farmington Townshi|). Her motlier 
died in 1849 and her father ten years later. They 
are buried side l)y side in \\'!iyne County. James 
Monroe was the first President for whom Mr. 
Green cast a ballot. He was first a Whig and after- 
ward a Republican, to the principles of wiiich party 
he and his brother, Chauncy Green of Poutiac, have 
always adhered. 

Our subject was for nine years the Assessor of 
the township; for one year Commissioner of High- 
ways and for two years Supervisor, With these 



840 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



exceptions he has always declined office, as his 
business responsibilities have been so heavy as to 
preclude his attending to official business; lie has, 
however, held school offices in the township of 
Farmington, his interest in educational matters 
baring led him to make an exception in their favor. 
He is a strong believer in the exercise of justice 
to every individual, and is always active in pro- 
moting its practice toward all. The Friends have 
formed a social organization, of which Mr. Green 
is President. He is an ardent i)atriot, and during 
the late war contributed 1100 for the purpose of 
raising a company in the Fourth Michigan Cav- 
alry. 




ORTIMER A. LEGGETT. Waterford 
Township contains no lietter example of 
quiet, efficient pursuit of an agricultural 
calling than til ;it afforded by our Subject. 
Early in life he determined to become a farmer, 
and devoting all his strength of mind to obtain 
proflciency in his chosen calling, he has succeeded 
well, having an estate of one hundred fort}' acres, 
which produces abundantly the various crops in 
their season. It is embellished with such improve- 
ments as to make it a place of most attractive ap- 
pearance and indicate the thrifty character of the 
owner. 

With the public life of the community Mr. Leg- 
get is also closely identified, and is deeiily inter- 
ested in the progress of education, all benevolent 
work and everything which will increase the 
material prosperity of the countj-. His private cha- 
racter is upright, his disposition genial, and man- 
ners courteous, and he is therefore highly respected 
by those who know him. In politics he alHliates 
with the Republican party and served as a delegate 
to the Republican Convention at Detroit, where 
delegates were selected for the convention iu Chi- 
cago at the time Gen. Grant was last nominated 
for the Presidency. For thirty consecutive years 
Mr. Leggett has been Treasurer of his school dis- 
trict, and has served «s Supervisor and Census En- 
umerator. 

Mr. Leggett comes of substantial parentage and 



is the son of Augustus W. and Eliza (Seaman) 
Leggett. The father was born in New York in 
181G and was well educated by private tutors. His 
ancestors came from England to America in 16GI. 
His wife was born in the city of New York in 
1815, and traces her ancestry to English fore- 
fathers, who emigrated to America in 1G60. Mrs. 
Leggett received an excellent High -School educa- 
tion and became the wife of Augustus W. Leggett 
in 1836. Her father. Dr. Valentine Seaman was 
the first to introduce vaccination in the State of 
New York, and vaccinated his son, at which the 
people became so indignant that they threatened 
him with punishment. He was a man of much 
mental culture, practical knowledge and profes- 
sional skill. 

For several 3'ears Mr. Leggett was engaged in 
mercantile pursuits in the city of New York, 
and for two years he was editor of a paper. On 
account of failing health he changed his occupa- 
tion to farming. During the early daj's of the his- 
tory of Michigan he came thither In 1852 and for 
one year sojourned in Pontiac. He next purchased 
a farm and mill on sections 1,2 and 11 in Water- 
ford Township, where he resided until 1865. In 
the meantime he accumulated a comi)etcncy for 
h's declining 3'ears, and retiring from the more 
active duties of life, located in Detroit, where he 
died in 1886. The motlier is still living and 
makes her home with our subject. At the age of 
seventy-six years she is a well-prescivcd ladj', of 
amiable disposition and intelligent mind. 

The parents of our subject had a family' of 
eleven children, seven of whom are living, and all 
excepting Mortimer A. are residents of Detroit. 
The father and mother gave them excellent educa- 
tional advantages and thus jirepared them for the 
responsible positions in life which they now hold. 
One of the children, Percival S. was killed in the 
late war, and at the lime was serving on Gen. Kilpa- 
trick's staff. The subject of this sketcii was born in 
New York City, October 18, 1837, and was the re- 
cepient of a good education in youth. At the age 
of twenty he began to work for himself, allhongli 
he soon found a helpful co-laborer in Mi§s Jennie 
]M. Whitehead, with whom he was united in mar- 
riage in 18.^8. The bride is the daughter of Alrae- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



841 



ron and Ann Whitehead, who came to Michigan 
in 1837 and located in Waterford Township. Two 
of her brothers served honorably througli llie 
Civil War, and one of whom was killed. 

Thirty-two years ago (1859) Blr. Leg^ett pur- 
chased the farm where lie now resides, going in 
debt for the entire place. Through energy and in- 
dustrj' he removed the indebtedness, placed the 
estate under first-class improvements, and gradu- 
ally evolved a very pleasant home from the prime- 
val wilderness. His family is surrounded with 
all the comforts of life, and his children seem to 
have inherited his energetic traits of character and 
talent for business, for all are doing well in their 
chosen avocations. AV^illiam H., the eldest in the 
and famil}-, and May E., have had excellent musi- 
cal educations, and for nine j'ears were under the 
personal supervision and instruction of Prof. C. 
A. Hoffman. Besides this William H. has spent 
two years in Paris perfecting himself in music. 
May K. is now teaching in the Detroit Conserva- 
tory of Music, having charge of the Violin Class, 
but being also very proficient on several other in- 
struments. Catherine M. keeps house for her fa- 
ther, the wife and motiier having died in 1874. In 
all his dealings, Mr. Leggett is characterized by 
straightforward honesty and no man is more tho- 
roughly trusted than he. For his worthy life and 
tlie honorable part he has born in the development 
of the county he is held in high esteem. 

«».i g . 3 i | i ; . ^. . .~ 



'qi AMES M. LETTS. This gentleman is one 
of the respected citizens of Orion, but in ad- 
dition to bis town property he owns a good 
_ farm just south of the vilhage. He has been 
engaged in agricultural work for manj^ years and 
has made it a rule of his life to raise a variety of 
stock as well as crops. He began his career in life 
with limited mean?, and success has crowned liis 
efforts to obtain a good raaiatenauce, and be able 
to join with his means as well as his sympathies in 
various lines of benevolent work. His paternal 
grandparents came from Holland to this country 
and established their home in Pennsylvania. There 



his father, Hiram, w.as born, and thence he removed 
to New .Tersey wlien about twent>- years old. He was 
engaged in farming until iiis last illness, which oc- 
curred in 1881, when he was sixty-eight 3'ears old. 
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, while his wife was a Baptist. She, too, 
was of Holland stock. Her name was Sarah Decker 
and she died about 1876. The parental family 
consisted of nine children, all still living. 

The subject of this notice was born in New 
Jersey on the 16th of December, 1832, and re- 
ceived a district school educ?tion. He was reared 
amid the surroundings of farm life, and when of 
age left his parents' home to begin life for himself, 
and for four years farmed on rented land. In 1857 
he came to this State, and during the next five 
years he was a renter in Oakl.ind Townshii) and 
County, and during that time hoarded his re- 
sources in order to buy property. He next bought 
land in the same township, but four years later sold 
it and purchased in Orion Township. There lie 
made his home sixteen years, then traded for vil- 
lage property and took up his residence in town. 

In the fall of 1856 Mr. Letts was married to 
Miss Mar}' A. Van Sickle, who was born in New 
Jersey in 1830. Her father, Richard Van Sickle, 
was a native of the same State as herself, and re- 
moved thence to Nebraska in 1873. He estab- 
lished his home near Wahooand died there in 1890. 
Mrs. Letts is an excellent housewife, is well-read 
and has a Christian character. She and her hus- 
band have been careful to give their children good 
school advantages and instill into their hearts prin- 
ciples of right living: and have also trained them 
in habits of industry and thrift. They have two 
sons and a daughter living; they lost their third 
child. Homer. The oldest son, James P., was grad- 
uated from the Detroit Medical College in 1882, 
located at Romeo and practiced four years and 
then went to Chicago, where he is now carrying 
on his professional work; Erastus is married and 
living on a farm in Oakland Townsliip; Carrie is 
the wife of James V. Clark, a farmer in Orion 
Township. 

After giving due consideration to political ques- 
tions, Mr. Letts cast in his influence with the Re- 
publican party and has seen no cause to change his 



842 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



faith and allegiauce. He has served as delegate to 
conventions and otlierwise aided the part}- of his 
choice in this section. Socially he belongs to the 
Knights of the Maccabees. In church circles Mr. 
Letts has been active and proinineut for j^ears, hav- 
ing united with the Methodist Episcopal denomin- 
ation when twentj'-iwo years old, and always felt it 
to be his duty to do all that he could to promote 
the cause of Christianity. He has held various of- 
ficial jiosilions in the church, and daring the ab- 
sence of the minister in charge has often filled the 
pulpit, dispensing the Gospel message with clear- 
ness and persuasiveness. He has been Superinten- 
dent of the Sunday-school twenty j'ears, and con- 
d:icts one in Orion in the forenoon and drives out 
into the country in the afternoon. He has the thor- 
ough sympathy of his wife in his religious work, 
she, too, being a devoted member of the Methodist 
Church. 

•''^^' 



ENOS WEAVER. The life of this gentle- 
man, now a prosperous farmer of Avon 
? Township, has been characterized by un- 
usual induslrj', as he began working away from 
home when he was but nine years old, at which time 
he received but $1 a month for his services. He 
gave his earnings to his father until after he had 
reached manhood, prior to which time he had be- 
come so skillful that he received §14 per month, 
large wages for that period. Little by little he has 
gained financial standing until he now possesses a 
well-improved farm of one hundred and ninety-six 
acres that is very valuable and is the source of a 
most satisfactory income. 

Erederick Weaver, grandfather of our subject, 
■A-as a German, who after his emigration to Amer- 
ica located in the Kej'stone State, and married 
!Maria Bibighaus. The date of the ceremony was 
September 12, 1797. The bride was a liaughter of 
Martin Bibighaus, who was born in Ahbrclshausen, 
Germany, in 1740, emigrated to America in the 
ship '-Sally," and arrived at Philadelphia, October 
•2d. 1770. He settled at Uodminster. Bucks Count}-, 
wlierc he farmed and carried on mercantile pursuits 
and acquired a large property. He die<l May 12, 



181 1, at the age of seventy years. A book is extant 
containing reminiscences of the descendants of John 
Bibighaus, which shows that many of them have 
been persons of prominence. Among them were 
the Rev. Henry Bibighaus, a noted Pennsylvania 
divine; Dr. John Bibighaus, a prominent physician 
of Northampton County, and Dr. Charles H. Bibig- 
haus, of Bucks County, and also the Hon. Thomas 
M.- Bibighaus, Member of Congress in 1850 and 
1852. They were all closely related to the Weav- 
ers. 

Frederick Weaver, Jr., father of our subject, was 
born in Pennsylvania, and niarried Susan Houk, a 
native of the same .State. The}- removed to ]\Iicli- 
igai) in 1857, and located in this county where the 
husband died. They had thirteen children, and 
nine survive, viz: John, in Iowa; Enos, our sub- 
ject; Harrison, in Avon Township; Sylvanns, in 
Oxford, this Stale; Peter, near Rochester: Caro- 
line, widow of Joseph Wharton, in Flint; Irene, 
wife of Lewis Gardner, near Rochester; Catherine, 
wife of John Motz, in this county; and Susan, wife 
of John Featherstone, in Pontiac. 

After he attained to his twenty-second }ear, 
Enos Weaver bought a span of horses and went to 
farming for himself. He has for man}' years been 
operating the property that he has owned since 
1881, and which was formerly held by John Kin- 
ney. The home of Mr. Weaver is presided over 
by a notable housewife, under whose oversight 
everything is kept in order, and good cheer is 
abundantly supplied. This estimable woman bore 
the maiden name of Elizabeth K. Davis, and was 
married to our subject December 31, 1857, by the 
Rev. William Mahan, a Methodist Episcopal min- 
ister. Mrs. Weaver is the daughter of George ami 
Sidney (Kinney) Davis, who came to this State in 
1841. The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Weaver, is as follows: Sarah J., born October 20, 
1850, and now the wife of Elmer Brooks, a ranch- 
man in Rock County, Col.; John K., born January 
9, 18G2, died .Septemlier 7, 1863; Jesse E., born 
Marcli 23, 1866, now a telegraph operator in the 
employ of a railro;id company at Denver, Col.; 
P'lederick. born December 29, 1869, and still with 
his parents. 

The first X'residential ballot cast by Mr, Weaver 




RESIDENCE OE ENOS WE AVER, SEC. 25., AVON TR, OAK L AN D CO., MICH. 




RESIDENCE OF JOSEPH R E ES E , SEC. 7. ,1 NDEPENDENCE TR, OAKLAND CO., M ICH. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



845 



bore the name of James Biiclianan, and from that 
ilay to the present be* has voted for each successive 
Democratic candidate. Altliough he is not a poli- 
ticiaji in the sense of ofiice seeking, he is one of tiie 
stancliest supporters of party i)rinciples, and does 
what he can as a private citizen to advance the 
cause. Tiie industry- that characterized Mr. Weaver 
in iiis early years, is still siiown in tlie confluct of 
his estate, and it is a subject of congratulation that 
his labors are being rewarded as they are. 

The attention of the reader is invited to a view 
of the home of Mr. Weaver, presented on another 
page. 



■^ O.SEPH KEE;SE, one of the self-made men of 
I Independence Township, is also one of its 
most prosperous farmers. He is the son of 
(j^j^ .John and Alice Reese, who were natives of 
Perabrookshire, AVales, wiiere our subject was born 
December 8, 1839. When twelve years of age he 
came with his parents to America. They spent one 
year in Cleveland, Ohio, and then coming to Michi- 
gan, located on section 7, Independence Township. 
When the son arrived at li.is majority, he bought 
the farm on which his father had resided. He was 
compelled to go into debt for it, as he i)ossessed 
only a small capital which ho had earned by work- 
ing out at !5i8 per month. But he was young and 
ambitious, and biavely went to work to pay for his 
farm. By industry and fair dealing he has gained 
a re|)utati(>u such as might be envied liy any man. 
He and his brother David have one of the finest 
improved farms in Independence Township. It 
comprises two hundred and twenty acres, and the 
improvements upon it are the best in the township, 
having cost over $15,000. 

Mr. Reese has been twice married. His first wife 
was Anna Daniels, to whom he was married Feb- 
ruary 4, 1864. She died April 10, 188C. On No- 
vember 28, 1887, he was happily married to his 
present wife, who presides over his beautiful home, 
which is a marvel of taste and convenience, and a 
view of which is shown in this connection. Jhe 
grounds surrounding the residence are handsome 
and well laid out. ISIrs. Reese bore the maiden 



name of Hettie .Jeffeison, and is the only child of 
Edwin and Amanda .Jefferson, who reside in the 
village of Clarkston. 

Mr. Reese is a very extensive farmer. Last year 
he sold over $2,200 worth of potatoes. From three 
acres of ground he marketed nine hundred and 
forty bushels. He attends to all the details of his 
farm personallj-. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
socially- a membar of No. 8.5, K. O. T. M. His wife 
is an earnest and efficient member of the Methodist 
Church at Clarkston. His father came to Amer- 
ica a poor man, and reared a family often children, 
who are all doing well. He lived to reach the age 
of fourscore years, and died in Ohio in 1886, after 
having lieen bereaved in 1884, of his beloved wife, 
who died at the age of seventx' years. 



^-^-^- 



.jOBERT SANDS. In the year 1838 this 
jf gentleman came to America with his bride, 
^\ and after landing in New York came on to 
Mil.ford and settled on a farm. After a 
time he traded for eighty acres on section 8, 
where he has remained and now has a beautiful 
home. The extent of the present estate is two 
hundred and forty acres, and various buildings 
have been put up, including barns, granaries, sheds, 
etc., all substantial and well arranged. The resi- 
dence; now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Sands was 
built in 1878, at a cost of ^2,000, and is of pleas- 
ing architectural design, tastefully furnished and 
set in the midst of pleasant surroundings. It is 
a brick, while another residence located on the 
west eighty is of frame and was put up by Mr. 
Sands himself. 

Our subject is the only survivor in a familv of 
twelve children born to Richard and Fanny (Allen) 
Sands. His paients were natives of Lincolnshire 
and his father was a farmer. After the death of 
the latter the widow made a second marriage, but 
had no children. The son of whom we write was 
born in Lincolnshire, March 13, 1813, and grew 
to manhood there. He began life lor himself 
when of age, although prior to that time he had 
worked out, even when quite young. When he 



846 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



started for himself he was engaged by the 3-ear 
until be came to America. His first work was for 
a physician, and he was to receive half a sover- 
eign for six months and also his clotiies ; he re- 
tained the place two years. After his removal 
to this State and county he made his first home on 
section 16, Milford Township. The land he se- 
cured was oak openings, where no attempt at im- 
provement had been made. He built a log house 
and began clearing off the laud, and had thirty 
acres under improvememeut, which he traded for 
his present estate. 

The new propertj- was heavily timbered and as 
soon as a small clearing was made Mr. Sands put 
up a little frame house. He continued to hew 
down trees until one hundred and fifty acres had 
been denuded of their forest growth and brought 
under cultivation. He has brought the farm to a 
high state of development and is reaping satisfac- 
tory results from his work as a general farmer. 
When he r«aclied Milford he was ¥23 in debt, but 
now he is in good circumstances. His wife has 
ably assisted him by her prudent management in 
household affairs and by her sympathy and wise 
counsel. Their marriage was solemnized February 
5, 1838, prior to which time Mrs. Sands was known 
as ]Miss Ann Bamber. Her parents were John 
and Elizabeth (Crawford) Bamber, natives of Lin- 
colnshire, England, and members of the farming 
community. They had six children, but Mrs. 
Sands is the only one now living. She was born 
April 3, 1813, in the shire in which her parents 
spent their lives. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sands have had nine children, but 
five only are now living. These are: Richard, who 
was born on the 25lh of November, 1839, married 
Ruth Weavers and has eight children ; Elizabeth, 
born April G, 1842, is now the wife of Richard 
Marsh, of Brighton Township, .and the mother of 
two children; Robert A., born July 21, 1844, mar- 
ried to Mrs. Sarah Bennett and having one child, 
Kate, by a former marriage to Viola Nicholson; 
Fanny M.. born August 17, 1849, wife of William 
Sherwood and mother of one child; William A., 
born March 19, 1856, married to Ella Ballard, and 
having a family of three children. 

Mr. Sands has always been a liberal supporter of 



schools and very desirous of having good ones 
in the land. He is a Democrat, but in local elec- 
tions votes for tiie man best qualified to discharge 
the duties of office without regard lo his political 
affiliation. He has been Road Overseer, but has 
not otherwise held office. Husband and wife 
united with the Episcopal Church in their native 
land. The sturdy characteristics of a -'fine old 
English gentleman" are not better exemplified in 
this section than in the person of Robert Sands, 
and all who know his wife will accord to her equal 
merit. 




UGH OSWALD, a prominent and success- 
ful farmer of Holly Township, was born in 
County Down. Ireland. His father, James, 
and his grandfather, Thomas, both farmers 
lived and died in that county. The mother of our 
subject was Margaret Wilson. She became the 
mother of eight children, and seven of them gtew 
to man's and woman's estate, namely: William, 
Thomas. Hugh, James, John, Jane, Mrs. Patterson, 
and Margaret, Mrs. Burton. The mother was a 
faithful adherent of the Protestant faith and died 
in Ireland after having reached the span of three- 
score years and ten. 

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood 
days in Ireland and attended school there. He was 
the first of the famil}' to leave the old country and 
seek America. To this country he came alone 
when eighteen years old. He was thirty-eight days 
making the oceau voyage. He located first in 
Ontario County, N. Y., and lived there for seven 
years, working b}' the month for one man. He 
came to America empty-handed. With money he 
earned in New York he came to Michigan in 1854 
and bought the farm upon which he now resides. 
Upon this land was then situated a log house and 
no barn at all, no outhouses but a log stable with 
a straw roof. There were but a few acres cleare<l 
on the place. Mr. Oswald now has one hundred 
and seventy-two .acres, nicely improved with one 
hundred and forty-five of them under cultivation. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



8i'i 






He raises sloc-J< and grain. He built liis present 
neat home in 1870, and the big red barn in 1872, 
the other barn having been erected in 1866. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 1853. 
His wife was Mary "White, who was born in her 
husband's native county in Ireland. They have 
had three children who are all living and leading 
lives of usefuli ess to their families and the com- 
munity. Margaret married Andrew Gibson and 
lives in Saginaw County on a farm. Thomas is 
still at home and is serving his second term as High- 
way Commissioner of Holly Township. James is 
brakeman on the Flint & Pere IMarquetle Railway. 
The mother of these children was called away 
from earth in 1879. Mr. Oswald is a Democrat 
but takes no prominent or active part in politics. 




HIOMAS F. FLYNN, a farmer on section 2, 
Highland Township, is a son of Thomas 
Flynn, whose father, Thomas, a native of 
Ireland, lived and died in the Emerald Isle. The 
father of our subject came to (.Quebec, Canada, in 
1833, where he worked for two jcars at £12 per 
year. He left Ireland on account of oppressive 
laws and came away in the night time. In 1835 
he went to New York State and took up land from 
the Government, one hundred and sixty acres, on 
which lie lived for thirteen 3'ears. He lived in 
Franklin County, St. Lawrence County and Scotts- 
ville, Monroe County, successively. His death 
took place in 1881, in Scottsville. His wife, who 
died September 7, 1874, bore him one child, 
Mary, in Ireland and eight in New York, who 
were named as follows: Catherine, John, Owen. 
Elizabeth, Thomas, James K., Annie and Patrick 
D. These children w^re reared in the Roman 
Catholic belief and their parents gave them a good 
common- school education. Their father belonged 
to the State Militia in New York. 

Our subject was born November 28, 1810, in Con- 
stable Township, Franklin County, N. Y. When 
eight j'ears old he went to St. Lawrence County, and 
in 1861 he came to ^Michigan and worked one winter 
in the lumber woods and then went into the em- 



ploy of the Detroit & Milwaukee Kailw.iy as a 
bridge builder, wliere he continued until 1868. 
For eighteen months he acted as foreman. His 
marriacfe took place in Pontiac September 23, 1867. 
His wife, Margaret L., daughter of Maurice and 
Mary (^Donahoe) Murray and was born May 14, 
1844. Her parents were natives of Ireland, 
where they were married, and after the birth of 
one child, John, they came to America. Here 
their eight j'ounger children were born, namely: 
John, Maurice, Michael, Mar^-, Thomas, JIargaret, 
William, Mary. 

Mr. Murray was a carpenter b}- trade and fol- 
lowed this avocation until he came to Michigan in 
1844. He then settled in White Lake Township, 
Oakland Count}-, where he lived until death called 
him hence, September 7, 1872. His wife followed 
him to the other life in May, 1873. The six children 
who have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Flynn are all 
still at home with their parents. They are: Mau- 
rice M., Thomas F., Mary A., Maggie A., C. Libby, 
S. Jenny. 

Mr. Flynn came to Highland Township in 1868 
and bought eight}- acres of land, on which he still 
makes his home. In 1878 he added twenty acres 
and in 1885 he bought forty-four acres more and 
now owns one hundred and forty-four acres, all 
but ten of which are finely improved. He is a 
breeder of Percheroa horses and Hampshire sheep. 
His sheep are of such pure blood as to be eligible 
to register. He and his wife are Roman Catholic 
in their belief and he is a Democrat in politics and 
alvj'a3-s has been, but he is not a radical free trader, 
,as he believes in tariff reform. 



f' ARVEY H. INGERSOLL is a native of 
; Saratoga County, N. Y., where he was born 
March 19, 1829. His father, Henry, was a 
native of the same township, and was by- 
occupation a farmer, and in politics a Whig. He 
was both Class-Leader and Steward in the Method- 
ist Episcopal Ciuirch, in which he was a great 
worker. His house was a home for ministers for 



ft4S 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



many years. lie came to Michigan in 1849 and 
died ill Siiiawassee County at the advanced age of 
eighty- tour years. His wife, Maria Grusbeck, was 
horn in the same count3- ns her husband and was 
liic daughter of Hugii Grusbeck. She died at the 
age of fifty-four jears, before the removal of the 
family West. 

The subject of this sketch w.is the oldest son in 
a family of nine children. He was reared in his 
native place anii finished his education in the Sar- 
atoga Institute. He spent one year on a farm in 
Monroe County, and came to Michigan in 1848, 
and bought a farm in Ljon Township, this county. 
Here he made his home in a log house and set to 
work to im]5rove the land. He owned two hun- 
dred and forty aces and lived upon this farm for 
twenty years. At the end of this period lie sold 
out and bought the property where he now resides. 

The first marriage of Mr. Ingersoll took place 
the year he came to Michigan. His wife was .lane 
A. Brown, a native of New York. She was taken 
from his side by dealli in November, 1882. He 
was married the second time in 1884. The present 
Mrs. Ingersoll bore the maiden name of Christina 
C. Dillon. She was born in Pittsford Township, 
Hillsdale County, Mich. Two children have blessed 
this union, .lennie M. and Mattie D., bright and 
beautiful children of five and seven years of age. 

Mr. Ingersoll ow.is one hundred and sixty acres 
where lie now resides and twenty acres in Lyon 
Township. Upon this finely improved land he is 
doing an excellent farming business. He is a good 
judge of the horse and also of cattle, and- es- 
teems the Durham breed highly. He has one 
horse for which he has refused an offer of $500. 
His cows, of which he has fourteen head, are as 
line as .nny in the county. He deals extensively in 
hogs and is a good judge of them. He has some- 
times sold as much as |!700 worth of swine at a 
time. He has now on his f.irm some twenty-six 
head of fine hogs. 

The gentleman of whom we write had no money 
when he came to Michigan but went to work and 
by strict attention to business and unflagging in- 
dustry has acquired all that he now possesses. His 
success is worthy of note and of emulation. He 
is a Uepublicau in his political views and has never 



voted any other ticket. He is an earnest and hard- 
working member of the Methodist EpiscopalChurch, 
in which he acts as Steward, and he is a liberal 
contributor to all good causes. 



* i ^- 



Wl ACOB DkCOU. M. D., a physician of Orion, 
this county, was born in Niagara County, 
\ N. Y., April 21, 1835. His father. Abner 
i^l/i DeCou. was born in Canada in 1807, and 
removed with his parents to New York when a lad. 
In 1837 he removed to Michigan and made his 
home in Washtenaw County, but remained there 
only about twelve j'ears, as he returned to New 
York in 184G. He was a hard-working farmer and 
a man of character and probity. For forty-five 
j'ears he was a member in good and regular stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death 
took place in 1885, at the advanced age of seventy- 
nine years. The grandfather, Z. F. DeCou, was a 
native of Maryland and was of French descent. 
The mother of our subject, Margaret Christman, 
was born in 1812, in Nc'v York State. She became 
the mother of seven children and is still living. . 

The subject of this sketch received his early ed- 
ucation in the district schools. He remained at 
home until he reached his majority, after which he 
worked out by the month for several years. He 
took a business course in Bryant & Stratton's Com- 
mercial College at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1859. After 
this he kept books for several j'ears for a large firm 
in Northern Michigan. But he was not content to 
remain in a secondary position in commercial life. 
His aspirations were for a professional career and 
he devoted all his spare time for a number of years 
to the study of medicine. At last he saw his way 
clear to enter college. 

In 1874 he took a course of study in the Detroit 
Homeopathic College, making a special study of 
cancers. He is tlie originator of his own special 
method of treatment, which after fifteen years of 
practice has proven wonderfully successful. Dr. 
DeCou practiced for twelve years in Detroit, where 
he successfully treated hundreds of patients af- 
flicted with cancer. In 1888 in order to escape the 




Jr^^^^-^ (f^<)-2/2/>-'cr 



'cX^ 



i/^i^^ 



i^ 




/ ^ 






II 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



853 



malarial influences of tbe large city he removed 
to Orion, where he conducts a large cancer in- 
firmary. His mctliod.! of treatment is purely medi- 
cinal and the only method bj' which large blood- 
vessels can be severed without loss of blood to the 
paiient. His patients come from all parts of the 
United States. 

The lady who presides over the home of Dr. 
DeCou was Miss Frances Pfluger, of Germany. 
She came to America when a child and they were 
married in 1862. One son has blessed this union, 
Charles A. DeCou, M. D., who is a graduate of tlie 
Michigan College of Medicine. Dr. Jacob DeCou 
is a leading member of the Knights of Honor and 
is a public-spirited citizen. 



^^UOMAS TURK, son of William and Rebecca 
//^^^ (Hunt) Turk, was born at Gotsell Farm in 
^Vg>/' the parish of Bremhili, County of Wilts, 
England, December 4, 1820. He is now a retired 
merchant at Pontiac. When sixteen years old 
he emigrated to the Unite<l States, taking passiige 
in a sailing vessel which was six weeks on the ocean. 
He came to Pontiac in 1837 and hired out to work 
on a farm for William Beasley at the rate of $50 
per year, but remained with this man only a few 
months. The same year he went to work for Gil- 
bert Jones of Wayne County, but being taken sick 
with the ague, was not able to accomplish much 
lliat year. He assisted in la3'ing tiie first [jlaiik 
sidewalk from the Grand Circus to tiie City Hall 
in Detroit, in December, 1838. That was a proud 
day for Detroit, but the walk would not be thought 
much of now in that beautiful city, as it was only 
one plank in width.' 

In the spring of 1839 the young man liircd out 
to a com|>any of land surveyors, who had a con- 
tract from the Government for subdividing a large 
tract of country around Grand Traverse Bay. While 
engaged in this work, the surveying party assisted 
a company of missionaries to erect the first log 
house built between Mackinaw and Manistee at Elk 
Rapids. The house was afterward removed to the 
Peninsula, and is now known as the Old JNUssion. 



These Missionaries had come from Mackinaw in a 
bateau, with some French-Canadians. The sur- 
veyors completed their work and crossed from 
Sleeping Bear to Manitou Islands, and returned to 
Detroit about the -Ist of July. 

In the spring of 1840, Mr. Turk accompanied 
another surveying party to the region of Thunder 
Bay and Alpena., Leaving Detroit about March 
12, they went overland by waj' of Pontiac to Sag- 
inaw, where thej^ were obliged to encamp and wait 
for the ice to leave the river and bay before pro- 
ceeding on their wa}' b3' water. They left Saginaw 
about the last of March, in the small schooner, 
called "Democrat," Capt. Olmsted, and landed at 
the Au Sable River, where they did some work, 
and thence went by land to Devil's River and 
Alpena. Thej' remained here until August, when 
they returned to Detroit. In those days there 
were no settlements in all that vast region and no 
white men except the few fishermen on Thunder 

Bay Island. 

In the fall of the same j'ear, our subject in com- 
pany with others under Sj'lvester Sibley, a surveyor, 
went to Presque Isle and returned in November. 
The following winter and summer he spent in Can- 
ada. In 1842 he spent the winter in New York 
near Rochester and in the fall of 1843 he made a 
visit to England. He was married JIarch 31, 1844, 
to Miss Maria, only daughter of Thomas Gregorj', 
the wedding taking place in the Parish Church of 
his native place. 

Upon his return from England, Mr. Turk locateil 
in Pontiac and began the grocery business on a 
small scale. He started with $300 worth of stock, 
but by thorough attention to business and wise con- 
sideration for the needs of his customers he built 
up an excellent business and increased his stock 
from year to year. This business he managed for 
thirty odd j-ears and in 1875 turned it over to his 
sons who still carry it on. He is a member of the 
Masonic order, belonging to the Rojal Arch De- 
gree for forty years past. 

Mr. and Mrs. Turk made a visit in ISC'J to their 
native land, and he took his daughter across tbe sea 
in 1874 to visit her ancestral home. Of his seven 
children, six are now living, namely : Elizabeth M., 
wife of John Pound; Thomas A., a merciiant at 



854 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Pontiac; William G., of the firm of Turk Bros.; 
Gregory H., a clothing merchant; Mabel H., Mrs. 

Edwin Starker; and Ada E., wife of Edward Mose- 
man, who is with a wholesale house in Chicago. 
Mr. Turk has done much to improve the city of 
Pontiac. He has built some thirty dwelling-houses 
and ten brick business-houses, which he rents out. 
He has had success in all his business operations 
and h;is accumulated a largo property, the founda- 
tion of which is his own industry and integrity. He 
has served for one year on the city council of 
Pontiac, and politically is a Democrat. 

In connection with this biographical notice are 
presented portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Turk. 



AVID TAYLOR. Although he has passed 
the age of fourscore, this aged man is still in 
possession of such a degree of physical vigor 
ns enables him to i)articipate in the work on his 
farm. His home is on section 11, Lyon Township, 
where he has one hundred and fifteen acres of val- 
uable land, well improved and well stocked. Mr. 
Taylor took up his residence here in 1850. His 
first purchase was a forty-acre tract, which he 
added to by purchases at various times and in dif- 
ferent lociilities until his landed estate consisted of 
three hundred and ninety-five acres. Besides the 
original tract, this was divided into forty acres on 
section 11, eighty on section 15, seveuty-five on 
section 11, and one hundred and sixty in Milford 
Township. His mainstay in carrying on the work 
of his present farm is his youngest son, a very 
agreeable and intelligent gentlemen who, with his 
wife, lives on the old home. 

Mr. Taylor was born in St. Lawrence County, 
Js. Y., July 9, 1809, and is the son of John 
and Ruth (Knapp) Taylor. The father was 
born in New Jersey about 1770 and went to 
Connecticut when a young man. There be mar- 
ried tlic daughter of Nehemiah Knapp, who was 
born in that State about 1774. They removed 
to St. Lawrence County, N. 1'., and afterward to 
Niagara County, and Mr. Taylor died in Lcwiston 
in 1831. He had eleven children, four daughters 



and seven sons. He left a farm of one hundred 

acres, which was given to one of the older sons. 
The subject of this notice was the eighth member 
of the family circle and the youngest son. He 
started in life when twenty years old by driving a 
team and it was ten years later that he came to this 
State. In 1839 he became a resident in Sliiawassee 
County, where he remained seven years, having a 
good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. This 
he sold when lie removed to this county. 

In 1843 David Taylor was married to Mary Gil- 
lett, who shared his fortunes until 1854, then 
closed her eyes in death. She was the fourth child 
of Absalom and Susan Giliett, who were formerl^^ 
of New York. She w.is the raothei- of one daugh- 
ter and four sons. In 1855 Mr. Taylor made a 
second marriage, wedding Jane Smith, a native of 
Ireland. This union has been blessed by the birth 
of one daughter. Avis C, who was born in 1856 
and who was the wife of Saxon Cheesbrough, of 
Carey, Ohio. 

In religious opinions Mr. Taylor classes himself 
among the Free Thinkers, but he attends and sup- 
ports tbe Methodist church. Since the Republican 
party was formed Mr. Taylor has supported it, and 
prior to that time he was a Whig. He is held in 
good repute by those who enjoy his acquaintance, 
as one whose da3'S have been spent in meritorious 
labors and who has been a trustworthy citizen. 



->»»^»«-^»^ 



>«^<^•«^l«* 



^OHN H. O'BRIEN, a farmer on section 10, 
Bloomfield Township, was born in Tro}'. N. 
Y., August 9, 1838. His parents, James 
and Alice (Oberyn) O'Brien, natives of Ire- 
land, both came to this country when young. Af- 
ter their marriage in Troy, N. Y., they came in 
1854 to Michigan and settled on a farm on the op- 
posite side of the turnpike from where our subject 
now lives. Later they moved on to that place, 
where they spent the remainder of their days, pass- 
ing away in 1878, having cash reached the age of 
seventj-five years. The father was a tradesman in 
his early life, but after 1854 he devoted himself 
entirely to agriculture. Both he and his wife were 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



855 



members of the Catholic cluircli. His political 
views were with the Democratic party, but he was 
never active in political matters. He came to 
America with small means and made all that he had 
by his own efforts. He had five children: John 
H., James M., Mary A., Alice and James. 

John, the eldest son of this family, was educated 
in Troy, N. Y., where he gave special attention to 
the study of music. In 1854 he came to Michigan 
with his parents and has devoted most of his atten- 
tion to agriculture. He was organist in the Cath- 
olic churcii at Pontiac until 1870. He h.as a farm 
of ninety-two acres two and one-half miles south- 
east of Pontiac, on the Pontiac & Birmingham 
gravel road, upon which he has placed good im- 
provements. He ha? paid considerable attention 
to raising Jersey cattle. He is an Independent in 
politics and votes for the man whom his judgpient 
approves. He is a member of the Catholic church 
at Pontiac. 

The marriage of our subject was solemnized Oc- 
tober 5, 1866. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Annie Cruise and lived at Orchard Lake, this 
county, where she was born August 4, 1840. She 
was a daughter of Peter and Bridget (Dillon) 
Cruise, natives of Ireland and early settlers in Or- 
chard Lake, where they lived and died. Mrs. 
Cruise was a daughter of Capt. John Dillon, of the 
ilnglish army. Mrs. O'Brien died December 17, 
1887. She was a member of the Catholic church 
and left five children to mourn her loss, namely: 
James, Agnes, May S., Alice and Charlotte, who 
are all residing with their father at home. 



'^I'^i, ARWIN O. WHITE. The late Mr. White 
was one of those upright, kindl3' men, whose 
loss is felt by scores beyond the circle of 
tiieir immediate friends and relatives. He was a 
liberal contributor to all good causes, was honest in 
all bis dealings, and had such good judgment and 
energy of spirit as to secure the admiration and 
friendship of all who knew him. He represented 
this county in the Legislature, to which he was 
elected on the Democratic ticket in 186'J anil 



igain in 1871. His occupation was fanning and 
he left a good pro[)erty, which has been and is car- 
ried on by his wife, who has shown herself thor- 
oughly capable of guiding her hired hel|). 

The parents of our subject were George and 
Hannah (Bronson) White, both of whom were 
born in ^"ermont. He was the youngest of seven 
sons and three d;mghters, and was born in South- 
field Township, this county, Se()tember 8, 1835. 
The major part of his education was obtained here, 
but he studied three months in a Detroit commer- 
cial college at the conclusion of his school life. At 
the age of seventeeu years he went to work in a 
lawyer's oflice in that city, but remained only a 
short time and then found emplojment wiili Tiieo- 
dore llinchman, a wholesale g-roceryman and ship 
chandler. AVith him he remained aliout tiirce 
years, then, having married, he located in Conway 
Township, Livingston County-, where be resided 
three years and a half. He next returned to South- 
field Township, this county, where he had been 
married, and where he remained until he was called 
hence, July 8, 1885, when in the fiftieth year of 
his age. 

ISIr. White was, at one time, connected with the 
Masonic order. He was Township Clerk in 1861-62 
and Treasurer in 1863; was Supervisor three years, 
1867-68 and '70, and School Inspector a number of 
years. In these positions, as in the more promin- 
ent one of a Representative, he was faithful to the 
trust reposed in him, and did all that in him lay to 
promote the welfare and best interests of his con- 
stituents. His political allegiance was ahv.ays 
given to Democratic principles, and he had firm 
faith in the policy of the party. 

Mrs. White bore the maiden name of Electa 
Irish and became the wife of our subject August 
12, 1856. She is the eldest daughter of Joseph 
and Sarah (Biglow) Irish, natives of New York, 
who came to Michigan in 1825 and at once estab- 
lished their home in AVest Bloomfield Township, 
this county. Her father died there September 6, 
1855. Her mother is now eighty-one years olil 
and makes her home with the daughter. Jlrs. 
White was born in West Bloomfield Township, 
October 29, 1835. She has five children. Imt three 
only are living: Marion was born oS'ovember 4, 



856 



PORTfiAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1859, and is a rosident of Soiithfielcl Township; 
Hamilton died wlien twenty-Uiree montlis old; 
Mary and ]\Iyra, twins, who were born Aiignst, 
26, 1871, are witii tiieir nioliier; Josepliine died 
at the age of eigiit monllis. Tiie surviving 
daughters have much musical talent and sing and 
play well. They are intelligent and pleasant yonng 
ladies, and with their accomiilisliments make the 
home very attractive. Mrs. White is a lady of 
very agreeable ^manners, is intelligent and well 
read, and has the reputation of a good neighbor 
and Arm friend. 



IS^ 




!;ILLrAM DOHANY, a farmer on section 
30, Southfield Township, was born in 
Farraington Townsiiip, Koveraber 7, 1837. 
His father, William, was a native of County 
Queens, Ireland, where be was born in 1798. He 
was a book-keeper in the old countrj-and a man of 
considerable ability. When he came to New York 
in 1825 he took the position of overseer in the 
public works of Jersey City, having about one 
hundred men under him. He came to Michigan in 
1837 and located in Farmington Township, and 
upon a place verj' little improved; he found a log 
house there, into which he moved his family and 
where he remained until the end of his days, Janu- 
ary 31, 1876. The home place is now owned by 
our subject and is represented by a view on an- 
other page. The wife of AVilliam Dohany, Sr., was 
Catherine Burk, a native of County Kings, Ireland, 
where she was born in 1805. She departed this 
life August 16, 1881. They lie side by side in the 
cemetery in Greenfield, Wayne County. 

AVilliam and Catherine Dohany were the parents 
of six children, namely: Michael, who was killed 
in the mines in California in 1860; Sarah, Mrs. 
Grace, who resides in Ann Arbor; John, who mar- 
ried Mary A. Fayne and resides in Farmington 
Township; William, our subject; Mary A., wife of 
John Stanley, residing in Detroit, and C. Matilda, 
the widow of E. J. Beatj', of Detroit. The first 
schooling of our subject was on section 21, of his 
native township. lie remained with bis father until 



he was thirty years old and assisted him on the 
farm. The lady whom he made his wife Septem- 
ber 12, 1866, was by name Bridget Egan. She was 
born in Southfield Township, December 23, 1844, 
and was the second daughter of James and Penel- 
ope (McDermott) Egan, natives of Ireland. The 
mother was born in County Queens and the father 
in Count3- Kings. They came to Michigan in 1846 
and located in Southfield Township, where they still 
reside, having both reached the advanced age of 
seventy-seven years. 

Immediately after marriage the subject of this 
sketch located on the place where he now resides. 
There little improvement had been made upon this 
land, only about twelve acres of it having been 
cleared. He and his good wife became the parents 
of ten children, namel}': John S., a teacher in Red- 
ford, AVa^-ne County ; Emmett E.,a teacher in 
Franklin; AA'illiam E., a traveling man located in 
Detroit; M. Teresa, Francis H., Charles E., J. Am- 
brose, Clara P., Casper G. and Harrj'L. The last 
named died in infancy', being the seventh child. 

Mr. Dolianj' has two hundred and eighty acres 
of excellent land, most of it under good cultiva- 
tion, upon which he is doing a general farming 
business. He is also interested in stock-raising and 
has one hundred and fifty sheep, eighteen head of 
cattle and eiglit horses on his place. He is a Dem- 
ocrat in his politics and is an adherent of the 
Catholic Church, in wliich faith all his family have 
been brought up. 



E^ 



'Jf^ AMES A'ANTINE, one of the most success- 
ful farmers and popular citizens of Brandon 
Township, was born in Clarence Township, 
Erie County, N. Y., September 4, 1833. 
He is the son of Albert, who is the son of Mathew, 
of Holland descent. Mathew was a farmer and a 
soldier in the Revolutionary AVar and lived to 
more than reach a century of honest and upright 
living. The father followed the patriot'c example 
of his parent and took part in the War of 1812. 
In 1840 he journe3'ed by ox-tcam to Buffalo, by 
lake to Detroit and then by ox-teain again to Gen- 




ij^asia»»A8^aaiaag^iasa«^isaaeaaii^^ 



RESIDENCE OF JAMES VANTI N E, SEC. 8.,BRAND0N TR, OAKLAND C0.,IV1ICH 




RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM DO H ANY , SEC. 30, .SOUTH Fl ELD TP, OAKLAND CO .MICH 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



859 



esee Coiintj', Mieli. He took up land from tlie 
Government when the coiintiy was very sparsely 
settled. He lirst came out in 1837 and si>ent two 
winters in chopping before bringing out his house- 
hold. He then erected a log house to shelter his 
wife and four ciiildreu. He improved one hundred 
and forty acres. Deer was plentiful and the wolves 
killed a fine yearling heifer for him one night. He 
was a hard worker and died at the age of sixty- 
three years in 18C5. He was first a Whig, then a 
strong Abolitionist, and later a Republican. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Betsey Uptograff. She was a native of 
Erie County-, N. Y., and seven of her eight chil- 
dren grew to maturity. They were named as follows: 
Mary; Ambrose, deceased; Ellen, Matilda, Eliza- 
beth, Charity and James. She died at the age of 
sevent3'-four years, and her beautiful Christian life 
is the heritage of her children. She was a member 
of the Congregational Church. Our subject was 
only six years old when he came to Michigan, but 
he recollects vividly the incidents of the journey. 
He stayed over night in a log cabin in Detroit. 
He saw man3' more Indians than whites. The log 
schoolhouse which he attended was one and one- 
fourtli miles from home. 

James Vantine began life for himself at the age 
of twenty-six, having spent the years after his 
majority in labor for his futlier. In return for this 
his father deeded him forty acres of land. He 
worked out some in the winters, receiving wages at 
the rate of $10 per month. He built a frame house 
on his forty acres and made his home there for 
twelve years, and purchased twenty-six acres in 
addition. He removed to his present farm in 1874. 
His marriage to Ellen Truax took place in 1850. 
She was a native of Michigan and lived only eight 
years after her marriage, leaving one child, Oscar, 
now married and employed in the wiiito lead works 
at Detroit. 

The second marriage of our subject occurred in 
1865. The bride was Marj- J. Harve3',a native of 
New York. Her two children are Hattie and 
Charles. Mr. Vantine enlisted in December, 1864, 
in Companj' I, Thirtieth Michigan Infantry. He 
was mustered in at Detroit but was never sent 
to the seat of war on account of Lee's surrender. 



He was discharged in June, 1865. He has always 
been an ardent Re[)ublican. He has two hundred 
and sixty acres here in two farms, most of it under 
cnitivation. Here he carries on mixed farming in 
which he is very successful, as he is an excellent 
manager and has pursued an industrious and la- 
borious life. A view of his residence and the rural 
surroundings ajjpears on another page of this vol- 



ume. 




'**^^^>^^^^i^)<^^^^^^-^ 



RUMAN NICHOLS, a former resident of 
Farmington, died October 7, 1877, in the 
sixty-sixth year of his age. He was a na- 
tive of Ogden, Monroe County, N. Y., and was 
born November 30, 1811. He was married Aug- 
ust 23, 1831, to Miss Hannah Allen, of Sweden, 
Monroe County, and two weeks later started for 
the Tcrritorj' of Michigan, with only his young 
wife, good health, and a fixed determination that 
he would achieve success. This he did by the 
practice of industry, frugality and strict integrity. 
The parents of his wife were Reuben and Hannah 
(Wa}') Allen. The young couple settled in the 
township of Farmington, where they at first ob- 
tained temporary accommodations, with three other 
families, in the log house of Philip Marlatt. His 
wife was a well educated young lady, who finished 
her schooling at Brocki)ort, N. Y., and she has 
been an earnest and etticient member of the Bap- 
tist Church since she was fifteen years old. 

During the more than forty-five years that Mr. 
Nichols resided in Farmington he owned and oc- 
cupied three different farms, but each transfer and 
purchase but showed the correctness of his judg- 
ment in the improved condition of his affairs. 
Mr. Nichols was a man possessing great determina- 
tion yet easily excited under provocation, but, 
notwithstanding, he had a heart full of s}'mpalhy 
and endeavored to govern his life by the princi- 
ples of moral rectitude. He was ever ready to ac- 
knowledge and repair an injury whenever he was 
convinced that he had done a wrong. 

In the fall of 1831 Mr. Nichols united with the 
Baptist Church at Farmington and remained until 
his death, not only a consistent but an efficient and 



860 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



helpful member. lie was a kind liusband, an in- 
dulgent father, an accommodating neighbor and 
an esteemed citizen, and was ever active in pi-o- 
motiug tlie social, moral and material interests of 
the town. In politics lie uniformly supported 
Republican principles and candidates. lie left a 
widow, who was the companion of his youth, and 
three sons: Albert T.. who is a cashier of the 
First National Bank at Corunna; Hiram, a suc- 
cessful and wealthy farmer of the town of Brigh- 
ton, and Gilbert C, who retains the old homestead 
in Farmington. The widow, who resides on the 
old homestead, is a lady of unusual intelligence 
and is bright and pleasing in conversation. 81ie is 
most highly esteemed in the community, and is still 
efficient in the nianngement of her household 
duties. 




LI WOODMAN, M. I)., wiio keeps a drug 
re at Farmington, Mich., was born in 
rmont, in Wilton, Orleans County, Au- 
gust 28, 182G. His father was born in New Hamp- 
shire in 1797. The mother of our subject was 
Lois Fuller. She was born in New Hampshire in 
ISOf), and was united in marriage with Mr. Wood- 
man in her native State. Thej' resided there for a 
short time, and then came to New York, and pro- 
ceeded to Michigan in 1833. They located on 
what is known as the .Sanford farm in Novi Town- 
ship, Oakland County. They did not live long in 
the new country as the mother was snatched away 
by death ir. 183C,and the father departed in 1848. 
They left behind them tsvo sons and one daughter. 
The subject of our sketch was six years old when 
he migrated to the West. He had commenced to 
go to scliool in the Ea.st, and the year after his re- 
moval to this part of the country, he attended the 
old log schoolhouse at Walled Lake. In 1835 he 
went to school in Novi Township. In very early 
manhood he began to teach school, teaching win- 
ters and working or going to school in the summer. 
He completed his school daj-sata private school at 
Northville. 

In 1850 the young man came to Farmington and 
began the study of medicine with Dr, W. H. Haze. 



He remained with him for three years, and in 1853 
went to Grand Ledge and began his practice. 
After remaining there a year he opened an office at 
Berlin, Ottawa Countj-. In 1859 he returned to 
Farmington where he proceeded to build up a prac- 
tice. He WAS ambitious to excel in his chosen 
profession, and eager to avail himself of all op- 
portunities of improvement. He therefore de- 
cided to supplement his private studies bj- a course 
in the medical department of the University- at Ann 
Arbor. lie took his diploma in 1868. In addi- 
tion to his professional duties he has added the 
business of a drug store, carrjing an extensive 
stock of drugs and medicines, oils, paints, etc. 

An event of great importance in the life of our 
subject took place in 185G. He was then united in 
life with Mary A. Brinkerhoff, a native of Cayuga 
County, N. Y., where she was born February 15, 
182-1. Dr. Woodman is identified with the order 
of Masonry at Farmington, being a member of 
Lodge No. 151. Ilis political affiliations are with 
the Democratic party, and he is wide-awake to all 
matters of i)ublic interest. Our subject held the 
oll'cj of Postmaster, under James Buchanan, in 
Ottawa, Mich., and also in Farmington in 18C0, and 
also held the same office under Cleveland's admin- 
istration. 



^^^^" 



hiJ^, ARK H. FURMAN, a representative farra- 
\i er of Novi Township, is a son of Benjamin 
Furman a native of Rockland County, N.Y., 
who was not only a blacksmith and a farmer 
but a soldier in the War of 1812. He was born in 
the year 1790. His wife, Jane Beardsle3-, was a 
native of the same county as her husband. There 
they were married and resided until 1834 aud then 
removed to Monroe County, N. Y., where they 
made their home on a partly improved farm. He 
died in 1874 and his good wife followed him four 
years later. Five of their seven children still sur- 
vive. Their father was of Quaker birth and train- 
ing and a Whig in polities, later becoming a Re- 
publican. 
The birth of our subject took place February 2, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



861 



1821, in Rockland County, N. Y. He atteniled a 
select school in New York, after wliich he learned 
tlie trade of carpentry and starteil for himself in 
life at the age of eighteen. lie was a natural me- 
chanic and loved his work, and worked at it for 
eight or nine years exclusively. In 1843 he came 
to Michigan and for four years he carried on liis 
trade in the summer and taught in the winter. 

Mr. Furnian was married July 1, 1848, to Electa 
J. Oyshterbanks, a daughter of Aaron and Mary 
(Sibley) O^'shterbanks. They were both natives 
of Chenango County, N. Y., where they were born 
in 1804. They carried on a farm in Wayne 
County, until tliej' came to Michigan in 1845 and 
made their home in Commerce Township on a 
partially improved farm, to which he afterwards 
added substantial improvements. His wife was 
called from his side by death in 1859 and in 1861 
he was married to Nancy Carr, by whom he had 
one child. Jay. In 18G8 he removed to Walled 
Lake where he died in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Oysh- 
terbanks were members of the Free Will Baptist 
Church in which he served at one time as Clerk. 
He was active in politics and a Republican in his 
views and vote. For forty years he served as a 
Justice of the Peace. His first wife presented him 
with seven children, four of whom are now living. 

Mrs. Furman was born June 1, 1829, in Wayne 
County, N. Y., and received a good education 
finishing her schooling at the academy at Marion. 
She taught for some time after coming to Alichi 
gan. After the marriage of this couple they set- 
tled upon a farm of sixty-three acres which had 
ten of it cleared. They added to it from time to 
time until thev had one hundred and twenty-three 
acres most of wliicii had been cleared by Mr. Fur- 
man from time to time. He designed and built 
the residence in which he makes his home and also 
all the barns, all tiie work on them being done by 
his own capable hand. He is now retired from 
active work upon the farm. 

The five children of this family are as follows: 
Wilmarth A., born April 23, 1849, has married 
Emma L. Potter, by whom he has two children; 
they make their home in Gratiot County. Florence 
A., born June 7, 1851, the wife of Charles Seaton, 
makes her home at Lockport, N. Y.; Ada E., born 



October 15, 1853, the wife of Bradley Nicliolson, 
lives at Brighton, Mich.; Eugene B., born Aiuil 5, 
1856, married Martha Kellogg, by whom he had 
two children; they reside in Novi. Judd M., born 
December 19, 1858, is still unmarried and resides 
at home. To all have been given a good common- 
school education. The father has always taken an 
active interest in politics and is a Republican in 
his views and vote. He has been Justice of the 
Peace and Road Commissioner and in the earl}' 
days filled the office of Pathmaster. He is temper- 
ance itseif in his life and habits. He began empty- 
handed and has seen hard times, but has been a 
brave and persevering pioneer; although the family 
has endured great hardships it has been singulaily 
blessed in one respect, as there has never been a 
death in the family. He has' been a Director of 
the local School Board for four terms and is fre- 
quently a delegate to county and district conven- 
tions. 



<^ MLLIAM B. TAYLOR. This enterpris- 
mJ/l '"° gentleman, who is a resident of 
^'%' Waterford Township, is prosecuting agri- 
cultural pursuits with a degree of energy highlj' 
commendable. A native of this county, his course 
through life has been such as to reflect credit upon 
its citizenship. lie has made farming his life work 
and has done well at his chosen calling, as is ap- 
[larcnt to one who notes the condition of his farm, 
which is well ordered in every respect, provided 
with neat buildings and all the necessary raachinerj'. 
He i)ossesses in a large degree the sound intelli- 
gence, ripe wisdom and discretion so necessary to 
full success in any walk in life. 

Although not one of the earliest settlers of 
Michigan, Joseph Elliott Taylor, father of our sub- 
ject, may properly be termed a pioneer of Oakland 
County, whither he came in 1850, and settled on 
section 29, Waterford Township. He was a native 
of New York, born in 1829, and was a man pos- 
sessing many sterling traits of character. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Caroline E. Bradt, 
was the daughter of Garrett Bradt, and was born 
in New York in 1830. Their family comprised 



862 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



four children, of whom tlie only survivor is Will- 
iam B., of this si<etch. The father becarae well 
known among the citizens of Waterforrl Township, 
where he occupied an enviable position in the es- 
teem of his fellow-men. lie died in 1874, mourned 
not alone by his family but also bj' those who felt 
that by his death the county had lost one of her 
best citizens. The mother afterward married E. 
Stanley Smith, who is now deceased, having died 
in 1890, and she now makes" her home with our 
subject. 

The early recollections of William B. Taylor are 
associated with Waterford Township, where he wcs 
born November 1, 1860. He received a good 
conimon-scliool education in the district schools, 
and at an earlj' age gained a [iractical knowledge of 
fanning pursuits. At the age of twent^'-fuui' years 
he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie, daughter 
of Johnson S. and Sarali ( Melchei-) Prall. Mr. and 
Mrs. Prall came to Oakland C'ljunty in 1853, and 
there Sirs. Taylor was born in Pontine, .lune 10, 
18GG. The mother died in 18G8, but the father 
still survives. Of their ten children, the ma- 
jority reside in Michigan, and all in youth re- 
ceived good educations which i)reparcd them for 
responsible positions in life. 

Unto our subject and his estimable wife three 
children have been born, viz: Florence E., who 
was born August 8, 1886, Morris E., August 12. 
1888, and Kate E., December, 13, 1889. Mr. and 
IMrs. Ta\ior are held in high esteem by their 
neighbors, and enjoy the friendship of a large 
circle. 



z^^ 



IIARLES C. WALDO, one of the oldest cit- 
., izens of Hollj^, has been for many years a 

\^^ Justice of the Peace in that village, and 
although more than eighty years old he has the 
vigor and enterprise of a man in middle life. He 
has never had a suit reversed from his decision 
when carried up to the higher courts, and he has 
held tlic position of Justice of the Peace for over 
twenty- years. His thorongli knowledge of the stat- 
utes and his sound judgment have saved an im- 



mense amount of litigation to the citizens of 
Holly. He has been in the mercantile business in 
New York, Ohio, and Pontiac, Mich. 

The subject of our sketch was born in Vermont 
in 1809, and is the son of Dr. Godfrey and Eliza- 
beth (Carpenter) Waldo, natives of Connecticut 
and New Hampshire respectively. The Doctor re- 
moved to New York and was in practice there for 
nearly half a century. He came to Michigan in 1838 
and settled in the village of Birmingham, where 
he remained for five years and then retired from 
practice and made his final home in Pontiac, where 
he died in 1848 at the age of seventy-five j'ears. 
His good wife died in H0II3' in 1872 at the venerable 
age of ninety-four years. They were both of French 
descent. Their only surviving child besides our 
subject is Margaret, now Mrs. Stephen Decatur, of 
California. The grandfather of our subject was 
Daniel Waldo, a Revolutionary hero. He was aid- 
de-can!p to Gen. Putnam for one jear. Then Gen. 
Washington placed him in charge of the Commis- 
sary Department, in which he remained until the 
dcse of the war. Like other members of the Waldo 
family he lived to a green old age, and died in the 
town of Pomfret, Conn. 

He came to Holly in 1864 and purchaseil village 
proijcrty on the corner of Sherman and John streets. 
He was Treasurer of Oakland County from 1864 to 
1866 and has been a member of the School Board 
and President of the village. 

Although not a college-educated man, IMr. Waldo 
acquired a fine education in the common schools 
and academies of New York. He commenced life 
as a teacher, but in 1831 he began his mercantile 
career at Union, Broome County, N. Y. His first 
vote was cast for Gen. Jackson in 1828, and he has 
followed his party with its ups and downs all 
these years. He says that he would like to live to 
vote once more for ex-President Cleveland for the 
first office in the gift of our people. He is a Mason 
and a Knight Templar. He is an earnestly relig- 
ious man and has been for fifty-seven j-ears astanch 
member of the Presbyterian (Jhurch. 

Our subject was married in 1832 to Miss Ruth 
Seymour, of Broome County, N. Y. She died Sep- 
tember 20, 18G5, leaving one son, A. Putnam 
Waldo, of Pontiac, Mich., who is engaged in the 



I 




■■'/& 



:/ 



'I' 



PHILANDER J. WALTOIn. 



\ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



865 



lumber business. His present wife, wlio was Mrs. 
Mary Axforil, of Ciarliston, is witli him a member 
of the Presljytcrian Church. He is one of tlie men 
that are an honor to any community. He is a man 
of broad ideas, and liis word is law to the wrong- 
doer. 



^ifSiffi^affi. 



:^P 



X 



HILANDER J. WALTON. "A good name 
is rather to be chosen than great riches," 
and while Mr. Walton has chosen the better 
part he has at the same time gained financial 
success. After many years devoted to tilling the 
soil he removed, in 1882, with his faniil}', to the 
city of Pontiac, where the3' have a beautiful home 
at No. 34 Huron Street. A pioneer of this county, 
he has been a witness of its wonderful growth and 
has contribnied his quota toward its development. 
In this volume we seek to peri)etnato the memory 
of those who have been identified with the progress 
of Oakland County, and we present to our readers a 
portrait of Mr. Walton on the op{)osite page, to 
accompany the following l)rief account of his life. 
Grandfather Jonathan Walton, a native of 
Wales, came to America in Colonial days and 
served during the entire Revolutionary War. Joljn, 
Walton^ father of our subject, was born in Rutland, 
Vt., August 15, 1777, and was also an ardent patriot. 
He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was pres- 
ent at the burning of Buffalo. His wife, Eleanor 
Nelson, was born in Massachusetts June 15, 1783, 
and was a daughter of John Nelson of that State. 
Her paternal grandfather was born in Ireland. Tiie 
parents of our subject inaugurated the new century 
by choosing its beginning as their wedding day, 
being married January 1, 1800, in Lima, Liv- 
ingston Count}', N. Y. After their marriage they 
settled on a farm a few miles from Chili Corners, 
and later moved to the town of Ogden, where tliey 
sojourned until 1834. 

At the above mentoned date John Walton, ac- 
companied by his family, removed as far west as 
Michigan and located in Oakland Count}', buying 
a partially' improved farm in Bloomfield Township. 
The father, with the assistance of the other mem- 
bers of the family, commenced the improvement of 



the land, erected good farm buildings and carried 
on stock raising and general farming. lie made a 
specialty of sheep, of which he kept an excellent 
tlock. This place was the home of the father until 
he ilicd in 18G9, at the age of ninety-two. The 
mother was called from earth in 1862. These gootl 
people had gained many friends during their resi- 
dence in this county and at their death were widely 
mourned. 

Eleven children came to the home of .John and 
Eleanor Walton, eight of whom grew to the estate 
of manhood and womanhood. Two alone now sur- 
vive — Philander J., and Eleanor, the widow of 
Caleb Harris. Philander J. was born in Ogden 
Township, Monroe Count}', N. Y., September 14, 
1827, and was only seven years old when he was 
brought l)y his parents to this county. His school 
advantages were good in comparison with what 
others enjoyed at that early day, and after attend- 
ing the district school for a time he went to Bir- 
mingham to school. He remained with his parents 
until he was twenty-one years old, aiding in the 
fai m work and becoming a jiractical agriculturist. 

On December 17, 1851, Mr. Walton was united 
in marriage with Miss Elmira S. Torrey, of Bloom- 
field Township. The bride was born in Buffalo, 
N. Y., November 11, 1830, and is the daughter 
of Charles and Mary (Van Dewater) Torrey. 
When she was three years old she was brought 
by her parents to this county, where her father 
settled in Pontiac Townshi|i. After their mar- 
riage the young couple settled on the old 
homestead, which had belonged to the father of 
Blr. Walton, and there they made a pleasant home. 
Mr. Walton engaged in stock raising, making a 
specialty of fine sheep, and also ojjerated as a gen- 
eral farmer. One child blessed the marriage of our 
subject — Alice, who first married J. D. Thorpe, 
by whom she had one daughter, Mabel. She is now 
the wife of Freeman Wilson and they reside on the 
old homestead on section 2, Bloomfield Township, 
which has for so many years been the property of 
the Walton family. 

In 1881 Mr. Walton was elected Highway Com- 
missioner. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, 
voting for the men who are pledged to the support 
of the principles of that party. He cast bis first 



866 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Presidential rote for Cass in 1848 and his last 
vote for Cleveland. In 1885 he was elected Alder- 
man, and served three terms up to 1891, when he 
was chosen Supervisor of the Fourtli Ward. In 
1869 he was selected Treasurer of Bloom field 
Township, and served with efficiency and faithful- 
ness until 1872. In 1881 he was elected Hiorhway 
Commissioner, and filled this p(>sitiou, as all others, 
to the general satisfaction. He still owns a fine 
farm of one hundred acres on section l.Bloomfield 
Township, which is the old Torrey homestead. His 
declining years are being pleasantly passed, free 
from labor and care, and surrounded by the friends 
whom he has made by honorable dealing and an 
upright life. 




ENRY S. COX, M.D. This able physician and 
surgeon is confining his attention to sur- 
gery in which he manifests much skill. He 
is not able to endure the hard riding that 
a general practice entails, but has lost none of his 
former energy or coolness and decision. He is 
therefore perfectly qualified for surgical work, and 
he has many calls, having a reputation unexcelled 
in the locality. His home is in Franklin where he 
has resided since 1867. In addition to his record 
as a practicing physician and surgeon in time of 
peace, he has the additional repute gained on 
Southern battlefields and in the hospitals where the 
soldiers of the Civil War suffered for their devo- 
tion to principles. He entered the army in 1861 
and served until the close of the war, first in the 
ranks and then as Hospital Steward and Assistant 
Surgeon. In recalling those trying days, we are 
prone to forget that the loss of life would huve 
been incalculably greater had it not been for the 
heroes who worked under the yellow fl.ig and dis- 
plaj'ed a moral courage equal, if not superior, to 
that shown by those who marched up to the can- 
non's mouth. 

The father of our subject was Peter Cox, a na- 



tive of England, and a farmer by occupation. lie 
was born in 1772, and in his early life reared, the 
children of two sisters, sending them to the acad- 
emy and giving them excellent advantages. After 
tlicse duties had been performed he married Anna 
Norton, who was born in England in 1811. To 
them were born three sons and two daughters. 
The second son opened his eyes to the light near 
Bristol, England, July 2, 1826, and was christened 
Henry S. He pursued his studies in his native place, 
completing his literary course at the Alvcslon 
House. Having decided to become a pk^-sieiau, 
he studied in the city of Bath prior to his emigra- 
tion which occurred in 1848. He came direct to 
this State and made his first home in Jackson. 
After a sojourn of about four months he went to 
Detroit and thence removed to Franklin. He bought 
a sawmill and carried it on two years, and then 
went to Ann Arbor to freshea up iiis professional 
knowledge preparatory to entering upon work in 
that line. 

Returning to Franklin Dr. Cox felt called upon 
to join those who were enlisting under the old 
flag, having as full sympathy with republican prin- 
ciples as though he h.ad been a native of the United 
States. August 13, 1861, he was enrolled in Com- 
pany G, First Michigan Cavalry and was soon 
promoted to Corporal, then to Orderly Sergeant 
and to Acting Lieutenant. His knowledge of 
medicine and surgerj- led to his becoming Hospital 
Steward and Assistant Surgeon, and as such lie fin- 
ished his term of service and was honorabl3- dis- 
charged June 16, 1865. The following September 
he located in Barry County, but after ijractieing 
there two years he returned to his old home at 
Franklin. He has been Justice of the Peace fifteen 
years and for the same length of time has hold n 
place on the School Board. He is a Mason and 
has taken two degrees in the Chapter at Birming- 
ham. He has also been connected with the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. 

In 1852, Dr. Cox was married to Grace Trick, a 
native of this county, who died during the first 
j-ears of his residence in Franklin. Their union 
was blest by the birth of fire daughters, of whom 
we note the following: Nellie G., the first-born, 
died when she was seven j-ears old; Mattie J. is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



867 



living with her father; Alinin.i married Robert T. 
Gamble of Soiithfield; Anna G. diod when sevcu- 
lecu jears old ; a second Nellie G. married Ilosea 
D. Becbe, of Southfield Township. 



z 



(<==iJ^''ALMON C. .TONES, who resides on a fine 
farm on section 1, Novi Township, is the 
son of Daniel Jones, a Welsh farmer. His 
mother was Hannah (Doane) .Jones, a native of 
New Hampshire. The father came to America 
when a young man and made bis home in Massa- 
chusetts. There he married and then went to 
Wyoming County, N. Y., where this worthy cou|)le 
resided until death. 

The subject of this sketch is the only surviving 
one of five children, of the i)arental family. He 
was born December 20, 1811, in W.ales, N. Y. His 
parents were members of the Baptist Church, and 
were active in church matters. The father was a 
Republican in pt)iilics. Our subject's grandfather, 
Jones, served in the RevoJutionar}' War, and lived 
to the great age of ninety years. When twenty- 
one years old he began work for himself. He 
worked by the month for (ien. Wadswortli on the 
Genesee Flats in New York. One season he 
milked ninetj' cows and another season eighty. 

The marriage of JNIr. Jones took place January 
15, 1839. His bride was Rachael Rouse, a daugh- 
ter of Simon and Polly (Cole) Rouse, botli New 
Englanders. Mr. Rouse was a farmer and soldier 
in the War of 1812. The first home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Rouse was in New York State, where they 
settled upon an uncultivated and unbroken farm. 
He died in 1836 and siie in 18C5. Mrs. Rouse 
was twice married, and Mr. Rouse had contracted 
three matrimonial alliances. They were the par- 
ents of three children, two of whom are now living. 

Mrs. Jones was born April 23, 1818, in New 
York State, and she received an excellent common 
school education at the hands of her parents. 
After marriage she and her young husband settled 
upon sixty acres of land in Wyoming Count}', N. 
Y., where they resided for four years. In 1844 
they removed to Michigan and took up eighty 



acres of unbroken forest, building a log house 
and undertaking to subfkie that portion of the 
wilderness which they had chosen for their new 
home. Besides the cultivation of his land tlie 
young man was obliged to work out for neighbors 
in order to earn money wherewith to purchase 
provisions. 

Mr. Jones has added to his land from time to 
lime anil now has eighty acres of his one hundred 
under cultivation. In 1867 he built the beautiful 
residence in which he now lives at a cost of $1,200 
cash, besides his own labor. All the iraproTements 
which appear upon this fine farm have been placed 
there by him and here he had made his home for 
forty-seven years. It was a wild country in its 
native state and required much hard labor to sub- 
due it, involving the removal of stumps and stones 
as well as the felling of trees. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been the parents of 
five children, four of whom are now living: Raw- 
son is married to Amanda Bennett and lives in 
Novi Township; Newell, is married to Asenath 
Gillett and lives at Walled Lake; they are the 
parents of five children; Clarke married Irene Ben- 
nett, and makes his home in Commerce Township; 
Alice is deceased; Elvira, wife of James .Seamark, 
makes her home in Waterford Township. The 
parents are both members of the Baptist Church 
at Walled Lake, and their son Newell is a Deacon 
in that organization. They gave to all their chil- 
dren the best comraon-school education which 
their location and times afforded. In politics our 
subject is a straight Republican and he has al- 
ways been a man of strictly temperate habits. He 
has now retired from active farming and is enjoy- 
ing his later years in peace and happiness, with 
the consciousness of a life well-spent. 






^^^^' 



\ ZEKIEL DENNIS. Among the prominent 
Y^ farmers of Independence Township, none 
ranks higher in the estimation of the neigh- 
bors than the subject of this sketch, who resides 
on section 12, of Independence Township, and is 
the owner also of land in the adjoining township 
of Orion, in all about three hundred acres. He is 



8.68 



POaTRAFT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the son of John nnd Diodema (Tingley) Dennis, 
and was born in Sussex County, N. J., July 19, 
1821. He was reared on the farm and when about 
twenty years of age, went to learn the trade of a 
carpenter, and served tiiree years with Miles Har- 
den of Sussex County, N. J. He followed his 
trade for about seven years. 

On the 18th of November, 1848, Mr. Den- 
nis wedded Miss Mary Decker, the daughter of 
James Decker. She was born in the same county 
with himself, July 3. 1824. This union was blessed 
with three sons: Anizi, born September 11, 1849, 
who married Augusta Hammond and resides on 
the homestead; Gabriel P., born June 17, 1854, 
and is married to Eva M. Wiser. They reside in 
the town of Oxford, this county; John H., born 
May 15, 1860, married Mary Farrell. They also 
reside on the farm. 

Mr. Dennis came to Michigan in 1851, and 
bought two hundred and fifteen acres of land in 
Independence Township, where he has ever since 
resided. Eight brothers and two sisters of iMr. 
Dennis all grew to manhood and womanhood, but 
Ezekiel is the onlj- male representative now liv- 
ing. In political life Mr. Dennis has always been 
a Democrat and has been called upon to fill all 
the town ofHees of his township at different times 
and was Justice of the Peace for twenty-eight 
years. His beloved wife died July 8, 1887, and 
he now resides with his two sons on the old home- 
stead, where he enjoys all the comforts of a quiet 
and retired life. He contemplates a visit to the 
home of his childhood during the present summer. 



-5-**^5^4+-^ 



m 



"S|AMES II. ROCKWELL, a successful farmer 
residing in Bloom field Township, was born 
^1 in the same township on a farm wliich ad- 
joins his, April 16, 1845. He is a son of 
James M. and Eliza E. (Harff) Rockwell, natives of 
Monroe and Rensselaer Counties, N. Y., respec- 
tively. They both came to Michigan with their 
parents wlien quite young and settled in this 
county. The paternal grandparents were John 
and Sarah (Leet) Rockwell, both natives of Con- 



necticut and early settlers in Monroe Count}', 
N. Y. They came to Michigan in 1827 and set- 
tled in Bloomfleld Township on the farm now 
owned by Frank Harff. A little later they bought 
a farm which is now owned by Alfred and Charles 
Rockwell. They were among the very earliest 
settlers and here ended their d.ays. 

The father of our subject was one of a famil}' 
of eight children. At a very early day he settled 
on the farm where he ended his da3-s, and which 
is now owned and occupied by his second wife 
and two sons. Under contract with the Govern- 
ment he built the Grand River Turnpike and also 
the Ft. Gratiot Pike. He was a man of consider- 
able means in his later years, having gained by his 
own efforts all of his fortune. He was an earnest 
AVhig and later a Republif-au, but was never an .as- 
pirant for any office. He was a well-read man and 
possessed of an unusuall\' good memory. Both he 
and his good wife took an active part In church 
matters, being members of the Congregational 
Cliurch. 

The mother of our subject was born in Rens- 
selaer County, N. Y., and was a daughter of 
Jacob and Susan (Newton) Harff, who were both 
natives of Vermont. They came to Michigan at 
an early day and settled in Troy, this county, 
where thej^ spent the remainder of their lives. 
The motlier died April 22, 1848, at the early age 
of twenty-eight 3'cars. The father was afterward 
married to Zada A. Adams, of Rensselaer County-, 
N. Y. Our subject was the only child of the first 
marriage. B}' the second marriage there were 
four children — Zada M., Sarah E., Alfred A. and 
Charlie L. 

James was reared in this town and remained 
with his father until his death. He continued in 
the management of the old home until 1874, when 
he bought his present farm, which is known as 
"Hickory Grove Stock Farm." He has one iiundred 
and thirty acres of land all well improved, and is 
raising Jersey cattle. He has devoted his life to 
farming and has been a successful farmer as the 
fine condition of his land and the excellent build- 
ings testify. A view of his home is shown else- 
where in this volume. 

The political sympathies of our subject are witli 




*l 




H 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



871 



the Republican party and he has liold some minoi' 
town oflices. He and his good wife are l)olli 
ctlioient and active nicrabcrs of the Ba[)tist Church. 
He is identified with the order of the Free and 
Accepted Masons and with that of the Kniglits of 
tiie Maccabees. 

Miss Emma K. Waterbury, of Huron, Wayne 
County, N. Y., became Mrs. James II. Rockwell 
December 24, 1874. Slie was born in Rensselaer 
County, N. Y., November 22, 1848, and is a 
daughter of John I), and Emma (Adams) Water- 
bur3^ both natives of New York. Mrs. Rockwell 
died May 8, 1S87, liaving been the mother of 
one child, Hial D., who is now twelve years of 
age. 

^^*^, AVID BINGHAM, one of the enterprising 
farmers of Soutlifield Township, is located 




on section 25, where he owns one hundred 
and six acres of land. He paid $8,200 for 
the place, and it is one of the best regulated in this 
section of the countr3\ A complete line of farm 
buildings, including some not generally seen, even 
on good farms, will be found here, and all are first- 
class in construction and appointments. Mr. Bing- 
ham cairies on general farming, and markets cro|)S 
that are fully up to the average. lie keeps some 
very fine siieep, now having fifty head, and other 
stock in proportion. 

The parents of our subject were John and Ann 
(Patrick) Bingham, natives of the mother country, 
in which they spent their lives. They had two 
daughters and four sons, and in their family David 
is the fifth child. He was born in Lincolnshire on 
a farm near Boston, March 19, 1839, and grew to 
the age of eighteen years at his native place. Be- 
lieving that better opportunities would lie before 
him in America, he turned his back on his native 
land and ciossed to New York. He remained in 
the city three months, then came to Pontiac, 
and for seven months was emplo3'ed In the hard- 
ware store of R. B. Morris. He remained in the 
county seat four years, then worked on the farm of 
M. E. Crowfoot one year. He ne.vt bought prop- 
erty in Bloomfield Township and established his 



home there, remaining from 1862 to 18C9. Thence 
he went to West Bloomfield Township, where he 
reside<l eight years, and at the expiration of that 
period came to his present home. 

In 1860 Mr. Bingham was married to Miss FAiza, 
Foreman, a native of England, and to them were 
born three sons and two daughters. The first-born, 
William J., died at the age of nineteen; Lorenzo, 
who is living on a farm in Soutlifield Township, is 
married and has three children; George is Assist- 
ant Postmaster in Franklin; Addie is the wife of 
Ezra Bristle, a farmer in Soutlifield Township; and 
Ida, her twin, married John Rainey of the same 
township. 

Mr. Bingham took for his second wife Miss Mary 
E. Simpson, jvith whom he was united in marriage 
January 25, 1871. Two children were born to 
them : Charles A., who is at home, and Floy E., de- 
ceased. Mrs. Bingham is the daughter of Peter 
and Elizabeth (Patton) Simpson, who were mar- 
ried April 18, ] 838, in New York City. Two years 
after their marriage they came to this county and 
settled in West Bloomfield, where they died. They 
were the parenls of six children, all of whom grew 
to maturity, as follows: John P., George A.. M.iry 
E., Margaret A., Sarah M. and Rebecca B. A most 
estimable lady, Mrs. Bingham is held in respect by 
her numerous acquaintances, and her refinement 
and culture fit her to grace anj- position in life. 

Politically Mr. Bingham is a believer in and sup- 
porter of the principles of Democracy. He has 
been enterprising and energetic, and although he is 
sometimes called a lucky man, his success has not 
been won without effort on his part. He is well re- 
spected by bis associates, and is a law-abiding and 
reliable citizen. 

The view of the pleasant homestead of Jlr. Bing- 
ham appears elsewhere in this volume. 



'^*>- 



-*-# 



PENCER B. GRAY. Few men in Pontiac 

Township have made a single tract of land 

their home for as many years as has the 

gentleman above named. He occupies the 

homestead on which his father, Daniel Gray, settled 




872 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



II 



in 1830, and where he himeelf passed through the 
experiences of boyhood and youth. Tlie early 
struggles endured by his parents, laid the founda- 
tion for the beautiful farm of to-day, and the 
present owner has capably continued the work that 
was already under way when the father died. The 
farm consists of two hundred acres of fine land 
which has made this county so prosperous an agri- 
cultural region, and it is well stocked in every 
respect. In 1880, an elegant farm liouse of mod- 
ern design and arrangement was built, and it has 
been furnished throughout with the best and most 
tasteful of household goods. 

Mr. Gray was born in Steuben Count}', N. Y., 
October 13, 1828, and is the youngest and onl}' 
surviving member of a family of seven. His father 
was born in the Empire State, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Chanty Reynolds, was 
also a native of New York. The parents after 
spending years of life together, were not long 
divided bj' death, as both passed away in 1865. 
They were honored members of the Baptist Church, 
and had been industrious, economical and useful 
members of society. When they came hither the}' 
had but limited means, and they sometimes had a 
hard struggle to " make both ends meet," but as the 
country became more populous, the}' attained to 
more and more of comfort, and were included 
among the successful families. Mr. Gray entered 
laud in Pontiac Township, and bought a small 
tract on which stood a log house that was the 
family dwelling for a few years. Detroit was then 
the nearest market, and many a trip did he make 
to and fro with his ox-team. 

The subject of this notice having been reared 
during the early settlement of this county, has a 
vivid remembrance of pioneer times. While con- 
ning his lessons he sat on a slab l)ench in a dingy 
log school-house, but he became practicilly wellin- 
foi'med by his studies there and investigations at 
home. As soon as he was old enough to aid his 
father in clearing and improving the farm, he began 
to do so, and after having grown to manhood he, 
in 1852, bought the property. He is a quiet man 
who makes no display of his opinions, but has re- 
markably good judgment, both in agricultural and 
social matters. He harvests crops that will equal 



in quality and quantity any in the |neigiiborhood, 
and raises good stock, the Durham being his favor- 
ite breed of cattle, He casts his vote with the 
Democratic [wrty. His personal character is such 
as to have given him high standing in the commun- 
ity, and he exerts a strong influence on the side of 
right and justice, and in favor of progress and 
thoroughness in one's vocation. 

Mr. Gray was fortunate in his choice of a life 
companion, as the creature comforts and the home 
attractiveness in his dwelling testify. He was 
married in March, 1860, to Miss Harriet Babcock 
who was horn in this county in 1810, and is 
the only living representative of the family of 
Curtis and Permelia (Swallow) Babcock. Her 
parents were early settlers in West Bloomfield 
Township, where they are still well remembered. 
Mr. Babcock died in 1882 and his wife in 1883, 
both full of years and honor. Thoy were natives 
respectively of New York and New Jersey. Mr^ 
and Mrs. Gray are the happy parents of two 
daughters — Ettie and IMinnie — the latter of whom 
still brightens the parental fireside by her presence. 
The older lives in the neighboring village of Au- 
burn, being the wife of Fred Durant. 

LMON HOSMER. a farmer and breeder of 
ii?0^ Short-horn cattle, resides on one of the 
14 finest farms in the township of West Bloom- 
field. He is the son of Jacob and Asenath 
(Wait) Hosmer, and was born on the place where 
he now lives, December 17, 1841. The Hosmers 
came to Michigan early in the '30s, and settled 
on this farm, which at that time was wild land. In 
186'J they left the farm .and removed to Pontiac, 
where the father died in 1871, at the age of sixty- 
nine years. His wife still survives at the ripe age 
of eighty-four years. The father came to Michi- 
gan, poor, and on foot most of the way from New 
York. He died a man of large means, all of which 
he had acquired through his own efforts. He gave 
his children as good an education as the Hew coun- 
try afforded, and provided homes for all of them. 
He w.os very strong in his political views and was 




I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



873 



a Whig in his early life, and later a Republican. 
He and his wife were both possessed of sterling 
Christian char.acters. They were members of the 
Baptist Church at the time he died, but she is now 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch at 
Pontiac. Seven children blessed their home, 
namelj-: Cyrus, Melissa, Ranson, Lovisa, Nelsoni 
Ahnon and Lorinda. 

The life occupation of our subject has been agri- 
culture. He has one of the finest farms in Oakland 
County, which consists of three hundred acres in 
one body. He has a large two-story residence^ 
three excellent barns and otiiergood farm buildings. 
His pl.ice is one of the best improved in tlie town- 
ship, and for a number of years he has been giving 
considerable attention to the breeding of Short- 
horn cattle and Clydesdale horses. He is a Re- 
publican in his political views, but takes no active 
part in politics. 

Miss Sarah Hall of West Bloomfield Township, 
became the wife of Mr. Hosraer, December 21, 
1864. She W.1S born in England, and is the 
daughter of George and Jane Hall. She has be- 
come the mother of four children. Her eldest 
daughter, Mettie, is the wife of J. C. F. Hollister, 
of the Michigan Military Academj- at Orchard 
Lake. The son, Lloyd, and the younger daughters 
Mollie and Margie are twins, all are single, and 
with their parents constitute a happy household 
upon the home farm. 

HERMAN WILLIAMS, a resident of 
Royal Oak Township, was born August 2, 
1825. His father, David, was a Welsh far- 
mer, who was born in 1788 and came to 
America about 179.5, settling with his parents in 
Herkimer County, N. Y. He started in life for him- 
self when only twelve years old, and in 1823 came 
to Michigan and bought one hundred and sixt}- 
acres of land in Royal Oak Township and had his 
deed signed by John Q. Adams. 

After locating his land the young man returned 
to New York to secure his bride and to bring her 
to the new home. This lady was Mrs. Betsey Mc- 




Farland, the widow of John McFarland, by whom 
she had one daughter, Esther, who became the wife 
of James J'. Parshall and makes her home in Ann 
Arbor, Mich. Upon coming to Michigan with bis 
wife, David Williams located another one hundred 
and sixty .acres. His politics in early life were of 
of the Whig order. He cast his last Presidential 
vote for Grant and passed away September 8, 1870. 

No daughters were granted to this worthy cou- 
ple, but five manly boys were theirs, of whom our 
subject is the eldest. They were as follows: Sher- 
man, born August 2, 1825; John R., born in Feb- 
ruary, 1827; George, in 1829; David, in May, 
1834, and Addison in 1836. John is living near 
St. Louis and is in the railroad business; George 
resides near Pontiac, and David lives on a f.arm 
neir our subject, in Royal Oak Township. Addi- 
son has been dead for some years. 

Upon reaching his majority young Sherman be- 
came a fisherman and passed three summers on 
Lake Huron. He then went to farming on the old 
place. His marriage took place October 24, 1862, 
and his bride was Mary, daughter of Ira and Poll}' 
(Palmer) Smith. Mr. Smith was a farmer in Ver- 
mont, where he was born September 18, 1800. In 
1823-24 he came to Michigan and located land 
in Troy Township. He then returned to New 
York, and after his marriage in 1825, returned to 
make his home on his new farm. Their six chil- 
dren were Cyrus, Emily L., Mary, Jane, Ann, 
Lewis G. Cyrus lives in Oregon and is a farmer ; 
Jane is the widow of Michael Ebling, of Troy 
Township, and Lewis G. lives al Big Beaver. The 
parents of Mrs. Smith were David and Mary V. 
I'almer, and were natives of Canada, where their 
daughter was born May 9, 1876. 

Sherman and Mary Williams became the parents 
of four children — one son and three daughters: 
Nellie, who was born August 10, 1863, was called 
away from earth January 13, 1879: J. S., born De- 
cember 30, 1864; Emma, September 17,1867; Grace 
A., born October 10, 1873, died January 9, 1879; 
Emma is the wife of Frank Leach and resides near 
her father's farm, and the son makes his home with 
his parents. 

This gentleman of whom we write had one hun- 
dred and sixty acres given him by his father. 



874 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Upon this lie has placed excellent farm buiklinj^s, 
ond in 1863 he built his house at a cost of $1,500. 
It is a beautiful and attractive home. 'He is mak- 
ing a specialty' of Jersey cattle and Clydesdale 
horses. His ten horses and twenty head of eattle 
are cf excellent stock and are well housed in his 
good barns. He has two hundred and fifty acres 
of as good land as is in Oakland County, and it is 
finely situated for markets, being only fourteen 
miles from Detroit. Mr. AVillianis has been Treas- 
urer of Royal Oaks for five different terms. His 
first vote for a President was for Zachary Taylor 
and his last for Benjamin Harrison. His long res- 
idence in the count}' and his agency for a farmer's 
insurance company give Uim a broad acquaintance 
throughout the count}, and he is favorabl)' re- 
garded by all who know him. 



-^ 




ILEY C. SHAW, a prosperous farmer in 
Novi Township, is the son of Philip Shaw, 
a native of Brighton, Mass., who was born 
^^p in 1781, and was a soldier of the War of 
1812, being a member of an independent comijany. 
His wife was Chloe Foster, and they were married 
in Bristol, Ontario Count}', X. Y., her native State, 
and made their home there until they came to Michi- 
gan in 1830, traveling by boat to Detroit, and then 
by ox-team to the farm upon which their son now 
resides. 

The patent to this tract of one hundred and 
sixty acres was signed by Andrew Jackson. The 
Indians were peaceable and friendly, and deer, 
bears and^wolves were often more neighborly than 
might be desired. Money, however, was very 
scarce, and they saw hard times especially the first 
year. After that there was plenty to cat, but hard 
labor continued their lot. The timber was very 
heavy ou the farm, and they cleared off all the 
forest durirg the lifetime of the father. In this 
work he was ably aided by iiis four stalwart sons. 
He lived here about forty-six years, and died in 
1877, at the very advanced age of ninety-six years. 
He was a rugged strong man, and had an iron consti- 
tution. His beloved wife was taken from him by 



death, in January, 1832, and he ever mourned her 
loss with faithful devotion. The early history of 
this old pioneer was one of affliction and privation^ 
as he lost his father when he was an infant of nine 
mouths, and when only nine years old he was 
bound out to a farmer until he reached his 
majority. He was a Democrat in politics. He 
took a great interest in the education of his chil- 
dren, and gave them all the schooling that he 
could. Of his eleven children, only three now 
survive, namely: William, our subject, and Nancy 
Jane, all of whom live in Novi. 

The subject of this sketch was born, April 12, 
1817, in the township of Bristol, Ontario County, 
N. Y. He was thirteen years old when he became 
a resident of the Wolverine State. He began using 
the ax at once, and kept it going until the farm 
was cleared. He attended a rate bill school in 
one of the first log schoolhouscs built in the town- 
ship. He remained at home until lie was twenty- 
four years old. Itut in the meantime had worked 
out by the month for others occasionally. To 
obtain siiending money, he made ax helves and ox 
)'okes. He has made many an ox yoke for ex -Gov. 
Bingham, who was then an extensive farmer. 

Miss Rebecca Rodgers, became, in 1841, the wife 
of Mr. Shaw. This lady was a daughter of James 
Rodgers, of Pennsylvania who came from New 
York State to Michigan early in the '30s, and 
settled in Novi Township, not long before his death. 
His five sons, who made their home in the same 
vicinity have.now all departed this life. Mrs. Shaw 
was born in December, 1816, in New York State. 
The first home of the young wedded couple was 
across the road from her father's house, in a new 
log house. 

When Philip Shaw retired from active labor, our 
subject bought eighty acres of his farm, and after- 
ward purchased the other eigiitj', after which his 
father made his home with him. He now owns 
three hundred and forty acres of land, two hundred 
and fifteen of which is under good cultivation. 
He lias remodeled and repaired the old residence 
and has made improvements to the barns, sheds etc. 
He has also built the house where his son, James 
now resides, and put u|) all the buildings on the 
farm on section 15, where his son Richmond lives. 




■V'^^ 



%^^ 



nyiyx^ 






I 







i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



879 



He has carrietl on this farm for nearly fifty years. 
At one lime he made a specialty of graded slieop 
and Durham cattle. His faithful wife was called 
from his side by death, October 1, 1877. They 
were the parents of four children. The youngest 
child a girl, died at fifteen years of age. 

The son, Richmond, lives on section 17, and has 
a wife, Julia Entrecon, and one child. James re- 
sides on the home farm with his wife, Lavina 
Clark. John married Edna Haver, and also resides 
on this farm. They are all highly respected in 
the community. Their father prepared them for 
life by giving them good practical training, and a 
good cominon-school education. 

Jlr. Siiaw has been a member of the School 
Board in this district, and has been Highway Com- 
misioner. He was offered the position of Super- 
visor, but declined to accept it, but was for many 
years on the Board of Review. He has always voted 
the Democratic ticket. He had a severe illness 
two years ago, and has never recovered full 
strength, and has therefore retired from active 
work, which he can safely leave in the hands of his 
industrious and intelligent sons. 



•-•»-r^ 



•s^^- 



-*x»- 




IMON STOWELL, a retired farmer, resides 
in Pontiac, where his fine residence attracts 
the attention of strangers. He was born 
in Monroe County, N. Y., in the town of 
Gates, January 2. 1821. His father was Ira Stow- 
ell, a native of New Hampshire, where he was born 
August 22, 1785. He was a farmer most of his 
life. The mother of our subject was Eunice 
Coburn. She was born in the town of Cornish, 
Sullivan Count}-, N. H., April 23, 1790, and was 
the fourth daughter of Merrill and Abigail Coburn. 
She was married to Ira SlowcU, October 4, 1814, in 
the town of Cornish, Sullivan Countj', N. H. In 
1815 they removed to Monroe County, N. Y.. anil 
made their home in the town of Gates near Roches- 
ter. 

The western fever took hold seriously upon Ira 
Stowell, and in September, 1826, he and his wife 
removed to this State and located in Pontiac Town- 



ship, Oakland County. They journeyed by canal 
to Buffalo, by boat to Detroit, and then across the 
country with a wagon. In 18.35 they sold their farm 
and removed to White Lake Townsliip, Oakland 
County, making their home in the woods. Mr. 
Stowell went to worlc with a good will to hew a 
farm out of the wihlerness. He cleared the timber, 
put up good buildings, and here spent the remain- 
der of his days, which ended April 7, 18G1. His 
wife survived him and made her home with her son 
Simon, until her death, November 4, 1879. Up to 
a short time before her deceftse she was as bright 
and active as ever, although she was almost ninety 
years old. Her religious belief was in accord with 
the doctrines of tlie Baptist Church. Her husband 
was a Justice of the Peace under the old territorial 
law. When Michigan was made a State all able- 
bodied men were required to join some militar}' 
company, and Ira Stowell was Captain of a State 
Militia company. Of their three children, two 
lived to maturity — Ira J. and our subject. 

Simon Stowell was the youngest of the family' 
and attended school first in Pontiac and afterward 
in Commerce, comi)leting his school days at White 
Lake. He continued under the parental roof 
until he was almost twenty-six years old. On May 
1, 1844, he was united for life with Harriet Web- 
ster of Pontiac Township. This estimable lady was 
born October 6, 1824, and was reared to woman- 
hood in the place of her birth — Pontiac Town- 
ship. She is the eldest daughter of Chester and 
Polly M. (Whitney) Webster. Her father came to 
Oakland County in 1821 and bought land fiom the 
Government. He was a native of Washington 
County, N. Y., where he first saw the light in West- 
field, January 13, 1795. His wife, Polly Wliiiney, 
was a native of Granville, the same county, and 
was born January' 8, 1798. Both families were of 
English descent. Chester Webster died August 28, 
1884, and his venerable widow survived until No- 
vember 4, 1887, when she passed awa}' in her 
ninetieth year. They were the parents of eleven 
children, ten of whom grew to maturity and estab- 
lished homes of their own. Four daughters and 
two sons are now living. 

After marri.age, Simon Stowell settled in Wirite 
Lake Township, this county, on a new farm in the 



880 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



woods. He cleareil and improved it and lived 
there for twenty years. He tlien sold and removed 
to Pontiac Township, buying two iiundred and 
and twenty acres of well-improved land, having 
upon it good bnildings and neat fences. There he 
carried on general farming and stock-raising, and 
also operated a tlouring-niill on Clinton River. 
Tlie mill was known by the name of the Legal 
Tender, but afterward he changed the name to 
Lower City Mills. This he operated for five years, 
and then sold it in 1882, devoting his attention en- 
tirely to farming. He resided on the farm until 
1887, when he retired from business and purchased 
his present home on Clark Street, in the city of 
Pontiac. This residence is an ornament to the 
city and is the abode of comfort and hospitality. 

Two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stoweli 
died in infancy and two have grown to woman's 
estate — Mary M., wife of John R. Taylor, of Pon- 
tiac, and Eunice P., wife of E. J. Kelley, a printer, 
who lives on Saginaw Street. Politically Mr. 
Stoweli is a Democrat, and he cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Martin Van Burcn iuid his last for 
Grover Cleveland. 

The following witli reference to tlie father of 
Mrs. Stoweli is taken from a local paper: "On 
Thursday, August 28,1884,Chester AVebster, one of 
the first settlers of Oakland County, died at his 
home in the township of Pontiac, in the ninetieth 
year of his age, after a lingering illness of several 
months, attributable rather to his extreme old age 
than to any otlier cause. 

"Mr. Webster was born in Wcstficid, Wasliing- 
top County, N. Y., January 13, 1795, and re- 
moved thence when five years old toFabius, Onon- 
daga County, N. Y. He remained there until 
1821, when he came to Michigan, arriving here 
October 12 of that year. He at first lived witli 
his uncle Aaron Webster, Auburn, this county, 
and accompanied Capt. Parks on a surveying ex- 
pedition to Genesee County in the fall of 1821. 
Two years later he went back to the State of New 
York, and returning to Michigan married Miss 
Pollv Matihla Whitney December 7, 1823, in the 
township of Troy, this county, Johnson Niles, a 
Justice of the Peace, performing the marriage cere- 
mony. Mr. Webster at once purchased and im- 



proved the farm which was to be his homestead for 
the next sixt3'-one years, the remainder of his life- 
time." 

One of the local papers of January 14, 1876, pub- 
lished the following with reference to the demise of 
the brother of Mrs. Stoweli: "Mr. Alanson Web- 
ster, formerly living nine miles west of Pontiac 
City, in the town of White Lake, died Friday, Jan- 
uary 14, 1876, after a protracteil illness. Mr. Web- 
ster was born August 21, 1827, in the town of Pon- 
tiac, Oakland County, IVIich., and was forty-eight 
years, four months and twentj"-five days old at the 
time of liis death. He served upon the Board of 
Supervisors during the years 1871, 1872 and 1873, 
and was present during the October session. He 
was elected to the Legislature from the Second 
District in 1870, and served a term of two years 
witii credit to himself and constituency. He was 
an earnest, straightforward Democrat of the Jack- 
son style and a gentleman of no mean ability. The 
funeral was held at the Webster schoolhouse in 
White Lake at 1 1 o'clock on Sabbath forenoon. He 
was a son of Chester and Polly Matilda (Whitnej') 
Webster." 

The attcnti(ni of the reader is invited to litho- 
graphic [lortraits of Mr. and Mrs. Stoweli, pre- 
sented in connection with this biographical notice. 



-^-^-^- 




ILLIAM SATTERLEE. Few men who 

have reached the age of William Satterlee 
^ can say, like him, that they have lived at 
tlieir birthplace during the entire period. He is 
located on section 13, Bloomfield Township, wliere 
he was born November 25, 1826. He is one of the 
most prominent farmers in the count3' and by 
close application to his work he has become thor- 
oughlj- skilled in all that pertains thereto, so that 
his advice and opinions are valued by younger 
farmers and his example is followed by many. 
While giving his principal attention to his agricul- 
tural affairs Mr. Satterlee is serving his fellow-citi- 
zens as Supervisor, a capacity in which lie is now 
acting for the third term. He is much interested 
in the work of the Grange, as he believes it a good 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



881 



school for all who desire information regarding the 
scientific principles on which good farming is based. 
He also belongs to the Masonic order and his 
vole is cast with the Republican part}-, by which 
he was elected Sheriff in 1868, holding office one 
term. 

Among the earliest settlers in this county were 
Samuel and Susan (West) Satterlee, parents of our 
subject, who came from Cayuga County, N. Y., in 
1823, and took possession of land upon which their 
son is now living. They were at that time in pos- 
session of surticient means to take up Government 
land, but had little with which to carrv on its de- 
velopment. Securing one hundred and sixty acres 
Mr. Satterlee entered upon the industrious and 
well-directed efforts which resulted in easy circum- 
stances. He spent the remainder of his life on the 
farm and died January 10, 1850, at the age of fift}'- 
seven years. He was an old-line Whig and during 
the Territorial d.ays was a member of the United 
States Legislative Council from Michigan. Atone 
time he was one of the three County Judges and he 
was County Treasurer for a number of years. He 
took an active part in the political matters of this 
section and was one of its most prominent citizens 
with a reputation that was widely extended. His 
wife died October 23, 1848, at the age of fiftyone 
years. They had five children — George II., JInry 
A., AVilliam, Richard C. and Lucy A. The first 
and last named are deceased. 

Tlie subject of this biograiihical skctcli,although 
his early life was spent upon a farm, had good 
school privileges and spent one year in an academy 
in Auburn, N. Y. He was married January 3,1855. 
to Miss Caroline A. Peck of Waterford, this count}', 
but a native of West Bloomfield, N. Y., where she 
was born December 20, 1833. Her parents, Abel 
II. and Sarah (Darrow) Peck, came to tliis Stale at 
an early date and established their home in Ponliac. 
Mrs. Satterlee was an excellent housekeeper, a good 
neighbor and a devoted wife and mother. She de- 
parted this life October 29, 1889. 

Tlie family of our subject and his wife consists 
of three sons and one daughter. The first-born, 
William A., married Miss Eva Hause of Tecumseh, 
tills State, and is now living in Kansas City, l\Io.; 
he has two children — Berlrand and Mary. Frank 



P., the second child, married Julia Prehm of Shasta, 
Cal., where their home now is, and has one child, 
who bears his own name. George II. and Mary A. 
the younger members of Mr. Satterlee's family are 
unmarried and still cheer the father by their pres- 
ence under the home roof. 




AMIJEL H. LAMB, one of the enterprising 
and progressive farmers of Farmington 
Townshij), resides on section 18 of the 
township where he was born, May, 13 1844. 
His father, C. A. Lamb, was horn in Palmyra, N. Y., 
in June, 1792, and came to Detroit in 1831. He 
practiced medicine and also pursued the work of 
the ministry in that city for two years, after which 
lie came to Oakland County where he built u|) a 
practice. He was a minister of the Baptist Cliurcli 
and |)reached wherever and whenever an opportu- 
nity offered. He helped to organize the church 
at P'armington which was the first in the county 
and received a call to act as its pastor. He preached 
for them for eight years and at the same time pur- 
sued the practice of medicine. 

Dr. Lamb was well and favoralily known 
througiiout the county and is held in higli esteem 
as one of the earliest and most worthy settlors. He 
cleared up a farm in Farmington Township at the 
same lime he was attending to his double profes- 
sional duties. In 1849 he removed to Clinton 
County, this Slate, where he cleared another farm, 
but previous to that time he spent two years in 
Pontiac in the practice of medicine. After remov- 
ing to Clinton County he gave up all duties except 
those connected with his farm. He removed again 
to Oakland County and in 1871 made his home at 
Ypsilanli where he remained until his death in 
1884 at the advanced age of eighty-five years. 

Tiio mother of our subject, Alvira A. Gilbert, 
was born in New York in 1797 and lived to be 
fifty-four years old. Of her eleven children six 
grew to manhood and womanliood. This son, 
Samuel, was her youngest child; he was reared in 
his native place and remained with his parents un- 
til his marriage which occurred in 1801 when he 



882 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



■was seventeen years old. His bride, Emma J. Cant- 
well, a native of New York, was born in 1844. .Slie 
was the eldest child of her parents, John and Ann 
(Morgan) Cantwell, natives of England. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Lamb have been given seven 
children — two d.aiighters and five sons. Lillie is 
the wife of Jolin Angel and resides in Redford 
Township, AVa3ne Count}', this Slate; her husband 
is a farmer by occupation and they have one boy 
— Russell. Fred S. is now principal of the schools 
of Farmington. He was gradnalod at the Slate Nor- 
ma! School; he took a scientific course and was 
admitted to the bar in 1889. He took his legal 
studies with Judge Taft and Samuel Smitii, of 
Pontiac, and intends to devote liiniself to the prac- 
tice of law; Frank M. is also a teacher and a grad- 
uate of Ypsilnnti where he took the English course, 
receiving his diploma in 1889; he taught one year 
in the Normal Department of the Lansing Business 
College. George is a farmer and resides in Farm- 
ington Township; he married Lizzie Lamb and is the 
father of one beautiful little girl — Edna. Perry 
is at liome and attended sciiool at Farmington where 
he was graduated at the High School in June. 
Arthur and Sarah are also at home. 

Mr. Lamb has one iiundred and fifty acres of 
splendid land in the best stale of cultivation. He 
keeps a fine grade of stock and is doing a general 
farming business. He is a Rei)ublican and a con- 
scientious citizen, and he has never missed but one 
opportunity of casting bis ballot since he was old 
enough to vote. For four 3ears he filled to tlie 
satisfaction and benefit of the communitj' the re- 
sponsible position of Justice of the Peace. 




JUDSON PHILLIPS is the eldest son of 
one of the first pioneers in Milford Town- 
li ship and was born here December 7, 183G. 
He is the oldest native-born person now 
living in the township, and it has always been his 
home. He attended district school in the i)rimi- 
tive log schoolhouse and continued his studies at 
the High School at Milford and the State Normal 
School at Ypsilanti. He has always been engage<l 



in farming, and until he was tliirty-four years old 
remained at home and worked on his father's es- 
tate. He then established his own household on 
an eight^'-acre tract on section 17, where he has re- 
mained, adding to the extent of the property and 
to its practical value. 

The land bouglit by Mr. Phillips prior to his 
marriage was somewhat improved, but of his two 
purchases he cleared forl3'-four acres. He now 
has one hundred under cultivation, and raises va- 
ried crops, changing their order from season to 
season as is best for the land. He lias not only cut 
down the trees that once stood here, but he has rid 
the properly of stumps and stones and has set out 
upon it sixty pear, sixty-six peach and a numlier 
of apple trees, together with small fruits. He 
has also built various structures by which he 
could add to the celcrit}- and ease with which he 
cultivated the land. His barns cost $1,000, the tool- 
house and henhouse combined $100, and the wind- 
mill, the shaft of which is one hundred and sixteen 
feet deep, $400. The dwelling he now occupies, 
and a view of which appears on another page, was 
put up in 1881 at a cost of SI, 800, exclusive of his 
own time and work. 

The Phillips familj- is of English descent, and 
Grandfather Phillips, whose given name was Jona- 
than, was born in the Bay State. Leonard Phillips, 
father of our subject, was born in New York in 
1811, and followed in the footsteps of his ancestors 
b}' becoming a farmer. He married Rosetta R. 
Albriglit, who w,as born in New York in 1816 and 
whose father was a tailor b}^ trade. Not long after 
their marriage the good couple came to this State, 
locating in Milford Township in 1833. Thej' se- 
cured fort}' acres of land on section 15, where a 
log house stood, and some little .attempt had been 
made toward development. Mr. Phillips cleared 
off the tract and other lands, which he added to it. 
At the time of his decease he had one hundred and 
seventy- five acres, all improved but thirty, and a 
good frame house, barns, sheds, etc., stood upon 
it. The mother of our subject died in 1850, and 
the father subsequentl}' married Mrs. Henrietta 
Laphara, wiio still survives, aged sixty-nine years. 

By his first marriage, the father of our sub- 
ject had twelve children, seven of whom are now 




RESIDENCE OF A.J. PH I LLI PS , 5EC.ir , M iLFORD TR, OAKLAND CO., MICH, 




RESIDENCE OF EDWARD F05D1CK, 5EC. 1 5., BLOOMFI ELD TP., OAKLAND CO.,MICH, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRArHICAL ALBUM. 



8S5 



living, viz.: A. Jiidson, Mrs. William P. Johnson, 
Mrs. Fenl Holbrook, Jonathan, John Selim, Henry 
A. and Alendor D. Of the second marriage 
there were five children, all now living. Mr. Pliil- 
lips was a Democrat, and was strictlj' a temperate 
man. He took deep interest in the district schools, 
and was R member of the board for man}' years. 
He was nominated for the office of Supervisor, but 
refused to accept the position. He belonged to 
the Presbyterian Church in Mil ford, and so too 
did the mother of our subject. 

February 1, 1871, A. Judson Phillips was mar- 
ried to Mary Adelia Travis. The bride was born 
in Oxford Township, this county, April 6, 1844, 
and was one of a family of eight children, of whom 
the other survivors are Lucetta A., now Mrs. Sel- 
den Vincent (see sketch), Jay W. F., George E. 
and Eliza N. Her father, James W. Travis, was 
born in New York, whence he went to Wa3'uc 
County, Pa., and remained until 1836. He then 
settled on a new farm in Oxford Township, this 
county, and changed it from the raw state to one 
of good improvement. In 1853 he removed to 
Milford Township, and located on section 14, 
where he improved laud and built a good liovise, 
barns, etc. He held a place on the School Board 
and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Churcli. He was a Democrat until the Rebellion, 
when he became a Republican and remained so 
until death. He died in 1873 at the age of sixty- 
eight years. His widow, formerly Narier Mc- 
Carty, a native of Milford, Pa., is still living, 
aged seventy-nine years. She is a Presbyterian in 
religion. 

Mrs. Phillips first attended the district school in 
Oxford and Milfor<l Townshi[)S, and then studied 
in a select school at Romeo. She also took up 
higher branches in the Milfonl High School, and 
turning her attention to teaching, she carried on 
her work in this township during three terms. She 
belongs to the Presb3-teriHn Church at Milford, 
and so loo does Mr. Phillips, and both attend the 
Sunday-school and take great interest in the local 
organization. They have no children. 

iMr. Phillips wasformerl3' a Democrat, but is now 
an aclire and earnest member of the Prohibition 
party. He has always believed it to be the duty 



of every citizen to exercise the right of suffrage un- 
failingly, and he makes use of the privilege he has 
of casting his influence for or against candidates. 
He held the oflice of School Inspector in Milford 
Township a dozen years ago and has been a candi- 
date on the Prohibition ticket for the same posi- 
tion. He was the 6rst candidate of the party for 
Township Supervisor. 



EDWARD FOSDICK 
born citizens of this 
' tributed so largely 



'OSDICK. Among the iiative- 
this county who have con- 
/l — ^ tributed so largely to the development of 
its unlimited resources is the gentleman whose 
name introduces this brief biographical sketch. 
Industrious and persevering, success has naturally 
rewarded his efforts and he now ranks among the 
most prominent citizens of Bloomfield Township, 
where he was born November 30, 1845. He grew 
to manhood amid the pioneer scenes of a frontier 
country, where few improvements had been made 
and wild game abounded. In his youth his educa- 
tional advantages were limited, and he is mainly 
self-educated, keeping posted on all topics of cur- 
rent interest and being considered a well-informed 
man. As a pioneer and honorable citizen, his 
name vrill be held in reverence long after he shall 
have passed hence. 

in Canandaigua, N. Y., the parents, Alvin and 
Jane A. (Adams) Fosdick, were united in marriage, 
and from the Empire State they removed to Michi- 
gan in 1837. The father was a life-long farmer, and 
although he started in Mfewith no capital except a 
good constitution and an energetic disposition, he 
became the owner of a good estate. He supported 
and reared to maturity a large family of children, 
all of whom he sent to the common schools of the 
district and trained for useful positions in the 
world. 'J'liey were named: Helen M., Jay, Wal- 
ter, William M., Edward, Jerome, Julius, and Wal- 
ter B. Jay and Walter are deceased. Jlr. Fosdick 
w.is a Democrat politically, and belonged to the 
Masonic fraternity. 

The subject of this sketch w.as reared on the 
old homestead and remained at home and worked 



886 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for his father until he reached his majority. He 
then bouglit liis farm of one hnndred acres where 
he has since resided. He has made all the improve- 
ments which are to be seen upon it, and has a fine 
two-story brick residence and several large burns. 
On another page is shown a view of his residence, 
which he erected in 1873. He had but a small 
start in the world, and it is by his own efforts that 
he has gained this h.nndsorae competenc3-. His wife 
owns a farm of eighty acres adjoining his. Mr. 
Fosdiek raises a high grade of cattle, horses and 
sheep. 

The wife of our subject bore the maiden name of 
Helen J. Knight. She was born in Avon, this 
county, March 21, 1846. and is a d.aughter of Pot- 
ter and Marian (Adams) Knight, natives of Maine 
and Vernionl respectively. Of their five children 
Mrs. Fosdiek and a brother, Alvin M., alone sur- 
vive. The dece.ised are — Harriet F., Hester L. 
and one who die<l unnamed. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Knight came lo Micliigan when they were young 
and were married in Farmington, this county. 
The}- areiuow deceased. The marriage of Mr. Fos- 
diek and Miss Knight w.as solemnized in BlooOifield, 
this county. January 11. 18G6, and it has proved a 
congenial union. Mrs. Fosdiek is a lady of refine- 
ment and culture, whose many graces of heart and 
mind win for her the esteem of all who know her. 
In his political views Mr. Fosdiek is a Republican, 
and has served his fellow-citizens in various ca- 
pacities. He was Iligliway Commissioner three 
years. Township Treasurer five years, and Super- 
visor six years. Sociall_v he is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity at Birmingham. 




f?USTIX N. KIMMIS, Jr., is a young man, 
C@jO a law^-er by profession, who is at present 
Is man.aging his farm. He has taken up this 
work from filial devotion, on account of 
the broken condition of his father's health. His 
father was born August 21, ISlo. in Washington 
County, N. Y.. ami in early life was a shoemaker 
and later a farmer. His father Ssmuel was a 
native of Salem Township. Washington County, 



and died at the extreme age of ninety-two %'cars. 
He was one of the soldiers in the War of 1812, in 
that patriotic service following the example of his 
father, who fought in the Revolutionary AVar. The 
mother of our subject w.as Uhoda M. (Coldren) 
Kimmis, a native of Ontario County, N. Y., born 
May 2, 1829, Her father w.^s Elij.ah Coldren, a 
native of Pennsylvania and a soldier in the War 
of 1812. She was one of twelve children, and her 
husband belonged to a family of ten children. 
Both families removed to Michigan about the year 
1836. Mr. Coldren settled in Salem Township, 
AVashtenaw County, where he took a farm from 
the Goverument, and clearing and cultivating it, 
made it his permanent home. He died in 1863 and 
his wife followed him to the grive in 1870. 

Mr. Kimmis made his first home in Lj'on Town- 
ship and followed his trade for a luimber of years. 
He had a wife and five children, the latter all born in 
Michigan, only one of whom is now living: Sarah 
R., wife of Mr. Bogavt of Novi Township. The sec- 
ond marriage of Mr. Kimmis took pl.ace October 
26, 1847. He had a farm already in Plymouth 
Township, Wayne County, and now bought one in 
Lyon Township, this count}'. Here he built a log 
house and cleared off tlie land. He afterward sold 
this property and lived for a year on the I'lymouth 
farm, when he returned to L3-on Township. In 
ISoS he traded property for his property here. He 
had at first six hundred and thirty acres which were 
partially improved. He continued improvements 
and added to the buildings besides being a general 
farmer he carried on Shorl-horn breeding. He has 
now retired from active life. The three children 
who are now living are: Emma J., wife of W. A. 
Whipple; E. Belle, wife of Levi AV. Mosher, and 
our subject. The father was Sheriff of Oakland 
County from 1861 till 186.5, and Deputy United 
States Marshal for the Eastern District of Michi- 
gan for some time. He was also Assistant Asses- 
sor of the United States Internal Revenue, and has 
been .Supervisor of Novi Township for many 
years. 

The subject of this sketch w.as born June 20, 
1860, on the farm where he now lives. He w.as 
given the best advantages for education, .attending 
Milford High School, and being two years'a student 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



887 



at the State Normal School at Ypsilanti. Later he 
was a student at Kalamazoo College and took his 
law course at Ann Arbor, i-eceiving his diploma in 
1884. He was admitted to the bar in Waslitenaw 
County. He is a great lover of music and is some- 
thing of an artist with the violin and guitar. 

The marriage of our subject in 1881 with M. 
Blanche Peck, united him with a lady of unusual 
talent and a superior education. She graduated 
from the Cassopolis High School when sixteen years 
old, having completed at that age four years work 
in Latin, three in Greek and two in German in ad- 
dition to the usual High School work. She had 
also attained no ordinary proficienc}' as a pianist, 
her instruction in music having commenced with 
her seventh year and continued with but slight in- 
terruption to tliis time. She then entered Kalama- 
zoo College, passing, according to her examiners, 
the finest examination of any applicant during their 
administration. She is without doubt one of the best 
equii)ped women of Oakland County as far as men- 
tal ability and culture go, yet is possessed of a 
modest and unassuming loveliness which makes her 
many friends. She is indeed a suitable and con- 
genial companion to the brilliant and well-balanced 
young man who chose her as his wife. Her parents, 
William and Elizabeth (Norton) Peck, were mar- 
ried thirty-seven years ago, and made their home 
in Cassopolis where Mr. Peck was in the dr^'-goods 
business. He was called awaj' from life in 1879 at 
the age of forty-nine years. He was a man of edu- 
cation and refinement and his loss was deeply felt 
in this communit}'. He was a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church although his wife, who sur- 
vives him, was attached to tiie Baptist Church. For 
many years he was Supervisor of LeG range Town- 
ship, Cass County, and was also Superintendent of 
the Poor. Mrs. Kimmis' only surviving sister, 
AUene, lives with her mother. Mrs. Kimmis was 
born November 25, 1863. 

Our subject and his wife are members of the 
Baptist Church at Novi Corners, in wliich this gen- 
tleman has been a Trustee, and where he has taught 
and acted .as Assistant Superintendent in the Sunday- 
school. His wife has had a class in the Sund.ay- 
school for five or six years. She devotes her mu- 
sical talent and education largely to the aid of the 



church and Sunday-school. Mr. Kimmis' politi- 
cal views are embodied in the declarations of the 
Republican party and he is considered a leader 
among the young men of his party. He is now 
serving his third term as School Inspector and he 
is also a Justice of the Peace. He advocates tem- 
perance, but is not a third party man. He carries 
on general farming and breeds Holstein-Frezians 
cattle and Shetland ponies. He is giving his en- 
tire attention to his farm, which is one of the larg- 
est in the county, and which is in first class condi- 
tion and very productive. This is a family of 
more than usual ability and standing, and the 
father when in his prime filled many important 
oflices in the count}*. 

The wife of Col. John Kimmis was Mary Har- 
row, a daughter of Ursula (Rogers) Darrow, who 
was a lineal descendant of Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, 
President of Harvard College from 1682 until his 
death. He was believed to be a descendant of the 
mart3'r, John Rogers. While Col. Kimmis was ab- 
sent from home fighting with his regiment in the 
Revolutionary War, his wife and her mother were 
carried b}"^ the British to Fort Edward and there 
compelled to serve as nurses for the British sol- 
diers. When gathering herbs one day, their guard, 
a generous man, moved by the condition of Mrs. 
Kimmis, allowed tliem to make their escape, and 
they made their way on foot some fifty miles to 
their home, where within a few hours after their 
arrival Mrs. Kimmis gave birth to a son, who was 
christened .Samuel. 



^ 




ON. JOHN L. ANDREWS. It it impossi- 
ble in a brief biographical record to do 
justice to the character and works of any 
man who has been more than ordinarily 
conspicuous in the community. We can only out- 
line the life historj- of such an one and leave the 
details to the imagination of the reader. Of the 
Hon. Mr. Andrews we may say that he is a large 
landowner of Milford and has during the past 
fifty j'cars been a potent factor in the progress of 
this section and labored earnestl}' in different lines 
of business. He has also advanced the interest of 



888 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the people by his action in the legislative halls, 
and by his fine character has been made doubly de- 
serving of tlie title he bears. 

Grandfather Andrews was a farmer in Albany 
County, N. Y., and the line is traced back to the 
Puritan fathers. John Andrews, father of our 
subject, was born in Albany County and learned 
tlie trade of a carpenter. He was one of the early 
settlers of Rochester where he worked at his trade 
until 1833. He then came to this State and loca- 
ted on land in Livingston County tiiat had been 
entered by his son Abraham the previous j-ear. He 
tiien devoted himself almost entirely to fsrming. 
In 1846 he sold the |)roperty and located in Mil- 
ford, where he resided until hi.'! decease, when 
eighty-three years old. He was a |)rominent citizen 
anil was an Ekkr in the Presbyterian Church. His 
■wife was Elenore Wilscy, who was born in Albany 
County, N. Y., and died in Milford when fourscore 
years old. Tlie family consisted of fourteen chil- 
dren, twelve of whom grew to maturity, and came 
to tills Stale, and six are now living. 

The subject of this biographical notice was born 
in Chili, Monroe County, N. Y., April 8, 1822, 
and was six years old when his parents removed to 
Wheatland Township, where his father kept an 
hotel. When ten years old the lad went to live 
with a sister, Mrs. llubbell, and in 1836 he came 
with her family to Michigan. They settled at 
Brighton, and young Andrews worked out on a 
farm. In the spring of 1842 he came to Milford 
Township and began working on the farm he now 
owns. During the winter of 1842-43 he ij(!gun the 
miller's tr;ule at the old Fuller Mill ami in 1,S4C 
he became manager of the Pettibone Mill. With 
the exception of one year he remained there until 
1851), in the cai)auity of manager, and he then 
bought the plant and site, and engaged in the man- 
ufacture of flour for the wholesale trade. He 
operated a sawmill iu connection, and did a big 
business. 

In 1!S72 Mr. Andrews sold the mill and embarked 
in business as a private banker under the style of 
■J. L. Andrews' Exchange Bank. He built the tank 
building now used. In 1875 he sold outand loca- 
ted on the Fuller farm, which he had purchased a 
few years before. Since that time he has given his 
attention to general farming and stock-raising. 
His estate consists of four hundred and ten acres 
on section 10 and 1 1 , and two-thirds of it inside the 
corporation. Mr. Antlrews is engaged quite exten- 
sively iu sheep-raising and has a larger flock than 
anyother man in the township. It will average 



five bundled head per year. He keeps full-blooded 
and graded Short-horn cattle and markets quite a 
number of fat animals. His property is watered 
by Huron River, and three hundred and fifty acres 
are under improvements. 

In Milford in 184G Mr. Andrews was married to 
Miss Delphia C. Bartlett, a native of Massachusetts, 
who left one child — Charles B., now living in Jlil- 
ford. The second marriage of Mr. Andrews was 
solemnized on the farm he now owns, in 185!t, and 
the bride was Miss Laura E. Fuller. She was born 
* here and is one of the famil}- of Luman and Clarissa 
(King) Fuller, formerly of Monroe County, N. Y. 
The Fullers are numbered among the early settlers 
of this county and Mr. Fuller was a large land- 
owner and the builder of a mill on Huron River in 
1836. Of the second union of Mr. Andrews there 
have been born four sons — Luman H., now farming 
with his father; Harry C, engaged with the 
Union JIulu il Life Insurance Companj' of Port- 
land, Me.; Waller K., an employe of the Flint A 
Pere Marquette Railroad at Saginaw; Arthur E.. 
who is attending the Commercial College in 
Detroit. 

In 1870 Mr. Andrews was elected to the .Slate 
Legislature on the Republican ticket and served 
iluring the sessions of 1871-72. He sat on various 
committees and took part in the discussions regard- 
ing bills brought before the august body, throwing 
his influence on the side of right and progress. 
Mr. Andrews was one of the incorporators of the 
Holly, Wa^-ne & Monroe Railroad and worked 
hard to push the project to completion. He spent 
the greater pari of four years in working for it, 
and gave the right of way through his property, 
an<l mone3", the whole amounting to some i<6,000 
or $7,000. To him and Mr. Lappin of Norihville 
is due its success. Mr. Andrews was the only 
Director from Milford and held the office until the 
road was sold to the Flint <fe Pere Marquette Rail- 
road in 1872. Mr. Andrews isa Ro3'al Arch Mason. 
Politically he is a firm Republican. Mr. An<lrew3 
and wife belong to the United Presbyterian and 
Congregational Churches, and he is a liberal con- 
tributor, both of time and monej-, to the work car- 
ried on by the societies. 

<« I^ILLIAM L. POWDER, a retired farmer and 
\jjj/l well-Knovrn citizen of Farmington was 
?r^ born in Ontario County. N. Y., Apiil 29, 
1814. H's father, Arthur, was a native of Provi- 
dence, R. I., where he was born, November 14, 
1771. He emigrated with his widowed mother to 




il 



H 






rORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



891 



South Adams, Mass. When lie becaiuo a young 
man his mother gave him 8100 with which lie went 
to Geneseo, N. Y., and buying some land proceeded 
to improve it. In 1824 he came to Farmington, 
and purchased two thousand acres of land, upon 
which he and Lis seven sons settled and where they 
built sawmills and gristmills. He died in 1836 at 
the age of sixty-six years. His father emigrated 
with his wife and two sons from England to Amer- 
ica and these two sons engaged as soldiers in Wash- 
ington's army and fell in the Revolutionary war. 

The mother of our subject was Deborah Aldrich, 
a native of Massachusetts, who was born February 
.s, 1775 and died in 1817. The father of our sub- 
ject was married three times. His first wife was 
the mother of seven sons and four daughters. His 
second marriage was with Mary Dillingham, who 
became the mother of three daughters, two of whom 
grew to womanhood. His third marriage was with 
Sarah Lawtan, and she had no children. The 
eleven children of the first marriage were: 
Duana and John, deceased ; Ira, died at the age of 
sixty years; Nathan, died when seventy-four years 
old; Mary, Mrs. Stewart, now residing at Hannibal, 
Mo., at the age of eighty eight years; Jared, de- 
ceased at the age of thirty-eight years; Samuel, who 
lived to be sixty-three; Beulah, Mrs. Spencer, died 
at the age of tvventy-nine; Abrara, who lived to be 
seventy-eight; William L., our subject; and Esther, 
Mrs. Parker, who resides at Hudson, Mich., and is 
seventy-five years old. The children of the sec- 
ond marriage were Deborah, an infant, and Uuana, 
who are all deceased. 

William L. Power was thirteen yeai'S old when 
he came with his parents to Michigan. His first 
schooling was found at Farmington, N. Y., and the 
next in the woods in Farmington, Mich. His father 
named the township for his old town in N. Y. 

This son remained with his father until the death 
of the latter and took charge of the farm. The 
village of Farmington has all been built on this 
land. He has always lived in single blessedness 
and has traveled a great deal during his lifetime. 
He has sold off most of his land and put his money 
out at interest, and has retired from active life. He 
is the oldest resident of the village. He is a spir- 
itualist and is proud to be known as such, being 



very active in the work, and is very much oppo)-cd 
to secret societies. He has always been greatly 
interested in fruit raising and is glad to forward 
any interest in that direction in the county. 



-^-*-B- 



^ OIIN POUND. As an example of the high- 
minded merchant, trained in u|)right habits 
of business, an(i distinguished for justice 
and honesty of dealing in all things, the 
career of Mr. Pound may with pro()riety be re- 
ferred to. As a business man his talents and integ- 
rity are well known, and as becomes an honorable 
and true gentleman, his word is always to be li("ld 
as good as his bond. Such a man stands as a mark 
of the mercantile honesty and progress of his 
county and is a model and example for men of 
business in all time to come. We are therefore 
pleased to perpetuate his features b^' means of his 
portrait on the opposite page and to record briefiy 
the main events in his life. 

In 1857 Mr. Pound began life in Pontiac a mere 
lad of fifteen or sixteen, just from school in Eng- 
land, and in 1870 he founded the present dry-goods 
business of John Pound & Bro., which is one of 
the leading houses of Pontiac. The store build- 
ing is 20x130 feet, and for manj' years has been 
well known in Oakland County as "The Beehive." 
The upper floor is used as a show room for car^jcls 
and cloaks, while the firm carry a large and well- 
selected stock of dr^'-goods. From his long ex- 
l)erience in business and his extensive acquaintance 
in city and country Mr. Pound has secured a large 
trade, and since 1888, when he took his brother, 
Mr. James Pound, as partner, he has received the 
active co-operation of the latter. 

A native of England, Mr. Pound was born in 
the village of Etchilhampton, Wiltshire, March 1, 
1842, and is the second son of John and Charlotte 
(Chamberlain) Pound. His parents, with their three 
sons, came to the United States in 1857, land- 
ing at New York City and thence coming to 
Pontiac, where both parents died, the father in 
1858 and the mother in 1878. Both arc interred in 
the family lot in Oakhill Cemetery. The subject 



892 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of tliis sketch received his education in his native 
counti-y and upon his anivnl in Pontiac at once 
sought and obtained remunerative emploj-raent in 
business houses, liaving proved himself in every 
way qualified for positions of trust. He began his 
mercantile career b3- clerking in tlic dry-goods store 
of William Robertson, a Scotchman and an early 
settler here, who died but a few years since. 

After remaining in this position three years, Mr. 
Pound entered the employ of Mr. Thomas Turk, for 
whom he worked two years. Next he entered the 
banking house of Comstock & Stout, which after- 
ward was merged into the First National Bank of 
Pontiac and where he was book-keeper and teller 
eight years. Jn 1808 he made a visit to England, 
where be spent a |)leasant summer, having been 
absent eleven years. In the same year he mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth INI. Turk, the eldest daugh- 
ter of Tiiomas and Maria Turk, old settlers of Pon- 
tiac and represented elsewhere in this volume. 
After marriage Mr. Pound took charge of the busi- 
ness of Mr. Turk's establishment, while that gen- 
tleman spent one year in England. 

In 1870 Mr. Pound embarked in business for 
himself, going into partnership with Henry Law- 
rence under the firm name of Pound & Lawrence. 
This connection continued two years, when Mr. 
Lawrence sold out his interest and removed to 
Minnesota. Afterward Mr. Pound was in business 
alone until he formed a partnership with his 
brother in 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Pound are the 
parents of seven children, namely: Charlotte, 
Maude, Mabel, Reginald, Herbert, Arthur and Har- 
old. Their pleasant home on the corner of Huron 
and Perry Streets is modern in architecture and 
delightfully situated. All members of the family 
belong to Zion Episcopal Church, and Mr. Pound 
is filling the office of Senior Warden, which he lias 
held seven j'ears. In this connection we may add 
that Mr. Pound has copies of records from the 
registers of his father's native Parish in Wiltshire, 
England, and on the first page of the first register 
of that Parish we find tiiat Michael Pound was one 
of the wardens thereof in A. D., 1591. That is 
just three hundred years ago, and now the subject 
of this sketcii is wanlen of his church in Pontiac 
in this year of ijrace, 1801, tlius filling the same 



office that his ancestor did in his day in his Parish 
in England. 

Mr. Pound possesses many pliotographs of beau- 
tiful old places, among which is, the church in Eng- 
land where he was baptized, also tlie ciiurch in 
which his mother was botli baptized and married, as 
well as the one in which Mrs. Pound's parents were 
married and where her mother's ancestors are bur- 
ied. All of these are venerable structures and 
have well withstood the test of time and the wear 
and tear of ages past and gone. 

Mr. Pound has caused to be placed in Zion 
Episcopal Church at Pontiac an "Li Memoriam" 
window to his parents, both of whom, .is above 
stated, died in Pontiac. The inscription tliercon 
reads "John Pound, Sen'r, obit 1858 & Char- 
lotte, his wife, obit 1878." A full grown [lalra 
tree spreads its branches throughout the entire 
window, and scroll work extends entirely across it. 
The test is taken from the Common Prayer Book 
version of the Psalms: ''The righteous shall flour- 
ish like a palm tree," and the whole is the humble 
testimony of Mr. Pound to the worth of ids de- 
parted parents, whose memorj- he ever holds in 
most affectionate remembrance and esteem, as well 
for their quiet, jjeaceable and tranquil lives, as for 
their ever blessed, pious and Christian example. 
The windows in this Holy House are now all "in 
memoriam," erected to the glory of God by various 
parishioners as well as to the loving memory' of 
departed relatives and friends. "Their children 
rise up and call them blessed." 



Vy) OHN W. PERRY, a well-known and intelli- 
' gent farmer of Groveland Township, was 

dborn in Walreth Township, Wayne County, 
^1 N. Y., August 3, 1834. His father, Abra- 
ham D., born in Hudson, Columbia County, N. Y., 
in 1795, w.as a son of Abraham D. Perry, also a na- 
tive of New York. The Perry family originated 
in America witli tlie three traditional brothers who 
came to this country about 1 080. One settled in Con- 
necticut, one in New Jerse}- and one in New York. 
From the latter our subject is descended. The 



PORTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



893 



grandfatlier of our subject was first cousin to the 
famous Commodore Oliver H. Perry, who com- 
manded the American forces at the battle on Lake 
Erie in the War of 1812. This grandfather was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War and lost a leg at 
the battle of Brandywine. In consequence of this 
disablement be was a pensioner till the day of his 
death. He passed away at a ripe old age at 
Hudson, N. Y. 

The fatlier of our subject early learned the trade 
of a machinist. He wag a natural born mechanic and 
was frequently emplo}"e<l to set up machinery in 
cotton mills. While thus employed one day, at 
the age of twenty years, in Milton. Saratoga Coun- 
ty, he was taken suddenly and violently ill and was 
thought to be dying. The girl employes of the 
mill stood around him and one more tender hearted 
than the rest imprinted a farewell kiss on his brow, 
saying that perhaps he had a sister at home for 
whom the kiss was given. The apparently dying 
3'outh opened his eyes with a grateful look. Either 
the kiss or iiis natural vigor revived iiim; here- 
covered and very appropriately carried out the 
romance by making tliis lovely girl his wife. 

Wlien about twenty-five years of age Mr. I'errj- 
settled on a farm in AVayne County, N. Y., as be 
found such woik more conducive to health than 
mechanical pursuits. He came to Michigan in Ma3', 
1836, and took up one hundred and sixty acres of 
Government land in Grovcland Township, upon 
which our subject now lives. His land was oak 
openings and was a perfect sea of wild flowers; 
when he first stepped upon it it looked like an Eden 
indeed, with the large oak trees, just leafing out 
and forming a canopy above the acres of floral 
beauty. Indian trails crossed his farm and Indian 
beggars came often to his door. One old chief fre- 
quently staid over night and slept by the large 
open fireplace. Tlie family trading wfis done at 
Detroit and Pontiac and venison formed the most 
common meat on their table. In 1850 he built the 
commodious frame house which now stands on this 
farm. It was then one of the best in this township. 
He died in 1851. He was a Whig in politics and 
served as Supervisor and Road Commissioner, helii- 
ing to la}' out some of the roads in the township. 

Martha AVood, the mother of our subject, was 



born at Milton, Saratoga County, N. Y., August 
12, 1798. She was the mother of eleven children, 
five of whom grew to maturity, namely; Mary A., 
(Mrs. Norrin,) Thomas W., John W., Abram D. 
and Frances A., (Mrs. ISIiller). The character of 
Mrs. Perry was one of great loveliness and decision. 
Slie was an earnest and devoted member of the 
Baptist Church. She had ever a pleasant smile, a 
kind word, or a friendly deed for all who met her, 
and was universallj' beloved. After the death of 
the father of our subject she married John Hadle}', 
a pioneer fieighbor, and moved to Holly, where she 
died in the year 1870. 

The matern.al grandfather of him of whom we 
write was Thomas Wood, a native of New York. 
When only fourteen years old he served in the 
Revolutionary War and had charge of signal 
lights which were burned on mountain tops to ap- 
prise Washington's arra^' of the movements of the 
enemy. He was a pensioner of the United States. 
In his later days he spent four years here on a visit 
to his children. He died at the homo of a son at 
Dexter, N. Y., at the very advanced age of ninety- 
seven years. 

Our subject was two j-ears olil when he came 
with his parents to Oakland County, and he has a 
vivid recollection of wild animals and other pio- 
neer experiences. Upon certain conditions which 
he fulfilled his father deeded to him the home farm 
where he now lives. He has now one hundred 
acres, most of it under cultivation. 

The marriage of Mr. Perry took place February 
14, 1856. His wife who bore the name of Sarah 
Downey, has been a life long blessing to the hus- 
band, being a genial companion and in every way 
a lady of fine attributes and excellent character. 
She was born in Groveland Township, this county, 
April 20, 1837, and is a daughter of Alex- 
ander and Jane (Hamilton) Downe}', pioneers 
of this township. The}- were both born in County 
Down, in the North of Ireland, and after their mar- 
riage came to America in 1833, making their new 
home in Genesee County, N. Y. They came to 
Oakland County, this State in 1836 and cleared a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres. They reared 
nine children, eight of whom are still living. The 
mother died in 1875 when sixty-eight years old. 



894 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Her husband survived until November 4, 1885, 
wiien he died fit the age of eigiit}'-three .years. 

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Perry have three cliildren, 
namely: Abraham 1). who married Laura Hoi ton. 
He is a joung man of unusual ability, being what 
is known as a natural genius. He is a blacksmith 
and farmer in Shiawassee Countj-; .lohu W. mar- 
ried Lillie Coventry. He is much like his brother 
in his character, and farms the home place; and 
Martha J., who resides at home and has taught 
school for twelve years. She is a very intelligent 
young woman. Mrs. Perr\' is a member of the 
Jlcthodist Church. Mr. Perry is a Republican in 
iiis politics and is an influential man, well-known 
and well liked. He has been Postmaster of Grove- 
land for ten j-ears ard was prominent In the organ- 
izalion of the Grange. He donated laud for the 
hall and was the presiding oflicer for tliree years. 



-^^ 



^^^EORGE NILES, one of the old citizens in 



ml (—— , years and in his knowledge of events in 
^^^4l county, is engaged in farming on sec 



this 
ty, is engaged in farming on section 
10, Troj' Township. He owns ninety acres of the 
old homestead and (ifty-five acres on section 15, 
and is carrying on the work of general farming 
with good success. He is an excellent judge of 
horses and one is sure to Gnrl on his estate some 
roadsters that travel well. He sold two horses which 
were disposed of soon afterward for $2,500. Mr. 
Niles was born at Painted Post, Steuben County, 
N. Y., May 27, 1820, and was but a year old when 
lie came to this county with his parents. His earl^' 
playmates were Indian bo3'S and the surroundings 
were so primitive that he was twelve years old be- 
fore he had a pair of shoes or a hat. There are 
few men living who can relate incidents which 
transpired under their personal observation at so 
early a period in tlie history of the Commonwealth 
as Mr. Niles, and a volume could be filled with 
wl;at he has witnessed and experienced in connec- 
tion with tlie growth of this section. 

Johnson Niles, father of our subject, was born at 
Burlington, A't., in 1794. and the same joar Rlioda 
Phelps was born ia M.assacluisetts. The couple 



were married in Pittsfield, that State, February 
15, 1815, and set up their home in Steuben County, 
N. v. In 1821 they came to this county via De- 
troit and made a location near Troy Corners. 'I'lie 
nearest while family lived thirteen miles away and 
the only path was an Indian trail. Mr. Niles had 
to cut his road to the Corners where a few years 
later he carried on a store. He traded with the 
Indians to get his first money and lived for some 
time in a log house with a bark loof. By slow de- 
grees, necessitating arduous toil, he improved the 
farm, and when the country became a little better 
settled he carried on his mercantile pursuits and 
bought and sold stock. He was Postmaster at Troy 
Corners twenty-five years and was Justice of the 
Peace thirty years. He served as a member of 
the Legislature five terms and was in the Senate 
two 3'ears. He held a very prominent position in 
the county and his name is inscribed on the arch- 
ives of the State and well known to all who are 
familiar with the history of this section. He was 
a Ro\'al ArchJLason, and when he died in 1872 his 
funeral was conducted by the fraternity. As it was 
the first in the township where their beautiful serv- 
ice liad been used it attracted attention on that ac- 
count. Mrs. Niles died August 7, 1864. 

The famil3' of which George Niles is the j^oung- 
est child included another son and a daughter. 
The latter, Julia A., was born in Steuben C'ountj', 
N. Y., March 4, 1816, and married A. C. Luce, a 
prominent lawyer from Cooperstown. She died 
February 4, 1848. The second child was Orange 
Jay wdio was born September 29, 1818, and died 
April 12,1867. He never had but one arm. George 
Niles received his first schooling in a little log 
building in Troy Township and on the home farm 
he learned many useful lessons of conduct and 
moral principles. He spent twenty years of his 
life as a traveling salesman for the firm of Holmes 
& Co., dry -goods merchants in Detroit, and in 1870 
returned to the old homestead where he has re- 
mained. He has surrounded liimself with comforts 
and his home is pleasant and the farm su))plied 
with machinery and well stocked in everj' respect. 

Li 1843 Mr. Niles was married to Miss Laura F,. 
Hollister. a native of Weslfield. N. Y , who died 
after two short years of wedded life. She left a 



^ 



J/^w 




^^y^jL..^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



897 



son, George H., wljo is now with Turk Bros.,"gro- 
cerj' dealers in Pontiac. In 1846 Mi'. Niles was 
again married, liis bride being Helen F. Monroe, a 
native of Troy, N. Y., who died March 18, 1850. 
She had three children, but one died in infancy. 
Those who lived to mature j-ears are : Cora, now 
the wife of Charles E. Sagendorf, clerking for Dan 
L. Davis, a grocery dealer in Pontiac, and Helen, 
wife of George Partello, of Detroit. A third mar- 
riage was made b}' Mr. Niles Januar}' 20, 1851. his 
bride on this occasion being Jane A., daughter of 
Silas Sprague and his second wife, Amanda Bost- 
wick. Mr. Sprague came to this State in 1824 and 
was a prominent citizen of Troy Township. Polit- 
ically, he was a Whig. He died in 1868 at the age 
of eighty-four years and the mother of Jlrs. Niles 
passed awaj' iu 1851; she was born in Bristol, 
Conn. Mr. Sprague was twice married and had 
three sons and five daughters by his first marriage, 
and five daughters by his second marriage. Mrs. 
Niles was born in Troy Township October 14, 
1831. Her own children are Silas M., born in 
1852, who married Alice Foote, of Pontiac an<l is 
living in Tro^- Township; Rhobie, who vvas born 
in 1856, is unmarried and at home, and Jennie who 
was born in 1858 and died in 1865. 

While in Detroit Mr. Niles represented the Sec- 
ond Ward in the Common Council f(n' four years. 
He is a Mason and connected with the Blue Lodge 
in Rochester. He is a believer in and sui)porter of 
the principles of the Democratic parly. 



•^^- 



,OWELL C. KILLAM. From the beginning 
agriculture has ranked among the most 
honored callings. Plarth is the gracious 
mother that sui)plie3 the needs of mankind, 
and the farmer belongs to the priesthood that in- 
tervenes between the Giver of all, and needy 
liuinaiiity. To this honored class belongs the gen- 
tleman whose biography is here outlined and 
whose portrait is presented on the opposite page. 
As a worthy fanner and successful stock-raiser of 
Addison Township, he enjoys the esteem of a large 
circle of aciiuaintances and is the owner of a pleas- 



ant estate which he" Has gained by his arduous 
exertions. At presetit he resides in the village of 
Leonard, where he has a fine large frame residence. 
AVlieatland Township. Monroe County, N. Y., 
was the native i)lace of Mr. Killam, and the date of 
his birth Ma}' 7, 1819. His father, Charles Killam, 
was a native of Pike County, Pa., and located in 
Monroe County, N. Y., in 1811, but sold his farm 
several years before his death and lived retired. At 
the time of his decease in 1859 he had leached the 
age of seventy-two years. He was a veteran in 
the AVar of 1812, and traced his ancestry to Scot- 
land. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah 
Bingham, was a Pennsylvania woman and sur- 
vived to reach the great age of ninety-two years. 
Five of the nine children born to Charles and Sarah 
Killam are still living, and of these our subject is 
the sixth in order of birth. 

After ava'iling himself of the common district 
schools, young Killam attended for three terms the 
academy at Wheatland. In 1843 he started West, 
and locating in Addison Township made his home 
on land which had been entered by his father in 
1835. Some of it was in Macomb County and it 
was parti}' improved. He found deer and bears 
abundant, and he killed a bear which was crossing 
the field in which he was plowing. The Tuckaloe 
tribe of Indians still lived in the township. 

The marriage of our subject took place in 1848. 
His bride, Margaret Fei'guson, was born in New 
York, and her parents came at an early day to this 
section. Four children, Jennie, Fi'ed, Lucy and 
Nettie, have gathered about their fireside and have 
now gone out to form homes of their own. Jennie 
married George Waterberry, who lives in Romeo 
and edits the Romeo Observer; Fred lives with his 
familj' at Milford, Mich., and is clerking in a store; 
Lnc}' married John S. Brown; John lives in Leon- 
ard and travels for J. F. Seibling & Co., manufac- 
turers of binders; Nettie is the wife of Geoi-ge 
Nettleton, who is general manager for McMillan & 
Co., iron manufacturers at Newbury, Mich. 

Mr. Killam is a Democrat in bis political prefer- 
ences. His s[)lendid property of sixteen hundred 
acres lies partly in Oakland County and partly- in 
Macomb County. In the fall of 1889 he erected a 
handsome house at Leonar-d, since which lime he 



898 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



has made his home in that village. He has been en- 
gaged in various kinds of business and for some 
years has traded in wool and has handled agricul- 
tural machinery extensively. He was in company 
with A. P. Brewer of Saginaw for a number of 
years in tlie lumber business, and in connection 
with the s.ime gentleman owned extensive property 
in Georgia. He also owned and operated a sawmill 
for several years. Together with P. "VV. Brewer he 
operated for eighteen years the watermill known as 
the Brewer and Killain mill. His principal prod- 
ucts on the farm have been in the line of wheat 
and wool, yet he has been an extensive stock-raiser. 



AVID L. CAMPBELL. The patronymic 
borne by this gentleman is well known in 
this county, where a number of reputable 
citizens bear it. None are more worthy of consid- 
eration than he whose name introduces these para- 
graphs, as he is a reliable citizen, a man of upright 
character and one of the most careful farmers in 
Royal Oak Township. He occupies a farm of nine- 
ty-two acres on sections 26 and 27, where he has 
first-class buildings of various kinds, the chief be- 
ing a brick house, put up iu 1879 at a cost of 
$3,000. Mr. Campbell is an apiarist, wilh thriving 
colonies of bees, from the care of which he gains 
pleasure as well as profit. 

The birthplace of Mr. Campbell was a farm in 
Oxford Township, and the date of his arrival on 
the stage of human ^ents, June 27, 1847. His 
parents are Welcome and Mary Jane (Cheney) 
Campbell, of whom mention is made elsewhere in 
this volume. Our subject remained with his father 
until 1870, receiving wages for two years. He 
then married and made his home on a farm of 
twenty-seven acres, which he had bought of his 
father. He lived there until 1879, when he Iniilt 
a residence on property he had purchased some 
time before in Royal Oak Township. This con- 
sisted of fifty-five acres on section 2G, to which he 
added twenty acres in 1884. He has made this 
place his home for some time, continuing the im- 



provement and surrounding himself with the com- 
forts of modern farm life. 

The marriage rites between Mr. Campbell and 
Miss Julia H. Benjamin were solemnized at the 
bride's home, March 10. 1870. Her parents are 
John and Ruth (Warner) Benjamin, natives of 
New York, who are mentioned at greater length 
in the sketch of John Benjamin, elsewhere in 
this volume. The children born of the happy 
union are six in number. Levi \Y. died in infancy; 
Charles B., J. William and Ruth A. cheer their pa- 
rents by their companionship; Welcome S. died 
when five jears old; John David, a lad of nine 
years, adds to the enjoyment of the household. 

Mr. Campbell is a stanch Republican and his first 
Presidential ballot was for U. 8. Grant. He has 
been Justice of the Peace and in that capacity has 
worked for law and order. He and his estimable 
wife have good standing in the Methodist E()isco- 
pal Cluuch and lie has been Steward and Trustee 
and Sunday-school Superintendent. He is a lib- 
eral contributor to church work and devotes time 
as well as means to the cause. 




I? ARUE C. DYE, who was born October 13, 
1829, in Middlesex County, N. J., and 
came with his parents to Michigan when 
only two years old, lived in this State till he w.as 
sixteen years old and then returned East. He went 
to New York City and learned the trade of a brick- 
mason, being an apprentice for three years under 
his uncle, Samuel Longstreet. After he had served 
his time he worked at his trade for a number of 
years, and then went into business for himself as a 
builder, in which occupation he was very success- 
ful. He spent the remainder of his life in the 
great Eastern metropolis. 

This gentleman was married to Margaret H. 
VanSchoick of Trenton, N. J., upon JLay 12, 1852. 
They were closely united in domestic harmony and 
in Christian faitli, being both members of the Pres- 
byterian Church, where he was one of the trustees 
for a number of years and Chairman of the Board 
for six years, continuing in that office up to the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



899 



time of his death. In the erection of the new and 
elegant house of worship of tlie church with which 
he was connected he was very active and energetic, 
and being a builder by trade the entire direction and 
supervision of the stone and bricli masonry was in- 
trusted to him. He carefully inspected and con- 
trolled the whole work from the deepest foundation 
to the topmost keystone, mid those who saw the 
groundwork laid and the superstructure reared, 
were impressed with the thought that centuries to 
come will testify to his judgment, skill and faith- 
fulness. All his supervisory work was performed 
gratuitously, and he gave to the church no small 
portion of his time for two j'ears without any com- 
pensation. He died April 6, 1877, leaving one 
daughter, Martha R. Dye, and his loss will long be 
felt in the community where Lis example liad ever 
been worthj^ to follow and full of inspiration to 
those who aspire to goodness and thoroughness in 
their life work. 



^- »^-^°^ '-> 




>' 



NDREW J. CROSBY, Jr., a prominent 
farmer and honored veteran of the Civil 
lli War, was born in DeRuyter Township, 
Madison County, N. Y., and was four years 
old when he came to Michigan with his parents in 
1844. Ills father, Andrew J. Crosby, Sr., was born 
June 13, 1815, in Columbia County, N. Y., and 
was a farmer by occupation. He was a son of 
TertuUus Crosbj- who was born February 2, 177.5, 
and died September 14, 1874. The mother of our 
subject bore the maiden name of Lurania W. Miles. 
She was a native of Homer, Cortland County, 
N. Y., and was born June 24, 1817. Her father 
was I'bilo Miles, a native of New York. 

The parents of our subject were married in New 
York April 19, 1838 and resided there until they 
came to Michigan, in 1844. Here they settled in 
Livonia, Wayne County, upon an unbroken tract 
of land in the heavily timbered region. In 1855 
they sold out and removed to Farmingtou Town- 
ship, where they took an improved farm. In 1865 



they removed to Troy Township and in 1881 re- 
tired from active life and made their home in 
Clarkston. He was bereaved of his wife by death 
June 19. 18G3 and his second marriage, which was 
with Mary Jane Roberts, took place June 25, 1805. 
One child blessed this union but died when one 
year old. The two sons of the first marriage were 
Andrew J. Jr., our subject, born September 9, 1840, 
and Tertullus M. born May 4, 1847. 

The parents were active workers in the church 
and the father was both Trustee and Treasurer for 
many years. Mr. Crosby took an active interest 
in local politics, and his political progression was 
first Whig, then Free Soiler, and lastly a Republi- 
can. He was at one time Township Clerk of Li- 
vonia, Wayne County and Supervisor in the same. 
He was Justice of the Peace in Farmingtou Town- 
ship and took an active part in temperance move- 
ments in the earlj' days, being a prominent mem- 
ber of the Washingtonian Society of Waj-nn 
County. 

The subject of this sketch attended the district 
school in Wayne County and afterwards in Far- 
mington Township and took a course at thu State 
Normal at Y'psilanti. He was also graduated from 
Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Detroit in 
1860 and at once took a position as assistant teacher 
in this school until the breaking out of the Civil 
War called him away from scenes of peace to the 
battlefield. He enlisted April 17, 1861, in Com- 
pany A, First Michigan Infantry and was the first 
private on the rolls in the State of Michigan. His 
regiment was organized at Detroit and was mus- 
tered into the United States service May 2, at Ft. 
Wayne, Detroit. It was sent on to Washington, 
I). C. May 13, and was the first regiment that 
passed through Baltimore after the riot, at the 
time the Massachusetts troops were fired upon. 
Tliey were then sent to Alexandria and he saw the 
bod}' of Col. Ellsworth after death. They received 
some drill and were put upon guard duty and had 
some light skirmishes at Falls Church and Clouds 
Mills. He served his term of three months and 
was mustered out August 8. His brother Teriullus 
served in Company B, Tenth Michigan Cavalry 
all through the war and was with Gen. Sherman's 
army on its celebrated march to the sea. This 



900 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



brotlier married Cornelia Otto and makes his home 
in Ivichmoiul, Va., where he is a contractor ami 
builder. lie is the father of five children. 

After our subject returned to the old homestead 
he put in his time helping upon the farm, but he 
was suffering from the effects of disease contracted 
in the army and was not able to do much tliat sea- 
son, lie taught school more or less for tweuty 
j'ears. Ilis marriage in whicli he was united with 
Mar}' 15. Smith took place December 31, 18G2. This 
lady is a daughter of Calvin and Eleanor (Diirfee) 
Sinitli. Mr. Smith was a native of Vermont where 
he was born in 1809 and his wife was born in New 
York in 1812. He came to Not! Township in 
1830 and was married here in 1832. After mar- 
riage they settled upon the farm now occupied by 
our subject. His wife was taken from his side by 
death, April 27, 1863, and his second marriage was 
contracted with Mrs. Roxana Harvey, who now sur- 
vives him, Mr. Smith having died in March, 1884. 

Mis. Crosb}- was born September 20, 18 12, on the 
farm winch is still her home. She attended the 
district school in this neighborhood and was also a 
student of the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, 
after which she taught in this count}'. After mar- 
riage thej' lived for a year at the old Crosby home- 
stead. They then went to St. Johns, Clinton 
County, in the spring of 1 864 and there Mr. Crosby 
engaged in teaching. After a residence of seven 
years there he taught two and one half 3'ears at 
Lyons, Ionia County. They then returned to this 
farm where they have remained ever since with 
the exception of two years at Pontiac where Mr. 
Crosby engaged in the mercantile business. Their 
ciiildren are 15ertha I., born June 21, 1872, and 
Flora N., born January 18, 1879; an infant, Lena 
A., died when quite young. Mr. and Blrs. Crosbj' 
are giving to their children a first class education 
and Miss Bertha is already a delightful performer 
upon the piano. The family attend ami support 
the Universalist Church at Karmington. The 
home farm consists of eight}- acres, most of which 
is well improved. He has built excellent additions 
to both residence and barn and with liis general 
farming carries on a dairj- and fruit business. 

Mr. Crosb_y has been a member of the local 
School Board and has always taken an interest in 



polities, affiliating with the Republican party. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs 
to Farmington Lodge, No. 151. He is a member 
of the Grange and has held all the ofi3ces in that 
organization. He is now the lecturer of the State 
Grange of Michigan, and has alwajs been an ar- 
dent advocate of temperance. 



3^ 



\|p^ETKR SCHMITZ. This active and enter- 
prising citizen began his career in Pontiac 
without means and by dint of industry 
economy and close application has risen to a 
position of financial solidity. He is engaged in 
the sale of drugs and groceries and is one of the 
most popular business men in the city. His store 
is centrallv located, contains a well selected and 
carefully assorted stock, including drugs, medi- 
cines, oil, paints and groceries. The visitors to 
this establishment will meet with courtes}- and be 
given square dealing and honest treatment. 

Mr. Schmitz is a native of Germany, born in the 
village of Kaltenborn, County Adenau, December 
2, 1844, and is the eldest son and tliinl child of 
John and Mary Ann (Schumacher) Schmitz. Ilis 
father was an hotel-keeper and tailor. He died 
when the son of whom we write was but eighteen 
months old and the mother subsequently married 
Joseph Hermes, to whom she bore two children. 
She and her husband emigrated to the I nited 
States in 1872 and are now living in South Dakota. 
She has reached a good old age, having been born 
in 1814. 

Peter Schmitz entered school when five and a 
half j'cars old and carried on his studies until he 
was fourteen. He then learned the trade of a 
baker, serving an apprenticeship lasting three 
3'ears. In 1865 he entered the Prussian army and 
served three years, when he had his arm broken. 
On his recovery from the injury he was employed 
by the (Tovernmcnt in the mail service eighteen 
months. He had made u)) his mind to leave his 
native land and seek his fortune in America, and 
in the sjtring of 1869 he crossed the Atlantic to 
New York Cit}-, whence he came direct to this 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



903 



State. He traveled from Detroit to Pontiac and 
here found employment in a brewery, gladly ac- 
cepting work, as his means were entirely exhausted. 

Mr. Schniitz worked in the brewery a year, then 
engaged in d raying, to wiiich business he devoted 
iiis time faithfully until 1870, when he began work 
in the drug store of Dean & Hovey. He remained 
with the firm twelve years, then bought the entire 
stock and continued the business alone at the old 
stand. During his early years here Mr. Schniitz 
was careful in his expenditures and he has in all 
business affairs shown a degree of tact and enter- 
prise that has given him success. He now has a 
considerable amount of property, including a pleas- 
ant residence on Park Street. He takes no special 
part in political workings other than to deposit his 
ballot on election day and keep himself informed 
regarding the issues that are agitating the people. 
He is a staunch Democrat. 

The marriage of Mr. Scbmitz and Miss Caroline 
Borer was solemnized in Pontiac, January 21, 1873, 
ar.d has been followed b}' mutual happiness. Mrs. 
Schmitz was born in Switzerland and their parents 
belonged to the German speaking population of 
that republic. She and her husband have four 
children, Frank C, Ada M., Lottie T. and Anna 
E. The son is now with his father in the store. 






c:qr^=i 




l?ATHER JAMES A. HALLY, p.astor of St. 



Mary's Church at Milford,and of St. Mary's 
at Northville and Wayne, is a faitliful 
shepherd over the three flocks to which he was 
sent in the summer of 1889. Since he came to 
Milford he has bought the rectory and rei)aiied it, 
and the financial affairs of the church are as satis- 
factory as the size of the congregation and sur- 
rounding circumstances warrant. 

The grandfather of our subject was James Hally, 
a native of Ireland, and a well-to-do farmer in 
County Tipperarj'. In later years he came to 
America and his last days were spent in Detroit. 
His son, Patrick, the direct progenitor of Father 
Hall3-, bade adieu to his native land when seven- 
teen years old, crossed the Atlantic and made his 



way to Detroit. There he became a practical 
molder and for a few years was in the employ of 
Jackson, Wiley & Co., foundrymen. Removing 
to St. Clair County, he entered one hundred and 
sixty acres of land in Wales Township, and began 
farming in pioneer style. He hewed out a home 
from the forest and still owns the projierty, which 
now bears valuable improvements. About 1870 
he rented his farm and located in Detroit whore he 
has a nice property. He is now on the city [lolice 
force. 

I'atrick Hally married Maria Quirk, who was 
born in County Tipperary, but lived in this coun- 
try from the age of four years. Her father, 
Michael (^uirk, a Count}' Tip|)erary man, was num- 
bered among the successful farmers of Monroe 
County, this State. During the Civil War he 
fought bravely in a Michigan regiment, and after 
the war he removed to St. Mary's, Pottawatomie 
County, Kan. Near that place he followed farm- 
ing a few years, but returned to this Slate and died 
at the home of his son-in-law, when seventy -seven 
years old. His daughter, Mrs. Hally, passed away 
in the fall of 1888, leaving four sons. Of the first- 
born further mention will be made below: Patrick 
J. belongs to the class of '91 in the department of 
law in the University' of Michigan; Maurice J., is 
attending a business college in Detroit; Thomas F. 
is studying in the Jesuit College in the same city. 
Father Hally was born at Wales Center, St. 
Clair County, August G, 18GG, but his youth was 
principally spent in Detroit. He attended and was 
graduated from the parochial schools, then entered 
the Jesuit College, where ho continued his studies 
three years. When that period had elapsed he be- 
came a student in the Assumption College at Sand- 
wich, Canada, being graduated in 1885. when not 
yet nineteen, after having taken the classical and 
philosophical course. He was the youngest gradu- 
ate there. He then began the study of theology 
in St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Md., and 
after two years in that institution completed his 
course in St. Francis Seminary in Monroe, this 
State. 

The ordination of Father Hally to the jiriest- 
hood occurred August 18. 1889, at his home parish 
St. Vincents, Detroit, aiid was conducted by Bishop 



904 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




Foley. He came at once to his [present cbarge. 
He is a member of the Catholic Mutual Benefit As- 
sociation and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. 
When the polls are open he casts a Democratic bal- 
lot. Amid the arduous duties that devolve upon 
him as a priest in charge of tliree bodies of com- 
municants, he still finds time for readin-? and 
study, and for social intercourse with his own peo- 
ple and other friends. 

In connection with this biographical notice ap- 
pears a lithographic portrait of Father Hally. 



JEORGK F. HUNTER, M. D. It is the 
_ glory of our country that industrious and 
capable men should so abound ; not all equally 
distinguished, it is true, but all animated alike by 
the noble spirit of self-help. They furnish proofs, 
if proofs were needed, of the ability of the Amer- 
ican citizen to take advantage of the slightest op- 
portunity and attain the loftiest results in the way 
of advancing the arts and sciences. Attention, per- 
severance and moral character are the foundations 
of success in business and social life, and he who 
would be called, in the best sense of that word, a 
successful man, must possess these qualifications. 
Dr. Hunter, by inheritance and self-culture, is the 
possessor of the noble character and stirring busi- 
ness nature which bring in their turn prosperity. 
As ft prominent physician and a public-spirited cit- 
izen, his biography deserves the especial attention 
of the reader. 

Dr. Hunter belongs to a notable family of phy- 
sicians and surgeons of English descent. In a di- 
rect line he is descended from Dr. John Hunter, of 
Scotch parentage, who had a professorship of anat- 
omy in a London Medical College. He lived du- 
ring the greater portion of the eighteenth century, 
having been born in 1728 and died in 17'.)3, and is 
the English pathologist whose medical works were 
English authority for many years. His brother 
■William was also a noted physician and surgeon. 
It will thus be seen that our subject comes of dis- 
tinguished ancestry; he is the great-nephew of Dr. 
Jardinc of former East India fame, and is closely 



connected with man^' men whose influence has 
been world-wide. 

In Perth County, the Province of Ontario, Can- 
ada, Dr. Hunter, of this sketch, was born Septem- 
ber 13, 1849, and is therefore in the prime of life 
at present (1891), with fair prospects of many 
years of future usefulness and honor. His parents, 
John and Susan (Jardinc) Hunter, were natives of 
Scotland, and arrived in St. Mary's, County Perth, 
Province of Ontario, Canada, in Jul}', 1849. The 
father was inspector of masonry on the Grand 
Trunk Railroad during its construction, and after- 
ward held the same position on the Inter-Colonial 
Railroad while it was being constructed. His life 
was tiiroughout a striking illustration of the power 
of patient purpose, and he achieved considerable 
success, becoming the owner of extensive property 
in the county where he resided. He and his estim- 
able wife were stanch Presbyterians and continued 
in Canada during the remainder of their lives. 
They passed away, 

"Leaving no memorial but a world 
Made better by their lives." 

The children born to John and Susan Hunter are 
as follows: David J., a physician and mathematical 
and science master in Madoc, Ontario; William C, 
an engineer on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Rail- 
road ; James, an artist in Detroit; our subject, 
Janet, now Mrs. A. Chatterton of Essex Center, 
Ontario, Canada, and John R., (deceased). The 
subject of this sketch spent his early school-days 
in the High School at St. Mary's, Ontario, which 
he left at the age of eighteen years to leach in the 
public schools, having passed the examination of 
the County Board of Examiners and received a 
teacher's certificate. For four years he taught in 
Ontario, being the principal of the Trowbridge 
Public School and other schools. 

While ho was following the profession of a teacher, 
our subject studied medicine and was graduated in 
1869. He immediately commenced the practice of 
his profession with his brother in Ontario. In 1877 
he came to Clyde, Mich., where he soon gained a 
practice extending to Holly. He became well ac- 
quainted in the latter place, which he liked so much 
that in the winter of 1878 he removed hither. In 
1880 he attended the Medical College at Buffalo 



PORTRAIT AND B10GRA.PHICAL ALBUM. 



905 



N. Y., of which institution he is a graduate. He 
belongs to the State Medical Society, the Ameri- 
can Medical Association, the Alumni Association 
of the University of Buffalo, N. Y., the College of 
Pliysicians and Surgeons, Ontario, Canada, and is 
Medical Examiner of the Order of Chosen Friends 
in this village. 

In 1876 the Doctor was united in marriage with 
Miss Mattie C, daughter of William Sanagan of 
London, Ontario, Canada. One child, Anna L., 
now (1891) thirteen years of age, has blest this 
happy home. Dr. Hunter is deeply interested in 
all matters of public interest, and has contributed 
largely to the prosperity of Holly. Socially he is 
an acceptable member of the order of Masonry, 
the Knights Templar and the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, and politically votes the Republican 
ticket, believing the principles of that party best 
adapted to the welfare of the people. 



-^ 




lENJAMIN SMITH, a farmer of Commerce 
Township, is the son of Pierce Smith, ana- 
f»l9))li ^^^^ of Luzerne Count}', Pa., where he was 
born in 1794. His wife was Ada Jenkins, 
a native of the same eountj-, where she was born in 
1800. After marriage the}' continued to reside in 
Pennsylvania, until April, 1857, when they came 
to Michigan and settled in this township on an im- 
proved farm. Mr. Smith cleared up the land and 
built a house and barn. He was bereaved of his 
wife in 1866 and survived her until 1884. She was 
an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He was a Republican in poli- 
tics and a man of strictly temperate habits. Three 
of their five children are still living, our subiect, 
Fannie (Mrs. A. A. Church), and John J. Smith. 

Luzerne County, Pa., was the birthplace of our 
subject, who first saw the light April 2, 1820. He 
resided in his native county until he was forty 
years old. He began for himself at twenty-two 
years of age, renting a farm for two years and then 
purchasing one, which he carried on for sixteen 
years. In 1859 he came to Michigan and settled 



on the land where he now resides. AVhen he 
took it ii was already partly improved. He fin- 
ished the work of clearing it and taking oft" the 
slumps, built a barn and repaired and improved 
the house. Most of his two hundred and eighty- 
seven acres are improved. He carries on general 
farming, but makes a specialty of blooded colts. 
The marriage of our subject took place in Pennsy 1- 
' vania, February 10, 1842, when he was united with 
Minerva, daughter of Theophilus and Elizabeth 
(Smith) Earned. Mr. Earned was a native of Con- 
necticut and his wife of Pennsylvnnia. They were 
highly esteemed and respected in their home in 
Luzerne Count}-, where they died. Mr. Earned 
departed this life in 1872 at the age of eighty-one 
years and his wife at the age of eight^'-three died 
in 1887. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. She 
was long a member of the Christian Church and in 
his later years he also jirofessed his faith in the re- 
ligion of Christ. Ten of their twelve children are 
still living. 

Mrs. Smith was born January 26, 1820, and re- 
ceived a good common-school education. She be- 
came the mother of eight children and has had the 
happiness of seeing air hut one live to the present 
time. They are named as follows: Ada E., wife 
of Hiram J. Hoyt of Muskegon, they have one 
child; Frances E.. wife of Albert Cummings of 
Wixom, they are the parents of one child; John 
H. and Hyde J. are twins. The former married 
Delia Clutz and with his wife and one child lives 
in Detroit. The latter married Louisa Smith and 
lives on this section with his wife and six children; 
George P. married Agnes Hann and with his wife 
and one child resides at Bay Citj'; Riler T. was 
married to Ilattie Caster and they reside in Com- 
merce Townshii, they have four children ; . Eudora 
L., the wife of Elmer J. Rice and mother of two 
cliildren lives at New Hudson. All of the sons 
and daughters have received a good education and 
their mother has trained them in the faith of the 
Metho<list Church. 

Benjamin .Smith is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity at Commerce. Li this organization he has 
filled several chairs and has been Treasurer. In 
former days he was a member of the Independent 
I Order of Odd Fellows. He is always keenly inter- 



906 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ested in the discussion of political questions and is 
frequently a delegate to Demouratic conventions. 
While living in I'ennsylvania he wiis Supervisor of 
his township. His temperate life has aided his 
naturally vigorous constitution and now having 
reached the age of seventy-two years he is hale, 
hearty and active. 



- ooo 



^LLEN CAMPBELL, a v.ell known and 
®/y I highly respected citizen of Groveland 
li Township, was born in Stockport, Colum- 
bia County, N. Y.. November 25, 1837. 
His father, Allen Campbell was born in Aberdeen, 
Scotland, where he w.as married before coming to 
America. He was a machinist by trade and 
■worked in a cotton mill in Paterson, N. J. He 
came here in 183.5 and settled in this township, 
taking up Government land and building a log- 
cabin. He liad one hundred and sixt^^ acres which 
b}' hard work lie converted from a wilderness to a 
flourishing farm. He drove «n ox-team to Detroit 
to do his trading. He was an old school Presbyter- 
ian and a Whig in politics and lived to be sixty- 
five years old. His wife, Mary Gray, was born 
in Aberdeen, Scotland. She reared to maturity 
nine of her twelve children, and brougiit them up 
in the Presbyterian faith, dying after having 
reached three-score years of age. 

The subject of this sketch was only eight montiis 
old when he came to Michigan with hispaients. Li 
1843 be returned to New York and lived with his 
uncle, John Campbell, until 1853. There he 
attended the district school and was reared on the 
farm. He returned in 1853 to the West, and after 
raarrj-ing he made his new home on the farm where 
he now resides. His wedding w.is December 2, 1858, 
and his bride Ada Ritchey, born in Groveland 
Township, this counts-. Fire children blessed their 
union, namely : Anna, married to William Buck- 
le^', a farmer in this township; Ada, the wife of 
John Joslln, who lives in Holly Township; Clarence 
who married Fannie Arnold and resides in this 
township; Lizzie, who resides at home; Frennie 



is at home also. The mother of this family died 
March G, 1888, her loss being mourned b}' many 
friends as well as by her family. 

Our subject contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, April 30, 1890, the bride being Mrs. 
Minnie (Narrin) Phipps. Mrs. Campbell had by her 
former husband three children as follows: Arteraus, 
Alice and Eugene, all living in this town. 

Mr. Campbell enlisted in the Civil War April 
11, 1865, in Company E. Third Michigan Infantry. 
He was mustered in at Pontine and sent to Nash- 
ville, Tenn. He encountered the enemy at Deca- 
tur, Ala., and then returned to Nashville. He was 
sent to New Orleans, and wintered at San Antonio, 
Tex. He was mustered out at Galveston, April 
11, 1866, returned home and engaged in farming. 
He has seventy acres of land here, sixty-two of 
which are under cultivation, upon which he r.iises 
all kinds of grain and is quite a stock-breeder. Mr. 
Campbell is a member of J. B. McPherson Post No. 
183, G. A. R., at Holly. 



-^s-.^- 



■^AMES PENDERGAST. For forty years 
this gentleman has been located in White 
Lake Township,carrying on general farming, 
and of late he has devoted considerable 
attention to breeding horses. His home is on sec- 
tion 25, and his farm consists of one hundred and 
six acres. He hewed down the trees that once 
covered his track, removed the stumps and broke 
the soil, and year by year increased the acreage 
under cultivation. He also put up good buildings, 
increasing the number from time to time, as need 
arose. Mr. Pendergast is a stonemason by trade, 
but it has been many j-ears since he paid much 
attention to this handicraft. 

Our subject is a grandson of one Thomas Pen- 
dergast, whose entire life was spent in the Emerald 
Isle and who reared a family of seven children. 
The eldest son was Patrick, who, after growing to 
manhood, married Ellen Keating. The family 
born to this good coui)le consisted of Tliomas, 
Joanna, Jane, Mar3- and Patrick. 'J'he father was 




^OA^ ?^^y9. 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



909 



a farmer. He died in tlie Emerald Isle early in 
the 'oOs. His son James wns born November 23, 
1820, and remained in his native land until 1849. 
He then came to tliis country and for a year 
labored in New York. Thence he came West and 
selecting White Lake Township, this county, as a 
favorable locality in which to locate, he took pos- 
session of a farm of sixty-six acres. To this he 
afterward added forty acres and here he has car- 
ried on the work before noted. He votes the 
Democratic ticket and has done so since be became 
an American citizen. 

In April 1855, the marriage of James Pender- 
gast and Catherine Crotly was solemnized in White 
Lake Township. The bride was born in Ireland, 
Ma3' 27, 1827. Mrs. Pendergast is a capable, in- 
telligent woman, who shows gi'eat interest in the 
welfare of her family and the progress of her chil- 
dren, intellectually and morally. She has borne her 
husband seven sons and daughters named respect- 
ively : I'atrick, Mary, Catherine, Ellen, James, and 
Julia (twins) and Margaret. The last named is 
deceased. Mary and Julia are now in Pontine and 
Catherine is at the convent of the Good .SlK'|)herd 
in St. Louis, Mo. Patrick, Ellen and James brighten 
the parental hearthstone by their presence. 




'(I^ AVID M. DOTY, a marble and granite 
jjj dealer in SouthKeld, was born in Toledo, 
"^^ Ohio, May 14, 1840. His father, Phi- 
lander N., was a native of New York, 
where he carried on a business in woolen manufac- 
tory. He also pursued the same business in Toledo, 
Ohio, where he died in 1844. His wife was before 
her marriage Margaret M. Laha, a native of France 
where she was born December 1, 1804. She was 
but fourteen ^ears old when she came to this, coun- 
try, and was united in marriage with Mr. Doty in 
New Y'ork. 

Our subject was one of six children of the paren- 
tal family. Frank E. was a private in the first Ohio 
Batter}- and served through the Civil War; Charles 



H., enlisted in Company C, Thirty-first Ohio In- 
fantry ; Nelson P., the oldest brother was not in the 
war; the daugliter and one son died young. After 
the death of Mr. Dot}', the mother of our subject 
married Avery Brown. From this union there 
was one son born, Avery. He was a drummer boy 
in the army of the Cumberland, and was the 
youngest enlisted soldier in the rebellion. He was 
mustered into service at the age of eight years, 
eleven months and thirteen daj's at Camp Chase, 
Columbus, Ohio, August 18, 1861, in Company C, 
Thirty-first Oiiio Infantry, and served nearly two 
years. 

The first schooling of David Doty was in an old 
Catholic Church in Toledo. When about nine 
years old he went to Dayton, Ohio, with his mother 
and step-father,'and attended school there ; at the 
nge of twelve he went to Delphos, Ohio, where he 
remained until 1857. He then went to Cincinnati 
where he learned marble cutting and carving. 
Later he engaged in business in this line at St. 
Mary's, Ohio, with a brother until July, 1862, when 
he enlisted in Compati}- D, One Hundred and Eigh- 
teenth Ohio Infantry. After eight m<iuths he was 
promoted from the ranks of a private, to the com- 
mission of a Second Lieutenant, and afterward to 
that of First Lieutenant and finally received a 
Captaincy. He was mustered out of service July 
10,1865, having taken part in the following en- 
counters: Mossy Creek, Siege of Knoxvillc, with 
Sherman to Atlanta, the pursuit of Hood's Army at 
Nashville, Tenn., aud then to Washington across 
North Carolina and meeting with Sherman at 
Goldsboro. A month after his discharge from the 
army he had resumed his business of marble cut- 
ting at Elkhart, Ind., and there remained until he 
sold out and came to Michigan. 

Capt. Doty was married in Elkhart, Ind., in De- 
cember, 1870, to Emma Smith, a native of New 
Y'ork State, who was born March 8, 1848. Two 
daughters were sent to bless their home. The old- 
est, Leona, died at tlie age of three years. The sec- 
ond Olean M., is now attending school at Birming- 
ham. Mrs. Doty died February 26, 1888. Mr. 
Doty is a Republican and in 1884 filled the office 
of Township Clerk. He belongs to the Masonic 
order aud is a member of KedLrd Lodge No. 



910 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



152; Birniingliam Chapter No. 93; Ponliac Com- 
maiidery No. 2, K. T.,nii(l Marshall M. Beach Post 
G. A. R., No. 267. He is a Ihoroiigli man in his 
business, well liked and respected, and is doing a 
good lousiness, having the confidence of tlie people. 
A lithogra|ihic portrait of Mr. Doty appears in 
connection with tiiis brief personal review. 




\l^_^ 1;LSEY J. RUNDEL, a successful, promi- 
nent and well-lvnown business man of Pon- 
liac, was born in Crawford County. Pa., 
.June 13, 1836. His fatlier, Warren Rundcl, 
of Pennsylvania, came to Oakland County, Mich., 
in 1837 and located on the township line between 
Farmington and West Bloomfield. A few years 
later he purchased a farm near by, on which had 
been erected an old log hotel, in which he livei] 
until his death in 1870 at the age of sixt^'-three 
years. He was drummer in a company of militia 
in his early days and was the son of Ferris Rundcl, 
of New York who settled in Pennsylvania but 
came to Michigan in 1855 and made this his home 
until his death, at a ripe old age. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Emily Button. She was born in Connecticut 
and died at the age of eighty-two years in 1888. 
Of her seven children three sons are still living. 
Her son Hulsey, was only a babe when his parents 
removed to the Wolverine .State. He received his 
preliminary education in the log schoolhouse where 
lie sat upon ^lab seats. These were benches about 
twelve feet long, which the boys used to take out 
during winter "noonings" and turning them upside 
down, used them to slide down hill upon. 

At the age of sixteen the j'outh went to try his 
fortune in Chicago, and for two j'ears was a tire- 
man on the Chicago, Burlington & t^uincy Rail- 
road, running from Chicago to Aurora, one of the 
oldest branches of the railroad in this part of the 
country. He became tired of firing the engine and 
returning home, rented land for about three years 
and then bought his first farm on section 5, Pontiao 
Township, where he lived for several years. In 



1884 he sold this property and purchased a fine 
farm on section 20, where he has since lived, and 
which adjoins the corporation of Pontiac. The 
marriage of our subject in 1860, with Harriet 
Stanley, who was born in this county in 1839, 
brought him two children, Lizzie and Nellie. To 
both of them he gave a good education and Lizzie 
became a teacher. 

Our subject has ever been a thorough and con- 
scientious Republican in his political convictions 
and vote. He now owns one hundred and ninety 
acres, nine of which lie within the corporation of 
Pontiac. For ten j'ears he kept and raised thor- 
ough bred Durham cattle, and also Shropshire 
sheep. He is a member of the American Shrop- 
shjre Registrj' Association and takes great pride in 
his stock, having been a successful drover for 
nearly thirty years. He buys and ships stock to 
Eastern markets and has some fine standard-bred 
horses. He si)eut four years in business in Pontiac, 
carrying on a meat market. His success is a matter 
of interest to everybody who desires to study the 
possibilities of life in the Western worhl, as lie 
began without capital and has risen to his present 
financial success by force of his own energy and 
perseverance. 



-^m- 



i 



§ HOWARD BARNES, a patriotic son of 
^ his country, who under trj'ing circum- 
*^g^ stances showed the true metal of which he 
was made, was born April 24. 1843. He now re- 
sides in Royal Oak Township, where he has a fine 
farm and is also proprietor of a summer resort on 
Fighting Island, a little below Detroit, as well as 
being interested in the Sportsman Publishing Com- 
pany. His father, Thomas C. Baines, a banker 
and merchant at Mt. Sterling, K}-., and a native of 
Virginia, was born before the beginning of this 
century. He went to Kentucky when a boj' and 
began life as a clerk in a grocery store. 

In 1 832 the father of our subject married Emily 
A. Howard, who was born at Mt. Sterling. Ky., in 
1814, Sh« was the daughter of George and Ame- 








II 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



913 



lia C. Howard, both of whom wore natives of 
Maryland, but came to Kentucky at a very early 
day. Amelia was the third daughter and fiflh 
child in a family of ten, and her parents died at 
Mt. .Sterling at an advanced age. This family of 
Howards is in direct descent from the well-known 
English family of that name. Thomas C. Barnes 
shortly left the grocery business and engaged as 
cashier in a bank where he soon obtained an inter- 
est, and also carried on a business in the dry-goods 
trade. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and 
was a Whig and afterwards a Republican in politics. 
lie passed away in 1856 and his wife followed him 
nine years later. 

The subject of this sketch attended school at 
Mt. Sterling, Ky., and afterwards at the Pennsyl- 
vania Militarj' Academy, until the war broke out, 
when he joined the Home Guards in which he saw 
several engagements with volunteers who were 
on their way to the mountains of West Virginia to 
join the Confederate aimy. In 1862 he entered 
Company K, Twenty fourth Cavalry Regiment of 
Kentucky, under Captain Craig, and was in his 
company during two fights with John Morgan's 
men. He became Captain on Gen. Walker's Staff 
and Post (Juartermaslcr. 

After the war this young man engaged in busi- 
ness in Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1873, and then 
spent one year in Kansas City, Mo., whence he 
went to Galveston, Tex., spent nine jears in 
Indianapolis and then came to Michigan and set- 
tled in Detroit. In 1890 he bought the farm of 
ninety acres where he now spends a part of his 
time in Royal Oak Township. He is the fifth son 
and seventh child in a family of eight sons and 
two daughters. 

Matilda Gilchrist was the maiden name of the 
lady who presides over the home of our subject. 
She was born in February, 18;')?, and became the 
wife of Mr. Barnes in September, 1880. Her par- 
ents, David and Matilda (Potter) Gilchrist, are of 
English birth and still make their home in their 
native island. Mrs. Barnes is the second in order 
of birth in their family of nine children. Mr. 
Barnes' success in his business enterprises has been 
great and he understands financial management, as 
has been proven by his accumulation of property. 



His first Presidential vote was for Abraham Lin- 
coln and his last for Benjamin Harrison and be- 
tween these dates he has been a consistent mem- 
ber of the Republican party for which he li.as not 
hesitated to use his voice and induence. 

Mr. Barnes is a member of the Detroit Lodge of 
the Elks and has served as Exalted Ruler therein, 
as well as being a member of the Grand Lodge of 
the order. He is also a Knight of Pythias of the 
Myrtle Lodge of Detroit, and a member of the 
Ancient Order of Druids of that city. He is 
Treasurer of the Turkey Lake Shooting and Fish- 
ing Club which owns about five thousand acres in 
Alpena County, Mich. He comes of an excellent 
family and has proven again the old adage that 
"blood will tell." His consistent adherence to 
Union princi|)lcs and the old flag while living in a 
Confederate town has richly earned him the appre- 
ciation of every lover of our country. 



-^--^^^^^^t^^^^f^-^ 



"^^ L.HOWES, M. D. A conspicuous figure 
on the streets of the village of South Lyon 
is that of Dr. Howes, whose portrait is 
shown on the opposite page and who has 
been located here since early in the '70s. He has 
become widelj' and favorably known for his prac- 
tical skill as physician and surgeon, and in many a 
family he is held in luinor as the sjmpathizing 
friend and alleviator of distress. Hesecured a fine 
education and having much of the practical in his 
mini!, he was ready immediately after his gradua- 
tion to apply his learning to good purposes. He 
has retained the habit of study and observation, 
has given close attention to every subject which 
bears upon his profession, and parlicularlj' regard- 
ing the human form divine. Not only has he be- 
come well known in the town in which his office is 
located, but his fame has extended even beyond 
the limits of the county, and he is numbered 
among the most worthy of the members of the 
profession in Southeastern Michigan. 

Jonathan Howes, father of our subject, was a 
miller, millwright and farmer. He was born in 




914 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Norfolkshire, England, and after coming to Amer- 
ica spent ten years in Virginia, Georgia and Mary- 
land, building gristmills which were operated by 
windmill power. He tlien went back to liis na- 
tive land and was married to Hannah Watts, who 
bore him six daughters and five sons. Of this fam- 
ily Dr. Howes is the youngest, and there are tliree 
daugliters and four sons still living. Some time 
after his marriage Mr. Howes emigrated to Nova 
Scotia, later removed to New Brunswick and finally 
to Ontario, Canada. In County Halton In; bought 
three hundred and forty acres of wild land on 
wliich he built the first mill in that country. He 
carried -the castings on horsel>?.ck from Ancaster, 
about fifty miles away. He operated the mill and 
cleared and improved his land. He lived to the 
advanced age of ninety-six years, dying early in the 
'50s; liis wife passed away in 1863 when seventy- 
five years old. Mr. Howes had been a sailor for 
ten years before his marriage and was proficient in 
navigation and surveying and had a liberal edu- 
cation. He lielonged to the Conservative party. 

Dr. Howes was born in Canada in 183.5, his 
birthplace being the town of Trafalgar, County 
Halton. He attended school in the country and 
then went to the High School at Oakville and when 
his literary course was completed entered the To- 
ronto School of Medicine. He pursued his jiro- 
fessional course there one term, then clinnged to 
Philadeli)hia, Pa., and spent two years in close 
attention to therapeutical science in .lefferson Col- 
lege. He was graduated from that institution in 
1864 but the next \ear returned in order to review 
his studies, take post-graduate lectures and clinical 
work. After this preparation for [tractice he es- 
tablished himself in Oakville for a year, and in 
1866 came to this State and county. He opened 
an office in New Hudson. Lyon Township, which 
was the center of his practice for six years, after 
which he became a resident of South Lyon in the 
same township. 

Dr. Howes was married in 1875 to Miss Alice 
P. Batty, who was born in Dunville, Canada, in 
1840. Her father is James Batty and she is the 
younger daughter in a family consisting of two 
daughters and one sou. Doctor and Mrs. Howes 
have had but one child, a son who died in infancy. 



Mrs. Howes is a practicing phj'sician with an office 
in the city of Detroit. She was graduated in the 
Class of '82 in the Medical Department of the 
University at Ann Arbor, Mich. 

The Doctor takes no particular interest in poli- 
tics, but finds suliicient to occupy his time in pro- 
fessional study and practice, and in the social 
pleasures to which he is drawn. A man of more 
than ordinary intelligence, with a pleasant, manly 
bearing, he is looked upon with respect and has 
a prominent place among the citizens with whom 
his lot is cast. 



^— See 



,s-J#iU§e^^_ 




ON. JOSEPH H. IIOLMAN, born in 
Greeneastle, Franklin Count3', Pa., July 28, 

yy 1843, is a son of Jose|)h and Mary A. ( Loy ) 
((?)) Holnian, natives of Pennsylvania and 
JSLnryland, of English extraction. Joseph Ilulnian 
was a farmer and contractor who came to Michigan 
in 1850, and died in Rochester in 1874. His wife 
died in August, 1886. To them seven children 
have been born, four of whom are living, namely: 
Jacob L., William K., our subject and Margaret, 
now Mrs. lletsler of Rochester. 

After being brought up upon a farm our subject 
worked a while at carpentering and then enlisted 
July 0, 1802 in Company K, One hundred and 
Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Infantry, serving until 
June 29, 1803. During the second Bull Run fight 
he was at Fairfax Courthouse, guarding the stores. 
He was in the engagement at Anteitam and also at 
Snickers Gap, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville ai:d 
another engagement which took place after the 
expiration of his term of service. 

After this soldier was mustered out he engaged 
in the grocery trade in Ohio, but left the business 
in the luuids of a -brother and re-enlisted in the 
Mississippi Squadron in February 1864, serving on 
the Mississippi and Red Rivers. He served until 
August 29, 1805 and had the honor of taking pos- 
session of the rebel stores at Shreveport, La., upon 
the surrender of Gen. Kirby Smith. In 1805 he 
returned to his trade as a carpenter and millwright 





iy^^<u</ 



Tf^l 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



917 



at Ft. Wayne, Ind., llieiice to Springfleld, III., aurl 
iu 1866 came to Micliigan upon the same day tliat 
his father and family arrived from Pennsylvania. 
In 1869 he went to Missouri and tliere tngaged in 
insurance and lead business. He returned to !Miclii- 
gan in 1871 and continued reading law, which he 
had begun in Missouri, at the same time continuing 
his trade but finally making a specialty of bridge 
building. 

In 1878 Mr. Holman was admitted to the bar but 
in 1884 his practice was interrupted by his election 
to the State Legislature on the Fusion ticket, and 
two years later he was a candidate for Congress on 
the same ticket. As a Legislator he was tiie recipi- 
ent of higli praise from many newspapers in the 
Stale, many of them naming him as ''the orator of 
the House." Since his term in ilie Legislature he 
has 'devoted himself entirely to his professional 
work. lie has been identified with th? Republican 
party since 1888 but is considered a free lance 
politicall3-. His marriage in January, 1874, with 
Mary E. Ashb}' has given him four children, 
("■erlrude, Elva, .Joseiih and Ilattie. 




f/,-. ON. FRANKLIN B. CIALP.RAITH, M. 1)., 
whose portrait api)ears on the opposite page, 
was born in Sanilac County, Mich., near 
Port Huron, December 26, 1840. His en- 
tire life presents a striking example of persever- 
ance, diligence and untiring devotion to knowledge; 
he has always lieen an indefatigable worker, labor- 
ing not merely at work belonging to his own profes- 
sion, Imt also with the utmost eagerness seeking and 
storing knowledge purely for the love of it. The 
result of his unwearied labors has been the attain- 
ment of a prominent position among members of his 
profession, and financial prosperity. His experience 
iu life proves that most obstacles thrown in the way 
of advancement may be overcome by zeal, activity, 
and a determined resolution to surmount every 
difficulty and achieve the honors of success. 

Dr. Galbraith comes of substantial ancestry. His 
grandfather, John Galbraith, was born near Glas- 



gow, Scotland. His father. Dr. John Galbraith, 
was a native of Canada, who for manj' years lived 
in Sanilac County, and there died in 1880. The 
mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name 
of Nancy Humphry, was of Canadian birth and 
Irish descent. She passed away in 1878, two 3'ears 
prior to the demise of her husband. The parental 
family comprised seven children, only three of 
whom are now living. One son, A. G., was a sol- 
dier in the War of the Rebellion, and was Ca[)tain 
in the Twenty-second Michigan Infantry. He un- 
derwent all the horrors of war, was wounded in the 
battle of Chattanooga, and lay for seventeen months 
in Andersonville and Libby Prisons. Finally he 
came home on parole, but died soon afterward 
from the effects of his terrible ex[)erience. 

In his earl}- youth our subject attended the schools 
of the vicinity, and at the age of thirteen years 
clerked in a store. AVhen seventeen years old he en- 
tered the medical department of the State University 
at Ann Arbor, where he w.as graduated at the age of 
twenty-one j-ears. In 1860 he went to New York 
and attendefl the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons, graduating in 1861. Immediately after 
graduating he commenced the practice of his pro- 
fession at Lexington, this State, and continued 
there until October, when he was commissioned 
Assistant Surgeon of the Tenth Michigan Infantrj'. 
In April, 1862, he was sent into Tennessee. 

On account of failing health. Dr. Galbraith re- 
signed and returned to Port Huron, and there took 
charge of the practice of Dr. C. M. Stockwell, who 
went into the armj'. In 1863 Dr. Galbraith was 
appointed Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment 
with headquarters at Pontiac. He was afterward 
commissioned as Surgeon of the Thirty-first Regi- 
ment, which, however, did not go out as an organi- 
zation, but was broken into fragments which went 
to replenish other organizations already in the field. 
The Doctor was transferred to the Fourth Michigan 
Cavalry, and with them went to the front and par- 
ticipated in active warfare. When the war was 
nearly over, he resigneil his appointment, and com- 
ing home, located in Pontiac. Since settling here 
he has devoted bis undivided attention to his pro- 
fession, and has built up an extensive and lucrative 
practice. 



918 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The marriage of Dr. Galbraith and Miss Marie 
Smilli, of Pontiac, was solemnized in 1865. Mrs. 
Galbr.iith was born in the State of New York, but 
has passed almost her entire life in Oakland County. 
The union of the Doctor and his estimable wife has 
been blest by the birth of two children. Gr.-ice G. 
is a beautiful and accomplislied young lady; and 
Stewart S., who was graduated in June, 1891, from 
the military school at Orchard Lake. Mich., is now 
a student in the literary department of the Univer- 
?it3' of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. 

The Doctor is an honored member of the Slate 
Medical Society and the American Medical Society, 
and is a corresponding member of the Academj' of 
Medicine at Detroit. He was elected Mayor of 
Pontiac three times on the Republican ticket, and 
his intelligent and faithful discharge of the duties 
of that office reflected great credit upon himself as 
well as his constituents. His election was consid- 
ered by his friends as a great triumph, for the city 
was at that time very strongly Democratic. So- 
cially Dr. Galbraith belongs to Pontiac Lodge No. 
21, F. &. A. M., and the Loyal Legion. In 1889 
he was chosen State Senator from the Fourteenth 
Senatorial District on the Republican ticket, and 
is ever found faithful to the interests of the people 
whom he represents. His pleasant residence situ- 
ated on Perry Street is a large and substantial biick 
building, and is surrounded by extensive grounds 
handsomely laid out. 



#^ 




ARVEY J. CAMPBELL. Among the 
younger farmers of Oakland County may 
be mentioned Mr. Campbell, whose home is 
on section 23, Royal Oak Township, and 
who belongs to a family well known in the count3'. 
His property consists of ni net}' -five acres on sec- 
tions 23 and 26, forty of which was given him by 
his father. Mr. Campbell is a son of Welcome 
and Mary J. (Cheney) Campbell, of whom an ac- 
count is given in the biograph}- of John L. Camp- 
bell, of Birmingham. They were natives of New 



York and the father was born July 20, 1810. They 
have five sons and five daughters, and Harvey J. 
is the second cluld and eldest .son. He was born 
in Oxford Township, this county, April 19, 1843, 
and in his boyhood studied in the common schools. 
He devoted some time to work in his father's store 
prior to his nineteenth year, and then spent three 
years on a farm. 

Mr. Campbell next went to Albion and took a 
course of study under Prof. Ira Mayhew, the well- 
known commercial teacher and author of the pop- 
ular text-book on book-keeping. After finishing 
his course of study Mr. Campbell returned home 
and then went to Genesee County, where he spent 
the summer in work, after which he returned again 
to his father's farm. He was married May 8, 1866, 
and was soon established where he is still living. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Altana J. Wells 
and was born in Royal Oak, April 12, 1847. She 
is the fourth in a famil}- comprising five daughters 
and two sons, and her parents are Joseph R. and 
Sophronia v,Stiphcns) Wells. 

The father of Mrs. Campbell w.as born in New 
York and his parents were Willard and Mary 
(Spencer) Wells, the former of whom died in his 
native State when the son was seven years old. 
The latter came to this State some j-ears later, ob- 
tained a home and brought his widowed mother 
here. His wife was a daughter of Henry and Al- 
tana (Fellows) Stephens, n.atives of New York, and 
her mother in turn was the daughter of David and 
Esther (Tucker) Fellows. Mrs. Campbell was well 
reared and has proved herself capable of judi- 
ciously managing household affairs and looking 
well to the interests of her family. 

The children of and Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are 
Arthur W., born August 18, 1867; Alice L., Febru- 
ary 3, 1869 ; J. Lee, June 28, 1872; Frank J. .January 
28, 1879, and Mary G., December 7, 188.5. Arthur is 
on the Toledo Blade a.s general news editor; he was 
married April I.t, 1888, to Margaret S. Simonds, of 
Center Line, Macomb Count}-, and they have two 
cliildren — Don H., born December 18, 1889, and 
Alice, February 21, 1891. Alice L. was married 
October 22, 1889, to William Todd, Jr., of Royal 
Oak. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell belong to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and he is Treasurer, Trus- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



919 



tee and Steward, while she is a teacher in tlie Sun- 
day school. Mr. Campbell has served acceptably as 
Highway Commissioner and Constable. He began 
his political career by voting for Abrahan Lincoln 
and takes an active jiart in local work and has been 
sent as a delegate to count}- conventions. 



i^^HP: PONTIAC gazette. On the 1st 
ff^^ of January', 1843. J. Dowd Coleman is- 
^i^(^ sued the first number of the Genesee Her- 
ald, at Flint, Mich., and continued to publish the 
same at that point as a Whig paper, until January, 
1844, when the Herald ceased to exist and Cole- 
man brougiit his material to Pontiac, and on 
Wednesda}', the 7lh of February that year, he 
issued the first number of the Oakland County 
Gazette, uph.olding the same political sentiments. 
On the 1st of March following, W. G. Thompson 
succeeded to the paper and continued its publica- 
tion for some years, and was for a time followed bj' 
J. B. Seymour. But Mr. Thompson came into pos- 
session of the paper again April 1, 1850. 

In January, 1854, Z. B. Knight became the pro- 
prietor of the Gazette and changed its name to the 
Pontiac Gazette. The following ^-ear he disposed 
of the office to Messrs. Howell & Hosmer, the lat- 
ter, however, retiring in June the same j-ear. 
Charles B. Howell became associated in the owner- 
ship and editorial management of the paper in 1861 
and in 1863 the Ilowells were succeeded by Messrs. 
Beardslee <fe Turner, who found the establishment 
very much crippled by bad management. Mr. 
Beardslee retireil in 1867 and Mr. Rann took iiis 
place until the following year, -.vhen IMr. Thorn- 
blinsoii tried his hand at the paper, but soon re- 
tired, leaving Sir. Turner sole proprietor and man- 
ager. Mr. Hann again came upon the scene and 
continued there until 1872, when the present pro- 
prietors, C. F. Kimball and C. B. Turner, under 
the name and style of the Pontiac Gazette Com- 
pany, became the owners of the office. When Mr. 
Turner first became identified with the paper in 



1863 lie found that it had been conducted by non- 
professional printers and was scarcely worth the 
name of a newspaper. The new firm at once be- 
gan to build up the business, moving to new quar- 
ters and adding impioveraents as fast as the de- 
mand came, and in 1874 they placed steam power 
in the office. 

The Gazette is now printed on a first-class Pot- 
ter cylinder press and has eight pages of seven 
columns each. Its mechanical appearance is neat 
and clean and its advertising columns well filled 
and displayed. The job office is second to none in 
the State outside of Detroit and its impress facili- 
ties are equal to those of the city. It is the largest 
paper in this Congressional District. Mr. Kim- 
ball's labors in behalf of the Republican cause have 
been acknowledged by his appointment to ihe 
Postraastership of Pontiac. The politics of the 
Gazette have been first Whig and then Republican, 
without variableness or shadow of turning. It is 
high toned in its editorials and radical in the de- 
fense of what its editors deem right. 



-S-Hl-^^^^^-^f- 



Vt 



W 



OIIX BODINE, a retired merchant at Bir- 
mingham, was born in Baptistown, Hunt- 
erdon County. N. J.. December 19, 1815 
and is a sou of Frederick and Mary O. 
(Daniels) Bodine, natives of New Jersey and Penn- 
sylvania respectively. Frederick was a tailor by 
trade and also kept a tavern for manj' years, and 
was the father of seven children, namely: Mary A., 
Jane, Hannah, John, Rebecca, William and Chris- 
tian. 

The mother of this familj- died when John was 
about nine years of age, and before he was si.xtcen 
he started out in life on his own account. After 
learning his trade as a tailor he worked as a jour- 
neyman in various parts of New York and Con- 
necticut until 1855, when he came to Birmingham 
and opened up a tailor shop and clothing business, 
which he followed until about 1885, when he re- 
tired from active business. 



920 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Bodine has been a Democrat and has held 
the oflico of Jusiice of tlie Peace for sixteen years. 
He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. 
January' 30, 1812, he married Miss Elizabetii Hef- 
le}', of Pottsville, Pa., who was born in Harrisburg, 
that State, in 1824, and died ■January 8, 1851, leav- 
ing tliree daughters: Mary, Mrs. Albert Burson; 
Hannah, Mrs. Dr. Charles M. Raynalc; and Clara, 
ISIrs. James Camp. Mr. Bodine was again married 
in 1852 to Miss Sarah J. Riggs, of New Haven 
County, Conn., who was born in 1828 and is a 
daughter of Eli and Susan (Brunson) Riggs, of 
Connecticut. To our subject and this lady have 
been born five children: Joiin F., deceased; Em- 
ma, Mrs. Whitehead; Ida, Mrs. Howard ; William 
E., residing in Wyoming; and Albert J., who is in 
the same region. 



>tf5«^M^^^n 



'S^tiP**-^!*?* 



\fl OSEPH SMITH. No better type of the old 
settler — strict!}' honest in word and deed, 
hospitable and energetic — can be found in 
Milford Township than in the person of 
Joseph Smith. He was eighteen years old when 
be came to this country, and he had no surplus 
funds when he arrived. What now be has he has 
earned by hanl work and frugal living when it 
was necessary. His farm is located on section 32, 
and consists of two hundred and five acres, one 
hundred and eighty being under cultivation. He 
built the comfortable farmhouse and all the barns 
and other outhouses now on the place, besides 
three barns, which were destroyed b}- fire. Al- 
though he is advanced in years he still carries on 
the farm, dividing his attention between crops 
and stock. He has a good llock of sheep Nud has 
raised sixty lambs this season. 

(jur subject is the son of Arthur and Rebecca 
(Laird) Smith, who spent their entire lives in 
County Donegal, Ireland. The motiier traced her 
ancestry to Scotland. After the death of the fatlier 
siie came to America and made her homo with lier 
children. She died in this county about 1861, and 



lies buried at New Hudson. Both parents belonged 
to the Presbyterian Church. They had six chil- 
dren, four now living and all in America. Joseph w.is 
born in County Donegal in 1821, and was five 
years old when bereft of his father. It was neces- 
sary for him to go to work quite early, and he 
had, therefore, but little schooling. This has 
made him all the more anxious to give his 
cliildren good school privileges, and he has been 
enabled to carry out his desire. When he emi- 
grated he spent some years in Orange County, 
N. Y., working on a farm, and in 1812 came to 
this State. He traveled on a canal-boat from Al- 
bany to Buffalo, crosed the lake to Detroit, and 
came to Lyon Township on foot. He was tlior- 
ouglily discouraged and disheartened, but did not 
cease in his efforts to find work until he was hired 
out b}' the montii to Joseph Blackwood. He was 
to do farm work at ^10 per month. 

Mr. Smith remained on Mr. Blackwood's farm 
three j-ears, then bought forty acres of wild land 
in Lyon Township. He sold it and bought one 
hundred and sixty acres, partially improved, in- 
curring indebtedness for the greater part of its 
value. He did not settle upon his farm until after 
his marri.age, in 1848, but he then took possession 
of a log house and began removing the timber. He 
remained upon the place until 1801, and succeeded 
in placing the entire acreage under improvement. 
He then sold and settled on one hundred acres in 
Milford Township, which forms a part of his valu- 
able property. The estate he occupies is much 
more thorough!}- equipped with buildings than 
many or tliose around it. Mr. Smith has had his 
efforts ably seconded by his wife, wlio lias planned 
and worked, encour.aged him under every dilli- 
culty, and cheered him in times of misfortune. 

Mis. Smith bore the maiden name of Lucinda 
Elder and was born in New York in 1831. Slie 
came to this .State in 1846, and made her home in 
Lj'oa Township witli her brother, Joseph Elder, 
now deceased. Slie received a good common school 
education, Ijecame skilled in the arts of the house- 
keeper, and better than ail else, is an earnest, 
humble Christian. Of the twelve children born 
of the union, ten are now living, and a brighter. 
more interesting family it would be hard to find. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



923 



Three are mutes, but they have been well educaterl 
in the institution at Flint and are well equipped 
for the duties that lie before them. Arthur A., 
the eldest child, married Rebecca Richardson and 
lives in Cairo; Eva is the wife of Solomon Frank 
and lives in Canada; Hannah Jane married Will- 
iam Allison and their home is in Ionia County; 
Delia is the wife of Mr. Allison and lives in Ionia 
County; Hattie married John Burns, of Tuscola 
County; Herbert married Miss Lombard and lives 
on the home farm; Carrie is studying in the Stale 
Normal School at Ypsilanti; May and Egbert are 
at home; Lizzie is the wife of Charles Brown and 
is now living in Clay County, Kan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith belong to the Methodist 
?>piscopal Church at New Hudson, and six of their 
children belong to that denomination. He has been 
Class-Leader for thirty years, and is now Trustee 
and Steward as well. He has been a teacher in 
the Sunday-school and always takes an interest in 
the work there. For many years Mr. Smith has 
been Road Overseer and a member of the School 
Board. lie votes the Republican ticket, is much 
interested in political issues, and has always been 
a temperate man who used neither liquor nor to- 
bacco. He and his wife are greatly respected by 
those among whom they have spent so many years 
of uprightness and well-doing. 



ON. SAMUEL W. SMITH, a prominent 
^^ member of the bar in Pontiac, is generally 
reputed to be one of the best criminal law- 
yers in Eastern Michigan. He is a member 
of the law firm of Taft & Smith, which is one of 
the strongest in this section and enjoys an extended 
clientage. Both members of the firm iiave lived 
in this county many years and are widely known, 
and their understanding of legal principles is un- 
doubted. Mr. Smith was admitted to the bar when 
but twenty-five years, old and since he received his 
license he has added to his store of knowledge by 
continual reading and study, and by being brought 



into contact with other bright minds has deepened 
his impressions regarding tlie truths that underlie 
the principles" of law and equity. He is a good 
pleader and a safe counselor, and lie makes the in- 
terest of his clients his own from the time he is re- 
tained. 

The parents of our subject were Nicholas B. and 
Mary (Phillips) Smith, the former of whom was 
horn in Monroe County, N. Y., in 1817, and came to 
this locality in 1841. He bought eighty acres of 
raw land in Brandon, cleared and improved it, but 
soon sold the property and bought one hundred and 
twenty acres in Independence Township. There he 
cleared and improved a farm and carried on general 
agriculture for some years. He then removed to 
Clarkston, bought goods and carried on a general 
store, selling-dry goods, groceries, drugs, etc. He 
is still living in that place. Mrs. Smith was born 
in New York in 1825, and was the daughter of 
Billdad Phillips, a native of New England. During 
her girlhood she accompanied her parents to this 
county and a few years later was married here to 
Nicholas B. Smith. She died in 1856, leaving one 
son and one daughter— the latter, Ann Eliza, wife 
of Lawrence Clark. 

The birth of Samuel W. Smith took place in In- 
dependence Township, August 23, 1852, and his 
early school days were passed in the village of 
Clarkston. He pursued his higher studies in Detroit, 
and after obtaining a fair amount of knowledge, 
entered the law department of the Stale University, 
from which he was gmduateil with honors in 1878. 
He had been admitted to the bar in 1877, and after 
his graduation he established himself to practice in 
Pontiac. Here he worked alone six months, then 
formed a partnership with Judge Levi Taft and 
Hon. Aaron Perry. The latter retired from t.ie firm 
a twelvemonth later, but the connection between 
Judge Taft and Mr. Smith has continued without 
intermission. 

Mr. Smith was elected Prosecuting Attorney of 
his county in 1880 and served until 1884,when he was 
elected State Senator from the Fifteenth Senatorial 
District, winning the race by a majority of sixteen 
votes, on the Republican ticket. He took an active 
part in the discussion and passage of a law regu- 
lating the sale of oleomargarine, which protected 



924 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the interest of farmers and dairymen, and of tbe 
bills for ti>e coupling of freight cars which were 
introduced for the protection of the men in the 
emplo}' of the railroad company. On the expira- 
tion of his Senatorial teim Mr. Smith resumed his 
law practice willi renewed ardor. 

Mr. Smith has a pleasant residence amid attrac- 
tive surroundings on Oakland Avenue, and the 
lady who presides over it so charmingly became his 
wife November 16, 1880. She bore the maiden 
name of Alida E. DeLand, and was born near 
Grass Lake, Mich. Her father was Edwin DeLand, 
and at the time of her marriage Mrs. Smith was 
living in Waterford. Tlie marriage has been blest 
by the birth of four sous, who are named respec- 
tively: E. DeLand, Ferris N., Wendell and Harlan 
S. Mr. Smith is recognized as one of the leading 
and representative Republicans of the State of 
Michigan, and is active in campaigns, being a 
strong, logical and eloquent speaker. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Smith appears on 
another page. 



^g-Ji^-^^ 



ylLLIAM B. STOCKWELL, a prosperous 
and progressive farmer residing in White 
Lake Township, Oakland County, is a son 
of Levi Stockwell, whose father, David Stockwell, 
made his home upon a farm in Cayuga County, N. 
Y., where he died. One son and one daughter, 
came with him lo that place and by a second mar- 
riage he had two sons. His son Levi was born in 
Connecticut and was but a small boy when he came 
to New York. After he had grown to manliood 
he married Catherine, daughter of John Barruss, 
of Onondaga County, N. Y. 

To Levi Stockwell and wife were born eight 
children, namely, M. M., Lucinda, William, 
Amanda, Sarah, Levi F., Iluett, and Jerusha. In 
183G the family removed to Michigan and settled 
in Pontiac Township, where the father spent the 
remainder of his days. He bought a farm of one 
hundred and sixty acres, most of which he found 



it necessary to break. Deer were abundant near 
Pontiac and wolves came within a distance of ten 
or fifteen miles. Mr. Stockwell died at Pontiac 
about the year 1852, and his wife passed away in 
White Lake Township, in 1881. 

W. B. Stockwell was born in 1817 in Ira. Cay- 
uga County, N. Y., and at the age of nineteen 
came to Michigan with his parents and remained 
at home until he was of age, when he worked on a 
farm b}- the month, and also rented land for three 
years. His marriage, which took place in White 
Lake Township, in 1847, united him with Susan, a 
daughter of Jason Austin, who came from New 
York in 1845, and settled in Oakland Count}'. His 
wife who bore the mniden name of Lydia Kings- 
bury, bore him two sons and four daughters. He 
was a shoemaker by trade, but devoted himself 
largel}' to farming after coming to Michigan. 

To our subject and his worthy wife have been 
born the following children: WiUielmina; Edward 
J., Eunice, Frank, Emma, and Jlary. All are liv- 
ing except Frank and WiUielmina. In 1847 Mr. 
Stockwell came to White Lake Township, and set- 
tled on a farm of eighty acres where he still re- 
sides and to which he has added until he now owns 
one hundred and sixty acres. He was bereaved of 
his wife in 1867. He is a Democrat in his politi- 
cal views, and has been for more than forty-five 
3'ears. For a number of years he served as Con- 
stable and was both Highway Commissioner and 
Treasurer for a considerable portion of time. He 
has also been Deputy Township Clerk, and was 
School Inspector for about ten j'ears. His term of 
fifteen years as Justice of the Peace h.-vs reflected 
credit upon his administration of justice, and been 
in ever}- way of value to his neighbors. 

Edward J. Stockwell, the sou of our subject, was 
born April 4, 1850, in this count}'. During his 
early manhood he rented a farm for five years, and 
then came onto his father's farm where he assists 
him and manages his own land which adjoins 
it. He is a member of Drewer Tent No. 160. 
K. O. T. M. He was married January 17, 
1876, to Alice J., daughter of Charles M. Rich- 
mond, a native of New York, who came to this 
county in 1836. Their three children are, Mina, 
Elmer and Grace. Their father is a Democrat and 




GECRGE URCH. 



PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



927 



for two years was Treasurer of White Lake Town- 
ship, being also Deputy Township Clerls for one 
year, and now filling tlie oflice of Superyisor. 



-^^-^^^^^^^^^^f^!^^ 




y^ RS. MARY SMITH. The spirit of self- 
help, as exliibited in the energetic action 
of individuals, has in all times been a 
marked feature of the American character 
und furuishes the true measure of our power as a 
nation. This independence of thought and action 
is not only a masculine characteristic, but is found 
adding dignity to womanliness. There are multi- 
tudes of women who are conducting business en- 
terprises with marked ability or carrying on 
extensive estates with unusual success. Among 
these is Mrs. Smith, who has passed the most of 
her active life in Independence Township, this 
county, and whose sanguine temperament and 
cheerful disposition win for her the respect of the 
community, while her life and character uncon- 
sciously propagate a good example for all time to 
come. 

Mrs. Smith was born in St. Johns, Lower Canada. 
July 13, 1817, and when only an infant, was taken 
by her parents to Lockville, N. Y. She remained 
there a few years, and in 1853 accompanied her 
parents to this State, locating in Independence 
Township, this county, Her parents, James and 
Mary Morrison, were natives of County Wexford, 
Ireland, where thej- grew to years of maturity and 
were married. Soon after this important event 
lliey decided to emigrate to the New World and 
accordingly came to America in 1847. Tiiey so- 
journed for a short time in St. Johns, Lower 
Canada, thence removed to New York, where they 
remained until they came West to Michigan. 

In the home of her parents Mrs. Smith was 
trained to a useful womanhood, fitted to bear her 
part in the battle of life. At the age of nineteen 
years she was united in marriage, October t, 18C6, 
with George Urch, whose portrait api)ears in con- 
nection with this biographical sketch. Their happy 



wedded life was brought to a close June 80, 188,5, 
when Mr. Urch passed from the busy scenes of 
eartii. Nine children had been born to them, six of 
whom are living, namely: Anna M., born October 
31, 1871;Gertrude I., May 24, 1874; Daisy D.,June 
9, 1876; Edith G., February 18, 1878; James R., 
December 9, 1879, and Lillian, November 11, 1881. 
On March 10, 1891, our subject became the wife 
of Jay M. Smith, and they now reside on her farm 
two miles north of the village of Clarkston. Her 
dne estate contains three hundred acres and is em- 
bellished with substantial outbuildings and a 
comfortable residence. Her children are all at 
home, brightening the old homestead by their pres- 
ence. Her first husband, Mr. Urch, was born neas 
Bristol, England, December 17, 1829, and came to 
America with liis parents at the age of six years. 
He located on the farm which was always afterward 
his home and was among the earliest settlers of 
this part of Michigan. He contributed to the de- 
velopment of the community, and his industry and 
determination of character enabled him to sur- 
mount diflicuities of no ordinary kind in subduing 
tlie primitive soil. He passed away mourned b^' 
his many friends and leaving behind him a char- 
acter for probity' and honesty which is the precious 
inheritance of his children. 




AS.SAM PEARSON, now a resident of Mil- 
ford, but still carrying on a farm in this 
neighboriiood, was at one time the largest 
landowner and most extensive agricultur- 
ist in the township. He operated five hundred and 
twenty acres, and harvested large crops of the 
cereals common to this section and marketed fat 
stock in considerable numbers. He reduced bis 
landed estate to two hundred and sixty acres, all 
of which is improved land and forms one of the 
finest farms in the county. It is located on sections 
IG. 17, 20 and 21. The buildings upon it are first 
class, and the domestic animals that graze in its |)as- 



928 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tures are full blooded or tborouglibred. They in- 
clude Merino sheep, Poland-China hogs, and cattle. 
Mr. Pearson has a handsome residence and lots in 
town. 

Our subject comes of old English stock and his 
grandfather, Robert Pearson, was a well-to-do 
farmer near Darlington, in Yorkshire. There John, 
father of our subject, was born and reared to man- 
hood. In 1836 father and son crossed the Allan- 
tic, the older sons liaving come to New Jersey a 
few years before. They came to this State and 
entered a section of land in Milford Township, on 
which Grandfather Pearson worked until he retired 
to Milford to spend his last j'ears in quiet ease. 
He retained one hundred and twenty acres of the 
land, hut gave the balance to his children years 
before his death, lie lived to the age of eighl}- 
four. 

John Pf-.arson sjient a few years on an eighty- 
acre tract of the original homestead, then sold it 
and located on sections 20 and 21, buying land 
which he improved, and finally becoming the owner 
of nearly four hundred .acres. He carried on gon- 
eraly farming and ."stot^k-raising until he removed 
to Milford. He died there in 1874 at the age of 
three-score. He united with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, in which his father was a local min- 
ister, and began preaching when thirty years old. 
In 1855 he was ordained an Eider and supplied 
congregations within a circuit of twenty miles, be- 
ing in charge of the Lake Class four years. He 
and his father were members of the first Methodist 
Class formed in ^lilford Township. Politically he 
was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist and last a 
Republican. 

The wife of .Tohn Pearson was born in Lincoln- 
shire, England, and came to tliis country in her girl- 
hood. .She was niarriod in Milford and is still 
living there. Her maiden name was Jane Robin- 
son. She has two children — Massam and Prudence 
— the latter now Mrs. Rutherford, and living in 
Milford. The son was born in this township July 
30, 1839, and reared on the farm, on and around 
which game abounded in his early years. He 
studied the lower branches in one of the old-fash- 
ioned rale-bill schools, and when sixteen years old 
became a student id the Leoni or Michigan Union 



College. lie pursued his studies there two years, 
then returned to the farm and resumed the work 
there, in which he had already taken a considerable 
|)arl. He taught several winters, and for a few 
years had charge of the homestead. He finally 
bought it and made further improvements, but in 
1879 sold all but two hundred and sixty acres, and 
bought one hundred acres on section IG. He loca- 
ted on the latter but operated both farms and 
another tract of one hundred and twenty acres on 
sections 29 and 31. He finally disposed of a part 
this large estate, but still has a sufficient acreage 
to afford him a fine income and suitable occuiw- 
tion. 

March 12, 1862, Mr. Pearson was married to Miss 
Josephine A. Birdsall, the ceremony taking place 
in Milford. The bride's grandfather, Moses Bird- 
sail, a native of New York, came to this State on a 
visit and died near Rochester. He w.as a member 
of the Society of Friends. His son Joseph was born 
near Penn Yan, grew to manhood in his native 
State, and after his marriage located near Fairport, 
Monroe County. He was a hatter bj' trade, but at 
his new home he engaged in farming. In 1849 he 
came to this State and county, located in Milford 
Township and bought two hundred and forty acres 
on section 20. After some years he retired to 
Milford, where he died at the age of seventy-five. 
He had been Justice of the Peace for sixteen 
years; he was a Republican in politics and a be- 
liever in universal salvation. His wife bore the 
maiden name of Ruth A. Burton, w.as born in 
Connecticut, and died iiere when seventy-five 
J'ears old. She had nine children, of whom Jose- 
phine was next to the youngest. Her natal day 
was April 11. 1842, her birthplace Pittsford, N. Y., 
and Fairport her home until she was seven years 
old, when she came hither. 

Mr. Pearson was one of the original members of 
the Fair Association of Oakland County, but is not 
now identified with the society. He is agent for 
the Oakland County Monitor Fire Insurance Com- 
pany, and has represented it ten years. He has 
been Commissioner of Highwaj-s five years. School 
Inspector and has been a delegate to ijolitical con- 
ventions, both county and State, and member of the 
County Central Committee. He is a stanch Repub- 



ill 



,«*r' 






-^ 





f^J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



931 



lican with strong temperance principles. He has 
passed tlie Chairs of the Masonic Blue Lodge in 
Milford, and is a raeuibor of Ihe Methodist Eiiisco- 
pal Church. He w.as on the Buihiing Committee 
during the erection and the repairing of tlie house 
of worship, has been Trustee and Recording 
Steward for j'ears, and Class-Leader as well. For 
ten years he has been Superintendent of the Sun- 
daj'-school. 

Mrs. Pearson is also a devout believer and an 
earnest worker, is connected with tiie Ladies' Aid 
Society and the Women's Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety, and holds the position of Corresponding 
Secretary in the latter. In a word, Mr. and Mrs. 
Pearson have not only been successful in worldly 
affairs, but have been useful to their fellows and 
are constantly aiming at a higher life. They have 
three sons —Charles B., a graduate of Ann Arbor, 
who is now practicing medicine at Munday, Gene- 
see Countjr; John M., a student at Albion in earlier 
years, and now a music-teacher in Flint, and organ- 
ist in the Court Street Church; and Clarence L., 
who has not j'et left his parents' home. 



ELISHA HILL has been identified with the 
agricultural interests of Troy Township 
' since 1847, when he located on section 13. 
When he reached Detroit on his arrival from the 
East he had 6109.50 and an old team. Coming 
into this county he selected a quarter section of 
land, for which he w«s to pay ^950. He made 
a payment of $50, and set energetically to work to 
free himself from indebtedness and secure the 
home. There was a little log house on the land, 
and liere he placed his household goods, occupying 
it for some time. He received twenty cents per 
bushel for the first oats he raised on the place, and 
in order to support his family and the sooner to 
pay for his inoperty he chopped wood for three 
shillings per cord whenever he could tind such 
work to do, and spent every leisure moment in re- 
moving limber and breaking ground on his farm. 



He now has a nice brick house which cost $2,000, 
and other valuable improvements, and his land is 
well tilled and productive. He has slightlj' re- 
duced the acreage and now holds but one hundred 
and thirty acres. 

Tlie birthpl.ace of Mr. Hill was Schoharie County, 
N. Y., and his natal day September 2, 1811. His 
father, D. G. Hill, was born iu Massachusetts, and 
was a shoemaker by trade. His mother. Desire 
Page, was born in Connecticut, and their marriage 
is supposed to have taken place in Vermont. They 
had five sons and one daughter, and Elisha was 
tbeir first-born. He was reared in Monroe County, 
where he received his only school privileges, and 
remained with his parents until he was twenty-one 
J'ears old. He then married, and made a home of 
his own, and in due course of time came West, as 
before slated. 

January 8, 1832, was the date of the marriage of 
Mr. Hill and Miss Adelia Bentley, who shared his 
fortunes until September 10, 1880, when she de- 
parted this life. Eleven children came to bless 
the union — four sons and seven daughters. Those 
now living are Martin V., a farmer in Oregon; 
Sophronia A., wife of Chester M. Chatfield, of 
Barry County; Harriet M., wife of Henry Rey- 
nolds, of this county; Mary E., who married Loren 
Donaldson and lives in Genesee County; Laura 
Ann, wife of Ellis Bookham, of Genesee County, 
and Stephen C, who lives in Troy Township. A 
second marri.ige was made by Mr. Hill, December 4, 
1884. His bride was Mrs. Miriam E. Gardner, nee 
Andrews. She was horn in Bennington County, 
Vt., October 23, 1825. and was the widow of A. 
Gardner, by whom she had three children; her 
first born, Susan, wife of A. Franklin; Carrie, who 
married George Post, and Preston, all living in 
Genesee County. 

Jlr. Hill has alw.iys been a Democrat, and his 
first vote was for Andrew Jackson. He was once 
elected Justice of the Peace, but declined to serve, 
and has never shown any desire for public office. 
He has strong temperance principles, and was at 
one time a member of the Sons of Temperance. 
He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and in his younger days was Steward, and took an 
active part in carrying on the work of the society. 



932 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He still gives words of counsel and encouragement 
to other members, but docs not work as he formerlj' 
did, owing to his advanced age. Notwithstanding 
the hard worlc which he did, and the self denials he 
practiced years ago, Mr. Hill has always been very 
rugged and taken such care of himself that he was 
never helpless from illness until he was seventy- 
six years old. He still manages his farm and 
oversees the work done by hired help. His por- 
trait is presented in connection with this sketch. 



'irlOHN CAMPBELL, one of the most intelli- 
gent men of Groveland Township, is a man 
of remarkable intellect and character. His 
fund of information is a rich possession 
upon which the mutations of fortune can have no 
effect. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Octo- 
ber 10, 1817, son of Allen, born in Perthshire, who 
is in turn the son of John, born in Rosshire, the son 
of John, a native of Argyle, Scotland, wliere the 
family originated. They are one branch of the 
family of wiiich the Duke of Argyle is the head. 
This great-grandfather was the owner of a large 
tract of ground, upon which he raised a large 
number of cattle and sheep. He was a noted man 
and served in the army during numerous wars. 
The grandfather was also a stockraiser and the 
keeper of a public house. He died at an old 
age and his wife emigrated with her family to Co- 
lumbia County, N. Y., where she died in advanced 
years after rearing a fa>nily of eight children. 

The father of our subject was a machinist and 
engineer. He made manj' improvements in tlie 
machiner3' and engines of cotton and woolen fac- 
tories. He came to America November 1, 1HS,'5, 
with his wife and four children, and settknl at I'at- 
erson, N, J., and worked in the cotton factor}- 
and machine shops. He was a machinist at 
Richmond, Va., for two years and came to Mich- 
igan in 1832. Here he bought land of the Gov- 
ernment in Groveland Township, and in Jul}', 
1835, removed his family to this new home. 



There were only about twelve settlers within the 
bounds of two townships. He died in 1854, hav- 
ing improved his farm. His death was caused by 
cholera and took place in Detroit, Jul}- 7. He was 
originall}-, in his religious preferences, a Scotch 
Presbyterian, but became one of the founders of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in this place. He 
was a Whig in his political views. He helped to 
lay out the roads in this township. Mary Gray, 
the mother of our subject, was born in Aberdeen- 
shire, Scotland, in 1789. She was the mother of 
twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity. 
Her death occurred from cholera upon the same 
day when her husband breathed his last. She was 
an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

John Campbell came to America in his seventh 
year and recollects the journey well, lie attended 
school at Paterson, N. J., and worked at the ma- 
chinist's trade. He came here with his parents in 
1835 and went to work upon the farm. I'p till 
that time he had never seen a plow. His marriage 
took place when he was twenty-four years old, and 
he set up his new home in a log house on the farm 
where he now lives. When he paid the Squire for 
marrying him he emptied his purse of all the 
monej^ it contained, $2. His bride w.as Barbara A., 
daughter of Joseph Lively, a native of Switzer- 
zerland, who was for seven jears a soldier under 
Napoleon Bona|)arte. He came to America with 
the British in the War of 1812, but deserted them 
during a battle and joined the American forces. 
He died March 12, 1841, having been a resident of 
Michigan for five years. His wife, Rozilla Case, 
born near Hartford, Conn., was the mother of five 
children, and died here September 12, 183'.t. It 
was November 7, 1841, when Barbara Lively be- 
came Mrs. Campbell. She was born in Madison 
County. N. Y., June 5, 1820, and departed this life 
April 28, 1891. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carai)bell have had four children, 
three of whom have grown to maturity, namely : 
Rozilla, whose husband, W.V. Heusted, is the Trea- 
surer of Clay Count}', Kan. ; John, who was a sol- 
dier in the War of the Rebellion and was also in 
the regular army for three years. Ho is now on 
the police force in Detroit; Leman lives in Grove- 




^ A 



4yt/t^i<^ 



'^^c/ffh.'^ 



POETRAI C AND BJOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



935 



land Towiislii|) and runs a saw-mill and a thrt'sber. 
Mr. Campbell is a Republican in politics and has 
held every office in liie township except that of 
Constable. For thirty-seven years he lias been 
and is still Notary Fulilie, and has also been 
Postmaster for twelve years at Thayer Post- 
office. He began, when a boy, to keep a dairy, 
with a record of tem|)eraturc, weather, etc. lie 
has ever}' letter he ever received, and a record of 
every penny received and paid out. He was a 
charter member of the Grange and Township 
Overseer, and was President of the County Coun- 
cil of the Union I^eague daring the War. He has 
read papers before the Northwestern Pioneer Asso- 
ciation of Oakland County, ami lias frequently 
served on the Grand and Petit Juries. He has 
taken the Oakland Gazette for fifty-six years and 
was one of the correspondents for it. He has many 
limes acted as administrator of estates, and was 
a soldier in the Mason's war, which was waged in re- 
gard to a strip of Ohio in 1835. 



♦^^ 



:^^* 



{Jj UMUS H. NEWTON. For more than 
I ((§) thirty years the late ^Ir. Newton, a portrait 
jj^^ of whom is presented on tlie opposite page, 
bore a part in the affairs of this county and many 
of our readers will remember him as one of the 
hard-working and judicious men of Pontine Town- 
ship. He was born in St. Albans, Vt., July 3. 
1812. and is descended from two families repre- 
sented in the Colonial Array during the struggle 
for American independence, and in at least the 
paternal line, traces his ancestry to passengers in 
the "Mayflower." His parents were Josiah and 
Lydia (Ball) Newton, natives of the old Bay State, 
and his father fought in the War of 1812. Four 
of their six children grew to maturity. One of this 
number, the Rev. Benjamin B. Newton, was grad- 
uated at both Burlington (Vt.), College and Yale, 
and became a minister, preaching at the time of 
his death in 1 875, at Brooklyn, N. Y., in the Episco- 
pal Church. 

Our subject obtained a preliminary education in 



the district school, being reared on a farm, and 
gained further knowledge in St. Albans Academy 
and Burlington College. At the age of twenty- 
two years he vrent to sea, first spending a season 
on Lake Erie and then going South and sail- 
ing from New Orleans on a merchant vessel to the 
West Indies and thence to Liver|)Ool. He next 
visited the East Indies and various South Ameri- 
can countries, then returning to the land of his 
birth, he left New Bedford, Mass., on a whaling 
expedition where he rounded Cape Horn and vis- 
ited the islands of the Pacific Ocean. He was absent 
two years and made a second voyage that Listed 
about four years. He shipped in the first place as 
a ship carpenter, but after becoming familiar with 
a seaman's duties he became Caiitain of the ship 
"Massachusetts." 

In 1847 Ml'. Newton accompanied a friend to 
this county and was so pleased with the jjrospocts 
that he decided to remain. Three years after his 
arrival he bought land in Pontiac Townshi|) and 
settled down to farm life. During the three years 
he and friends built the flour mills at Lakevillo, 
Thornville and Rochester. His original purchase 
was an eighty-acre tract, but at the time of his 
demise he held the deeds to four hundred 
acres. He was an excellent manager, and more- 
over was always ready to help a friend in need, 
contributed liberally to all charitable purposes, 
and was moral and upright in ever}' respect. He 
was called hence .luly 2C, 1881, leaving a widow 
and ten children to mourn for one who had been a 
kind and considerate husband and father. Politi- 
calij- he was a stanch Republican, one of the lead- 
ers of the party in the county, and during the War 
of the Rebellion he w.as a strong adherent of the 
Union cause. Socially he vvas pleasing and grace- 
ful in his manners, an agreeable companion among 
his friends, and a man of refined tastes. He was 
unostentatious in his manners and conduct in 
cvery-day life. 

Mrs. Newton bore the maiden rame of Sarah A. 
Avcrill and was born in this county in 1827, 
being a daughter of .Samuel and Elizabeth (Fowler) 
Averill. Her parents and grandparents were na- 
tives of Massachusetts, whence the latter drove in 
a wagon drawn by oxen to the new home in what 



936 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPtJICAL ALBUM. 



was then a Territory, very sparsely settled. Their 
removal was made about 1818, and they made their 
home on Government land in Troy Township. 
They often fed Indians at their house, and their 
history for some years was that with which all 
students of jMoneer times are familiar. Mrs. New- 
ton's father fought at tlie battle of Lundy's Lane 
and all through the War of 1812. Mrs. Avorill 
died here in 1852. Mr. Averill survived until 
1870, and died in Kansas. Three of their eleven 
children are living. 

Mrs. Xewton is a woman of superior intelligence 
and fine tastes. Siie has been greatly devoted to 
her family, tlie youngest of whom is nearly twenty- 
one years o',d. The names of her children are: 
Helen, Josiah B., Lumus C, Emma C, Susie M., 
Lucy B., Sarah, Nettie L., Marcia C, Julia B., and 
David H. The first-born is deceased. All re- 
ceived excellent school advantages Josiah and Lu- 
mus being college graduates. Josiah received his 
diploma from the State Universit}', studied law 
and practiced at Alpena. He was a young man 
of fine literary and legal attainments, and his death 
April 10, 1891, was widel3' mourned. Lumus is a 
physician at Quincy, Mass. Emma C. is the wife 
of Frank Galloway, and resides in Ponliac Town- 
ship. Susie M. is the wife of George Kyle, son of 
David Kyle, of Bloomfield. The other children are 
at home. 




^l-^ ENRY GRINNELL, a farmer on section 3(5. 
West Bloomfield Township, and a man of 
broad intelligence and world wide experi- 
ence, was born in Middlebury Townsliip, 
Genesee Countj-, N. Y., September 16, 1822. His 
parents, Daniel and Anna (Chase) Griuneli, were 
natives of Rhode Island and were there united in 
marriage. Soon after marriage they took up their 
residence in Middlebur3% N. Y., and lived there 
until 1824, when the}' started for Michigan on the 
steamer '•Superior'' with Captain Blake in command. 



They landed at Detroit in April 1824, and made a 
nine day trip to Birmingham, arriving there April 
24. 

The father of our subject took up a tract of 
Government land in Bloomfield Township of this 
County, receiving his deed from President Jeffer- 
son. This tract of eighty acres was all unbroken 
forest. Indians were as plentiful there as while 
people are now. Thej' built a log siianty and for 
one whole year the family lived in this without a 
roof. The parents of our subject spent all their 
lives in the vicinit}- where the}' first settled. The 
father was a sea-faring man in early life but after 
coming to Michigan devoted himself to agricul- 
ture. Only two children filled their home, namely, 
Henry and Mary A. The latter is now tlie wife 
of Elmer Higby of this township. Tiie father was 
a Democrat in his political views. 

Henry Grinneil grew up on his father's farm in 
this county until he reached his majority wlien he 
went to sea on a whaling vessel from New Bedford, 
Mass. He followed this line of work for twelve 
years and during that time made four voyages. 
His ship was wrecked in the Arctic Ocean and the 
crew drifted to Sidney, Australia. There he joined 
Commodore Wilkes' fleet and went on an exploring 
and surveying expedition. He assisted in survey- 
ing and exploring the Dead Sea. Ho also visited 
the place where Christ was born and many other 
points of great interest. He finally returned to 
the United States with Commodore Wilkes, after 
being at sea for twelve years. During that period 
he visited almost every country on the globe and 
it is doubtful whether there is another man in 
Michigan who has seen as much of the world as 
Mr. Grinneil. 

After returning to the United States Mr. Grin- 
neil went directly to the Rocky Mountains and 
spent thirteen years in Arizona, Utah, Washington 
Territory, New Mexico, Nevada and other parts of 
the Northwest. He was engaged as a Government 
scout and guide and had many desperate encounters 
with the Indians, and carries several scars of wounds 
received at their hands. He crossed the [)lains 
three times during his experience in that part of the 
country. He never received any material cilucation 
from the schools but is well-read and an interest- 




';fi>'n 




^{^:PZr^<p^^^^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



939 



ing talker. He speaks seven or eiglit languages 
flueiUl^-. 

In 1867 this gcnlleman returned to Michigan 
and l)OUglit the farm of three hinulrecl acres on 
wliicli he now resides. He has devoted himself en- 
tirely to farming and stock-raising and now makes 
a specialty of thoroughbred Rambouillett sheep, 
also of Galloway cattle. He lias one of the finest 
farms in the county, with good improvements. He 
has erected the large two-story brick residence and 
the capacious and well built barns. His political 
views are embodied in the platform of the Demo- 
cratic party and he has filled creditabl}' several of 
the minor township offices. He is a Free and Ac- 
cepted Mason of the Knight Templar degree and is 
identified with the Order of Odd Fellows. 

In 1869, two years after his final settlement in 
Michigan, Mr. Grinnell married Jane Miller of 
Howell, Mich. B_v her one child was born: Henr}' 
M. She was early snatched away bj' death and in 
1872 our subject contracted a second marriage, 
taking to wife Miss Nancy Kellogg of Waterford 
this county. This gentleman is highly esteemed 
among his neighbors ft)r his ciiaracter and intelli- 
gence. 



.ILL! AM H. MORGANS, Superintendent 
of the L. R. Medbury Gas Works at Pon- 
*}(f'^^ tiac, which were established in 1862, is a 
prominent and [lopuiar citizen of Ponliac, residing 
in a pleasant home at No. 36 AVessen Street. The 
gas works were formerly called the Pontiac Gas 
Works, and were operated under this title until 
1873 when they were sold out and purchased by 
the present company and the name changed. Mr. 
Morgans has been Superintendent of the works 
since 1880. 

A portrait of the subject of this brief notice ap- 
pears on the opposite page. He was born in the 
city of New York, Octolier 5, 1811, and is the 
youngest son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Edwards) 
Jlorgans. The father, who was a native of Glen- 
morganshire, Wales, emigrated to the United 




States when quite young and made his home with 
his parents in New York City. The mother, alio 
of Welsh descent, was a native of New York City 
and daughter of John Edwards, Esq. She died at 
Detroit, Mich., January 17, 1884. 

Isaac Morgans was in early life a shoemaker and 
manufacturer of boots and shoes. He died iu Con- 
necticut a short time before the birth of our sub- 
ject. The orphan boy was carefully reared by his 
mother and educated in the citj' schools of New 
York. He then served an apprenticeshii) of three 
years to learn the trade of a sailmaker, and from 
1865 to 1867 he traveled as a journeyman. 

During the daj's of the Civil War our subject 
responded to the call of his country and enlisted 
in 1862 in the First New York Independent Batta- 
lion with a term of service of two years. Upon 
the consolidation of the regiment he was discharged 
with the rank of .Sergeant, but after remaining at 
home two months he re-enlisted in the P^iglith New 
York Cavahy. He belonged to the Third Division 
of the Army of the Potomac, and took part in the 
following engagements: Yorktown; the siege and 
capture of Morris Island, S. C; Kenesaw Mountain 
and the siege of Atlanta. He acconvpanied Sher- 
man on the famous march to the sea, and at Mil- 
Icdgeville, Ga., was taken prisoner, an<l confined 
for six months at Florence, .S. C. He was then 
transferred to Richmond, Va., and exchanged, 
after which he rejoined his regiment which was 
stationed at Cloud's Mills, Va. On June 27, 1865, 
he received his discharge, after wliich he went to 
the city of New York and in October of the same 
year drifted westward. 

The first stopping place of Mr. Morgans in the 
West was in the Southern part of Illinois, thence 
he went to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in 
making sails for vessels. In 1866 he came to De- 
troit, Mich., and for four years carried on the same 
work there. After this he w.as connected with the 
gas works, and diligently acquainted himself with 
the different departments of this business, thus 
fitting himself for his present position which he 
assumed in September, 1880. 

Mr. Morgans was united in marriage, November 
18, 1867, with Mrs. Mary E. Pittengcr, at Detroit. 
Mrs. Morgans is a daughter of James A. Cole, and 



940 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was horn and learefl in Detroit. Our sirnject ami 
his good wife .s,re the parents of four children: 
Onitliia K., wife of Edward Morrell, now of Chi- 
cago; Florence E. ; Anna A., and Morgans, the last 
three being still at home. 

The political affiliations of the snUject of this 
sketch are with the Republican party. He has 
held some offices of municipal and township re- | 
sponsibilit}' and has serred two terms as Alderman I 
of the first Ward. He is a member of Ponliac i 
Lodge No. 3, I. O. O. F., Pontiac Lodge No. 21, 
F. & A. AL; Chapter R. A. M., Commander}- K, 
T.. and the Shrine at Detroit. Ho is a member of 
the Knights of Pythias of the Uniform Rank in 
which he is First Lieutenant, and also belongs to 
the Royal Arcanum, and the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen. He is Past Commander of the 
Dick Richardson Post, G. A. R., and is a Director 
in the State Home Aquatic Club. Religiously he 
is a useful and consistent member of the Episcopal 
Church. 



lEUT. WALTER CRAWFORD has for many 
II (© years been a resident and a noteworthy one 
^ j^\ of IMilford. He is now filling the offices of 
Justice of the Peace and Notary Public and is a 
dealer in drugs and medicines, books and station- 
erj' under the firm name of Johnston & Crawford 
in the drug business and W. & M. Crawford in the 
hook business. He also deals in ice, the firm name 
being Crawford & Ilubbell. 

Judge Alfred Crawford, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born four miles north of Boston, parish 
of Firthwell, Lincolnshire, England, in 1815. He 
w.is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Hobinson) 
Crawford, who were engaged in farming in that 
shire. The great-grandfather of our subject came 
from the North of England from the Scottish bor- 
ders and is undoubtedly of Scotch descent. Judge 
Crawford wa.s reared and educated in England and 
in 1834 when he was twenty' years old he came to 
America, making his first stop in Buffalo. He 
workeil for Col. Preutz in Canada until the spring 



of 1835 and then came to Milford, this county. He 
worked for others for awhile and then entered land 
upon which he located. He proceeded to improve 
it and owned about three hundred and twenty acres 
upon which he engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising. He was one of the first to bring 
thoroughbred cattle and sheep into Milford Town- 
ship. He was a man who was .accommodating to his 
neighbors, who often resorted to him foi' legal ad- 
vice, as he was a great reader and richly endowed 
with information. He was one of the most influen- 
tial men of the count}' and was loved and respected 
by all. 

The father of our subject filled the office of Su- 
pervisor for thirteen years and during the war he 
was Deputy Provost-.Marshal. In 1865 he placetl 
his farm in the hands of a tenant and made his 
home in the village of Milford. In the fall of 18CS 
he was elected Probate Judge, being placed there 
by the Republican vote. In order to attend to the 
duties of this office he removed to Pontiac at the 
beginning of 1869 and look his seat as Judge, which 
he occupied until his death. November 12, 1872. 
His remains lie at rest at Milford. lie was a stanch 
Republican in his politics and an earnest adherent 
of thai party. 

The mother of our subject w.as Pha'be Clark, who 
was born in Sutherland County, N. Y., January' 4, 
1817. Her fallier, Joshua, a New Yorker b}' birth, 
was an early settler in Milford, where he was en- 
gaged in farming until his death. He represented 
an oM Eastern family which boasted of blue blood. 
His widow still resides in Milford with her children 
and is a devoted adherent of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Walter Crawford was born in Milford, October 
24, 1843, being the fourth In a famil}' of ten chil- 
dren. He was reared on the farm and had excel- 
lent educational advantages in the village of 
Milford, going through the regular course and the 
High School. Before reaching his majority his 
young spirit was so fired with patriotic zeal as to 
cause him to enlist August 18, 1861, in the First 
United States Lancers, Company' B. They were 
mustered in at Detroit and served until they were 
mustered out in the same city in March, 1862. 
This boy, then only about eighteen years old, re- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



941 



enlisted in August, 1862, as a private in Company 
H, Fiftii Wicliigan Cavalry, the regiment being 
brigaded b}' Col. Alger under Gen. Custer. He 
was in all the battles, raids and skirmishes of the 
brigade till the close of the war, the engagements 
in whic'ii he took part numbering fifty-two. 

At Trevilian Station our young hero was taken 
prisoner, but escaped by running, and then took a 
horse and fled, while the bullets grazed his body. 
He received the comraision of Second-Lieutenant, 
and in various engagements led his company, at 
different times having three horses shot from un- 
der him. At the close of the war his regiment 
was sent to Leavenworth, Kan., n'hcre it was mus- 
tered out, their honorable discharge being granted 
at Detroit. 

Returning to Milford, Lieut. Crawford then 
opened a store with a stock of groceries and after 
a few years took his brother Clark as his partner, 
the firm name being Crawford & Bro. The now 
firm enlarged the business, adding merchandise and 
clothing, but in 1870 they sold out their stock and 
dissolved partnership, our subject became Justice 
of the Peace and Notary Public, to which he has 
added the work of an insurance agent in which he 
still continues. 

In 1878 this gentleman bought a stock of books 
and stationery and in 1881 engaged in the drug 
business with Dr. R. Johnston. He owns a farm 
within tlie corporation which he anticipates subdi- 
viding and plotting as an addition. He is engaged 
somewhat in buying and selling real-estate and 
owns a iiandsome residence and grounds. With 
liis jjartner, Mr. Hubbell. lie is engaged in p.acking 
and wholesaling ice. 

Lieut. Crawford was married in Milford in 1871, 
to Miss Julia A. Seaver, a daughter of William P. 
Seaver, of New York, an early settler of Living- 
ston Counl3', but now living in Highland. Mrs. 
Crawford was before her marriage a teacher and is 
a native of Livingston County. She h.as two cliil- 
dren: Merrill W. and Dana H. Jlr. Crawford is 
the oldest Justice of the Peace in this vicinity, 
having filled the oflice and that of Notary Public 
for twenty years, and having been Supervisor since 
1876. He has been Commander of the Grand 
Army Post at Milford with which he is identified. 



He is a true Republican and is a frequent delegate 
to county and State conventions. The Michigan 
State Pharmaceutical Association counts him as 
one of its prominent members. 



[(_^ ENRY D. TUNISON (deceased) was born 
Ji in Sussex County, N. J., October 3, 1833. 
_j^ His i)arents, Tunis and Anna (Dudley) Tu- 
^^ nison were both natives of New York and 
both long since passed to a better world. His father 
was a farmer and was of German descent. Our 
subject was the only son in a family of six chil- 
dren, aud his sisters are all living in Sussex County, 
N. J. He received a common-school education and 
reuiained beneath the parental roof until 1857, 
when he came West, locating first for two years at 
Holly. 

In 1859 our subject purchased a farm on section 
1, Orion Township, finding the land partly im- 
proved. He was a natural mechanic aud gradually 
picked up the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
for about fifteen years prior to his death. He built 
for himself a handsome frame house in 1873. 

The marriage of Henry Tiiuison and Margaret 
Snover, a union which resulted in life-long happi- 
ness and profit, took place in 1857. 'Sirs. Tunison 
was born in Oakland Township, this couutj', IMay 
24. 1837. her parents being George K. and Char- 
ity (Hulick) S,iover), both natives nf New Jersey, 
who came to Miciiigau in 1831 and settled in Oak- 
land Township. Mr. Snover pre-empted laud from 
the Government, and afterwards cleared from it 
the timber and thoroughly improved it. In those 
days wild game was plentiful, and he su|)plied their 
table with venison. He died in June. 1881, in his 
cighiieth year, and his good wife passed aw,ay in 
March, 1875, when she was sevent^'-one years old. 
She was a woman of he.iutiful Christian character, 
and an active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Their five children are all living. 

The three children of our subject are George II., 



942 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Annie L. an(] Alice C, to eacii of whom has been 
given a good common-school education. The old- 
est daughter has taught for some two terms and is 
making a success of her professional labors. The 
father passed away October 7, 1886, and was 
deeply mourned b}' each, for all loved him. He was 
one of the few who may truly be entitled a '-good 
man," for he was honorable in his dealings, just in 
his transactions and kind to all with whom he had 
to do. Ills membership in the Protestant Method- 
ist Church was not a formal profession of religion, 
but was an outward sign of an inward reality, and 
the church will long miss his helping hand. 

Tiie widow of our subject is a woman of more 
than ordinary intelligence and judgment and since 
her widowhood she has successfully assumed the 
man.agement of the farm. She carries out with 
pleasure the plans of her husband and nviintains 
the same reputation which was bis for thorough- 
ness of management and integrity in dealings. Mr. 
Tunison came to Michigan with limited means and 
had, before his death, attained handsome property, 
in the acquisition of which no man could claim tiiat 
he was wronged. The farm contains one luuuired 
and thirty acres of excellent and woll-iiiii)roved 
land. Mrs. Tunison is and has been, for a number 
of years, an earnest and active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 




^ALTKU B. FOSDICK, a farmer of IJloom- 
field Township, was born just across the 
road from where be now lives. May 9, 18,i3. 
IJe is a son of Alvin «nd Jane A. (Adams) Fos- 
dick, and is the youngest of e-ght ijhildren born to 
his parents. His boj'ish da3's were passed on his 
father's farm in the vicinity where he now lives 
and there he received his eilucation in the district 
schools. He now owns the farm wliicii his faliier 
bought when he came to Michigan in 1812. All 
of his life except his first year has been passed in 
tiie same house. 

Mr. Fosdick now has eighty acres of land in the 



town of Bloomfleld. It is well improved and in a 
high state of cultivation, with excellent buildings. 
His farm lies two and three-fourth miles southeast 
of Pontiac. and on it he keeps a good grade of 
stock. He is a Democrat in his political views but 
is not active in politics. He believes in churches 
and helps support them but is not connected with 
any religious donomination. 

The marriage of Mr. Fosdick took place Novera- 
bci' 10, 1875. His wife bore the maiden name of 
Zadie M. Rockwell, and she was born in Bloomfield 
Township July 6, 1856. She is a daughter of 
James M. and Zadie A. (Adams) Rockwell. For 
further histor}' of the Rockwell family the reader 
will consult the sketch of Mr. J. II. Rockwell. Two 
lovely children, Grade M. and Carrie M. grace the 
home of our subject. 



^i^ 



%.^ CUDWORTII, a noteworthy farmer re- 
\.J^ siding on section 10, Novi Township, is the 
^ son of Apollis Cudworth, a native of Mas- 
sachusetts and a farmer, who was a Minute Man in 
the War of 1812. He married Rosana Simmons 
and resided lirst in Pennsylvania, then in Bristol, 
N. Y., and later in Alleghany, N. Y. In 1833 he 
came to Michigan, landing at Detroit from the 
old boat '-Henry Claj-." From there he went to 
Oakland County by ox-team. After spending the 
winter in Farmington Township he came to Novi 
Corners and settled on the northwest ))art of sec- 
tion 23, on eighty acres. There was then no house 
where the villnge of Novi Corners now stands. He 
built a log house and a log barn and moved his 
family to the new home. He had the help of the 
Indians in raising his house. They had a camp 
near by and were on the friendliest terms. 

Our subject was then a boy of fifteen years. 
The father began clearing off the farm, and being 
quite a hunter, killed many a jianther, deer and 
bear. After improving some thirty-five acres he 
sold this property and bought forty acres on the 
south side of the same section, where he lived for 






J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



945 



llirce j-eais. He then setlled upon this farm, 
on which was at ti)e time a log house and some 
sliglit improvements. He was bereaved of his wife 
b3' death in 1858, and he passed away in 1868. 

The subject of this slvctch was one of a famil}' 
of nine children, seven of wiiom are still living. 
He was born August 4, 181G. He received almost 
no sciiooling in his youth although lie attended 
for a short time the first school organized in this 
townsliip. He lived with his parents and helped 
support them until their death. He then purchased 
the interest of the other heirs and took the old 
homestead, adding to the small tract of land which 
lis had previously bought. Being now left alone 
at the old liome, he began to think of marriage, 
and chose for his wife Mrs. Jlary Hammond, 
widow of George Hammond. They have no chil- 
dren but Mrs. Cudworth has three by her previous 
marriage. 

Mr. Cudworth has one hundred and seventy-one 
acres of good land, about ninety of which are im- 
proved. He has put on excellent buildings and 
carries on general farming, raising some stock. 
For many 3'ears he has been a member of the 
School Board and has always taken an interest in 
politics, voting the Democratic ticket. He has 
filled the office of Road Overseer for a longer 
period than an}' other man in the township, and 
has seen tiie country grow from a wilderness to 
its present prosperous and populous condition. He 
has ever been an unusually strong man and has 
done much hard work in his daj'. Several of his 
brothers and sisters reside in this township. They 
arc: Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Joshua Bennett, Mrs. Miles 
Richardson, Walker and Zebina Cudworth. 



''t^^EN.IAMIN F. ELWOOD. a prosiierous 
banker and real-estate dealer of I'onliac, 
was born at Rojal Oak, this county, Decem- 
ber 1, 1837, and is the son of Daniel and 
Fannie (Clark) Elwood. He attended the district 
school up to 1850, when his father iiaving died 
some j^ears previously, he removed with hisraotiier 




to Waterford Township. . Here he lived for some 
time, alternating his studies witli working on the 
farm of his step-fatiier. He began teaching school 
in 1857 and continued in this work for two years 
at Waterford and Royal Oak. 

Tlie young man then rented a farm near Pontiac 
and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, 
and shorll}' after, coming into possession of a small 
place from his father's estate, he continued to fol- 
low agricultural pursuits until 1866. His marriage 
occurred December 4, 1861. He was then united 
with Louesa D. Rundcl, of West Bloomfield, this 
county. Mrs. Elwood was called away from earth 
in June, 1866. At the time of her death, Mr. El- 
wood disposed of his property and removed to 
Waterford, where he located upon a farm and 
added to his business a trade in stock. In Jul}', 
1867, he married Harriet E. Moore, of Fairport, 
N. Y., daughter of the late Charles Moore, of Mil- 
ford, Mich. Four children blessed this marriage, 
two of whom are deceased. Calvin R., who was 
born in June, 1870, has recently (1891) completed 
his first year in the University of Michigan at Ann 
Arbor; Clyde B., who was l)orn March 6, 1875, is 
a student in the High School in Pontiac. 

In 1871 Mr. P^lwood purchased a liver}' business 
in Clarkston, this county, which he carried on for 
ten years with success. He has held various offices, 
at one time being Deputy Sheriff for about six 
jears. While living in Indei)endencc Township 
he held the office of Supervisor and had previously 
held other offices in that township. In 1872 he was 
electeil Justice of tiie Peace. In 1881 he sold out 
his interests at Clarkston, and removed to Pontiac 
where he has since resided and where he has de- 
voted his attention to banking. He was made a 
Director of the Second National Bank at Pontiac, 
in 1880, and held this position until 1885, when the 
charter of the institution expired and the Pontiac 
National Bank was organized. In this new insti- 
tution he was raised to the position of Vice-Presi- 
dent. He was one of its charter members and a 
large stockholder therein. 

The Democratic party embodies the political 
principles of our subject, and he is active in pro- 
moting its success both locally and abroad. Heat 
one lime served as Alderman of Pontiac, and while 



946 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a member of the Council, was active in advancing 
i.he interests of the city and introduced and carried 
through many important measures, the most im- 
portant of which was the introduction of a fine 
system of water-works for the service of the city. 
He was one of the principal promoters of that 
movement. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
Churcli,and also belongs to the M.isonic order. He 
h.as a pleasant residence on the corner of Saginaw 
and Oakland Streets. 




HARLES H. GLASPIE, one of the enter- 
prising merchants of Oxford, was born in 
Clifton, Macomb County, March 12, 1851. 
He is the son of William and Deborah A. (Denni- 
son) Glaspie, natives of the Empire State. Will- 
iam was a farmer and died May 22, 1889. His 
wife had been called from his side September 14, 
1883. To this worthy couple were granted seven 
children, six of whom are still filling positions of 
usefulness. Thej- are named as follows: Lucv, 
wife of L. L. Parker, of Oxford; Elizabeth is the 
wife of S. P. Ilovej-, a real-estate dealer in Detroit, 
this State; William Dennison, a farmer in O.Kford; 
Charles H., our subject; Klvie, wife of N. S. 
Goodrich, of Garey, Dak.; Eber 1)., a farmer of 
Oxford; and the daughter who died was Almira, 
who became the wife of W. G. ilininan.of Pontiac. 

The subject of this brief notice remained on the 
home farm until eighteen 3'cars of age. He then 
commenced clerking for Wallace & Bennett, dealers 
in general merchandise. lie again went to work 
on the farm for awhile, and then returned to his 
employers. He continued clerking, and spent one 
year in this way in the Wolverton House, at Bay 
Citj-. Returning to Oxford, he attended the acad- 
emy for a year and in 1870 resumed clerking, and 
was in the employ of D. W. Bell, the Postmaster. 

About this time Mr. Glaspie went to ^luskegon 
and clerked in the post-office two years. Here he 
cast his first vote for U. S. Grant. Returning lo 
O.xford, he resumed his clerical duties and also 



served in the same capacity at Grand Rapids in 
the store of A. A. Hovey. About this time he re- 
turned to Oxford for a wife, whom he claimed in 
the person of Minnie A., daughter of the Rev. S. 
Snyder. They were married January 4, 1876. In 
1877 he entered the emplo}- of Watson, Waite & 
Co., and continued with them until the3' were 
burned out, December 22, 1878. Afterward he 
worked for N. H. Crawford in the grain business. 
Mr. Glaspie now considered his experience in 
working for others had been sufficient to enable him 
to undertake business for himself, and in partner- 
ship with his brother-in-law, R. R. Snyder, he 
opened, in 1881, a store, carrying a fine stock of 
groceries. They prospered in busines.s and received 
a fair share of the trade of the town. In April, 
1888, he bought out his partner and since then has 
been conducting the business alone. He has a 
trade of from *8.000 to $14,000 per annum. One 
son, William Gillett, by name, has been given to 
Mr. and Mrs. Glaspie. Our subject is a member 
of the Knights of the Maccabees and of the Inde- 
dependenl Order of Foresters. He is a Republican 
politicallj', and was elected Citv Cieik in 1880, 
which office he filled for six j-ears with credit to 
himself and advantage lo the city. 



-^ 



'j^^^OWELL CARPENTER, a native of Orion 
i) Township, in which he lives, was born Feb- 

rruary 8, 1837. His father, Thomas J., was 
born in New York in 1807, aud his grand- 
fptiier, for whom he was named, was a native of 
the old Bay State, being born there February 1, 
1771. He was a farmer b3' occupation and came 
to Oakland County, Mich., in 1824, and entered a 
half-section of land in Orion Township. lie also 
planned and caused to be built what is now known 
as Rudd's Mill, which for more than threescore 
years has stood in the southeast corner of section 
I'i, Orion Townshii). He never located peinia- 
nently here, but returned to Monroe Count}', N. Y.. 
where he died in 1853 at the age of eightv-four 




I 




Z^/^^-O^^ cy^ Crj-^r~U^ 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



919 



years. He was a man of considerable prominence 
and served as an Associate .ludge for some time in 
Monroe County and also filled other minor oflices. 
His father was a Revolutionarj' soldier whose eldest 
son served in the AVar of 1812. His wife was Lucy 
Killam, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1779, 
and whose death occurred in 1863. She was the 
mother of eleven children, only two of whom are 
living. 

Thomas J. Carpenter, the father of our subject, 
came to Oakland County, Mich., in 1831 and be- 
came one of the earliest settlers in Orion Township. 
He made his home on land which his father had 
previously* entered from the Government. Ho suf- 
fered some of the trials and vicissitudes incident 
to the first settlers of a new country. In 1860 he 
removed to Midland where he still lives in his 
eighly-fifth 3ear. He has been twice married, his 
first companion being Juliette Clarke, who was born 
in Saratoga County, N. Y., in 1803 and who passed 
from earth in September, 1854. Both were ciiarter 
members of the first Methodist Episcopal Church 
organized in Orion Township. In 1856 lie married 
Catherine Y. Casamer, his present companion. 
Five of the seven children borne by his first wife 
are still living. 

The subject of this biographical sketch received 
his preliminary education in the district school. In 
the fall of 1858 he entered the State Agricultural 
College at Lansing, where he spent three terms. 
Among the friends whom he made while in this 
institution are Judge Morse of the Michigan Su- 
preme Court and Prof. Cook, of the Agricultural 
College. After leaving college he taught one term 
and then entered upon the pursuit of farming 
which he has since followed. He purchased the 
old homestead but sold it before long and in the 
spring of 1864 ho purchased the farm on whicli he 
now resides. 

In 1863 Mr. Carpenter formed a life union vvith 
Lucinda Welch, of Orion Township, who was born 
October 19. 1836. She is a daughter of Eli and 
Polly (Owen) Welch, who came to Michigan in 
1836 and made their first home in Auburn. Mr. 
Welch was a tanner and followed his trade for a 
short time but subsequently removed to Orion 
Township and located on a farm. He died April 



i, 1882, having boon bereaved of his wife in 1869. 
Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are the parents of tliree 
children. Tiieir eldest daughter, Altha J., is now 
tlio wife of Walter R, Ilouxwell. The other daugh- 
ters, Lucy L. and Florence P., are at home. 

This gentleman is a Republican and is often a 
delegate to county and State conventions. He is a 
man with a large store of information and a broad 
and strong influence in his township. His one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of fine land are in an excel- 
lent condition. He is carrying out quietl}' in his 
life the traits which he inherited from his ancestr}-, 
faithfulness to duty and patriotic interest in the 
welfare of iiis country. His matei'nal grandfather, 
Samuel Clark, of Connecticut was a Revolutionry 
soldier, whose noble wife did her share in the con- 
flict by building signal fires upon the hills for the 
warning of Washington's ami}-. 




■*-^ 



RS. M. MARIA MOORE. As the repre- 
entative of old and highly respectable fani- 
ilie.*, and by reason of her own position as 
a large landowner and competent business 
manager, I\Irs. Moore is deserving of representa- 
tion in this volume. She has demonstrated the 
ability of a lady to manage agricultural and other 
business matters williout losing refinement or the 
qualities of mind which arc typically feminine. 
She has the prettiest farm in Milford Township, 
both in location and appointments, and also owns a 
large amount of lan<l in Lyon Township. The home 
farm comprises two hundred and sixt^'-eight acres, 
and the other three hundred and twent^y-three, and 
Mrs. Moore oversees both. She is shrewd, ener- 
getic and far-seeing, and prospers as she deserves. 
She occupies a large brick residence, elegantly fur- 
nished, tastefully- arranged, and ever hospitably' 
open to her friends and acquaintances. The farm 
buildings are numerous and commodious, and or- 
chards and shade trees beaulifi' the land. 

The father of Mrs. Moore was John Everitt, who 
was born at Ft. Decker, on the Pennsylvania and 



950 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



New Jersey line, in April, 1809. He came West 
in his early manhood, and entered three hundred 
and twent}' acres of land for his father, Marshall 
Jiveritt, iu Wayne County, whicli was then be^'ond 
civilization. He had made his waj- with a team 
and wagon tliroiigh Canada and into the primeval 
wilderness, and after securing the necessary papers 
to hold the land, returned East for a short sojourn. 
The next jear he came back, built a house of hard- 
wood timber and established himself, working hard 
to prepare the land for cultivation. He finally sold 
bis share of the homestead, and in 1847 came to 
Lyon Township, this county. He bought two 
hundred and forty acres of farm land, improved 
and added to it, and finally iiad five hundred and 
sixty acres well improved and supplied with first- 
class buildings. He carried on general farming, 
but made a specialty of sheep-raising, and did as 
extensive work in that line as any one for many 
miles. He died November 12, 1869. 

The mother of Mrs. Moore bore the maiden name 
of Mary Harvey, and was born near Rochester, 
Monroe County, N. Y. She was a daugiiter of 
Luther Harvey, a New York farmer, and Martha 
(Fullam) Harvey. Tiie father enlisted in the War 
of 18J2, raising a company of which he took com- 
mand. He was sent to defend the line, was in- 
jured, taken sick, and soon died, leaving his widow 
with two young cliildren. About 18.30 she brought 
her family to this State and made her home in Livo- 
nia TownsUii), Wayne Countj'. Mrs. Everittdied in 
1867, leaving two children, both of whom survive. 
The elder is the subject of this sketch. 

Mrs. Moore was born in Livonia Township, 
Wayne County, December 22, 1840. She was seven 
years old when her parents came to L3on Town- 
ship. She attended the district school and select 
schools in Plymouth and Northville, and when 
eighteen \ears old entered the Michigan State Nor- 
mal School at Y|«ilanti, where she pursued the 
higher branches two years. April 4, 1860, she 
gave her hand in marriage to James Moore, the 
ceremony being performed at her home in Lyon 
Township. Tn 1862 she came into possession of a part 
of her fallier's farm, and slie and her husband located 
tliere and furtlier improved the property. In 1873 
Mr. Moore rented the place and bouglit an im- 



proved farm of two hundred and sixt3-flve acres, 
south of Milford. This was operated until 1876, 
when tlie family removed to Mrs. Moore's present 
home in Milford Township, making a purchase of 
the farm. Since the death of her husband Mrs. 
Moore has continued the work in which he was 
engaged, raising grain and stock in large quantities 
and good grades. She keeps full blooded Merino 
sheep, thoroughbred registered Short-horn cattle, 
full-blooded Chester-White hogs, fine poultry, and 
full-blooded and graded Perclieron horses and 
some Hambletonians. 

The late Mr. Moore was born in Herkimer County, 
N. Y., March 14, 1826. His father, Henry Moore, 
a native of the Empire State, came West in 1838, 
and is numbered among the early settlers of Pine 
Lake, tliis count3'. After a few j-ears' residence 
there ho located south of Milford Village, on land 
whicli he bought and began to improve. He died 
not long after, when his son James was fifteen years 
old. The j'outh remained with his mother, caring 
for her and looking after her interests, and finally 
bought out the other heirs and became the posses- 
sor of the one hundred and twentj' acres compris- 
ing the homestead. He continued the work of im- 
provement, and from his3'outh showed the qualities 
of true manhood and an excellent knowledge of 
the work to which he gave his thought. His mother, 
formerly Sarah AYilsey, was born in Herkimer 
Count}', N. Y.,and died in Milford Township. Slie 
was a daughter of James Wilsey, an early settler 
here. Mr. Moore was an active member in the 
Milford Fair Association, and held the office of 
Director. He often took the first premium at the 
fairs, on the stock in which he took pride. His 
death occurred October 21, 1887, and was caused 
by an accident which occurred three da3's before, 
when the horse he was driving ran awa^'. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Moore there came three chil- 
dren, the youngest of whom, J. Ererilt, is at home 
and abh' assisting his mother in her business afifairs. 
The eldest. Kittle, is the wife of Dr. E. A. Lodge, 
of Milford; the second, Zelia, is at home. The 
daugiiters are graduates of the Milford High School, 
and Miss Zelia made a special stud}- of music at 
Monroe. They are cultured and refined as befits de- 
scendants of the old Knickerbocker blood of the East 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



951 



and have also the firmness of character which would 
well be developed in such surroundings as they 
have had. The daughters are members of the 
Methodist Flpiscopal Church, of which their de- 
ceased father was also a communicant, lie was a 
Royal Arch Mason, and a member of tlie Republi- 
can part}-. Mrs. Moore's great-grandfather in the 
paternal line was an Indian fighter and a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. His ancestors came from Holland 
during the first settlement of New York, and he be- 
longed to the old stock of the Vans. 

A lithographic portrait of the late Mr. Moore, 
appears in connection with this biography. 



3g*j^iL»^« 



AVID W. BUTTS, of Avon Township, was 
born in Warren County, N. J., November 
11, 1884. His honored parents, Elias and 
Catharine (Emory) Butts, were natives of New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. The Butts 
family had large tracts of Kind in New Jersey and 
Elias pursued the calling of a farmer throughout 
life, as did his father before him. About tlie mid- 
dle of this centur}' Elias brought his family to tlie 
West, locating near Rochester, Oakland County, 
Mich. In this vicinity he purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of rich and arable soil, the very 
tract which is now occupied by his son David. 
This land has been in the possession of the fam- 
ily since 1854. 

Elias and Catherine Butts had the happiness of 
gathering about their fireside seven beautiful and 
promising children, but four of them have passed 
to the spirit land and three only now survive. 
John H., the eldest living son, is in Lakeville, this 
State. The second in age is David W., our subject, 
and the third, Effie, is now Mrs. Bowman, of Roch- 
ester, this county. The father of these ciiildren 
passed from earth May 27, 1879. 

David W. Butts was ten years old when his pa- 
rents removed to Michigan and he still remembers 
many interesting incidents of his home in the East 
and the long journey to the wilds of Michigan. 



He attended school in the old log sehoolhouse of 
pioneer days and benefited by the e.Kcellont drill 
wliich characterized those schools and produced 
good scholarship and excellent practical results, 
notwithstanding the fact that its curriculum was 
not broad. 

The life of our subject upon the farm and in Uie 
forest was calculated to strengthen and develop 
both the pli^sical and moral nature, and he grew 
up to a strong and vigorous young manhood and 
earlj' took his place as a man in the community. 
But it was not until he had passed the thirtj'- 
sixth milestone of his existence that he set up a 
household and took to himself a wife. He married 
Miss Julia Bromley, daughter of Edward Bromley, 
June 21, 1881. To them have been born two chil- 
dren, who are the joy and light of their fond pa- 
rents. 

Mr. Butts has devoted his entire attention to 
agriculture, in which he has been truly successful. 
His fine propertj' and beautiful iiome overlook tiic 
Clinton River Valley, in which Rochester lies. 
The platform of the Democratic party embodies 
the political doctrines which are approved by the 
judgment of Mr. Butts and he is a man of influence 
in his party, having Iieen placed in some positions 
of responsibilit}', as he filled for three te'rms the 
office of Treasurer of Avon Townshii). 



^ ^-^^ ^ 



'fi| ASON T. OWEN, a member of a noteworthy 
family of Oakland Count}', residing in 
Orion his native township where he was 
born March 18, 1846, is a son of Asa Owen 
who was born in New York in 1785. He removed 
to Pennsylvania, where he was a lumbetnian for 
several years, and came to Michigan in June, 1830, 
entering land hi Orion Township, when there was 
not a man living north of liim. Detroit was his 
market and he went to mill there with an ox-team. 
He built a log house and cleared and im|)roved liis 
farm where he remained until 1877, when he passed 
ftway in his ninety-third year. He held important 



952 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



offices in Orion Township, and for several years 
was Treasurer, and was respected as one of tlie or- 
ganizers of the township. He had to go to Pontine 
to vote and even beyond there to obtain iielp 
enough to raise his log house. He had brought 
means with him when lie came West, and owned 
at one time quite a large tract of land. He had 
an honorable record as a soldier in the War of 
1812. 

The first wife of Asa Owen was Lueinda Corwin 
of New York, who died a few years after he came 
to Michigan, leaving live children, none of whom 
are now living. The second wife and the mother 
of our subject, Martha Owen by name, came from 
Pennsylvania to Micliigan with her father at an 
early daj', and is still living in lier eighty-fifth 
year. She has been for man}'^ years a conscien- 
tious and earnest member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church.. Her three children are all living. 

Mr. Owen was reared upon the farm and took 
his education in the district schools. When eigh- 
teen years old he and an elder brother undertook 
farming in partnersliip, taking charge of the old 
homestead, and that pleasant partnership, still con- 
tinues. In 1873 he went to Kansas and spent two 
years in the cattle business. Four years later he 
removed to Orion and engaged in the lumber and 
grain business. 

The marriage of our sui)ject in 1879 with Slary 
R. Gage, of Massachusetts, connected him witii an 
honorable and intelligent family, and gave him a 
helpmate who has been of great service to him 
through life. Her father, the Rev. R. Gage, was 
born in Massachusetts in 1821, and was graduated 
at the Biblical Institute at Concord, N. 11., in 
1852. He entered upon the work of the ministry 
in llie Methodist Episcopal Church the following 
year and continued it until 1883. He remained in 
Massachusetts until 1862, when he became Chap- 
lain in the hospital at Alcxandri.i, S. C, where he 
served from August that year, until June, 18G5. 
In September of the latter year he came to Michi- 
gan and became a member of the Detroit Confer- 
ciice, traveling in Michigan until 1883, when he 
was placed upon the supci'aunuated list. 

The grand work which was done b3- the Hev. 
Mr. Gage is beyond computation. He laid in 



their graves twelve hundred brave boys who had 
fallen in defence of their country's honor, and the 
sick and the dying confided to him their last mes- 
sages and their treasures, and he conducted the 
correspondence for hundreds of them, while in his 
hands were placed many thousands of dollars which 
the dying left to be forwarded as their last offer- 
ing to the dear ones at home. His wife was Sarah 
Thomas, of Massachusetts, who died in 1880, leav- 
ing her husband and three children to mourn her 
loss. This reverend gentleman makes his home in 
the household of Mr. Owen, where he is tenderly 
ciierished. The Gage ancestors came to Boston in 
1C29, John Gage being a Deacon in the First Con- 
gregational Cliurch of that cit^', and the grandfa- 
ther of our reverend friend having been a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. 

Tlie subject of this sketch has onlj' one child: 
Lucius H., who was born June 23, 1885. Mr. 
Owen was reared a Democrat, but in 1872 became 
a Prohibitionist and has always adhered with 
great earnestness to the principles represented by 
that body. He takes an active part in every 
movement in behalf of temperance, and is fre- 
quently a delegate to various conventions. For 
six 3-ears he was a member of the Common Coun- 
cil of Orion, and was President for twoj'ears. He 
filled the office of Recorder one year, and that of 
Assessor the same length of time. His boyhood 
training in temperance work was in the Good 
Templars order. Both he and his noble wife are 
active and efficient members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He owns one hundred and sixty 
acres of land in Brown County, Kan., besides 
having a one-half interest in three hundred and 
fiftj'-seven acres upon section 14, of Orion Town- 
ship. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
killed by the Indians, when Asa was a little boy. 
The latter w.as then bound out until he reached the 
age of tweuty-one and had no opportunity to attend 
school until that time. He then went for three 
months and so closely applied himself to his stud- 
ies as to obtain a good start and become an excel- 
lent penman. From that time on he was selt-edu- 
cateil and became a well-informed man, '^specially 
in regard to the Bible, and an earnest follower of 




V/ILLIAM WHITE 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



955 



Christ, although lie never united with an}- church. 
In those early days, while he was pushing himself 
forward, both intellectually and materiallj-, he 
used to raft logs down the Delaware River to Phil- 
adelphia, and then walk back to his home. He 
was a member of the Masonic order and had taken 
tlie highest degree which was at that time given in 
the United States. 



-o^-®>v1S- 




-.ILLIAM WHITE. The gentleman whose 
portrait is presented on the opposite page 
has passed to that "bourne whence no 
traveler returns," but the memory of his honorable 
and upright life is the proud inheritance of his 
children. After fighting as a valiant soldier the 
battle of life ; after struggling with adverse fortunes 
in a pioneer country; after gaining world 1}' success 
as the reward of his unwearied efforts, tie rests from 
his labors in the peaceful sleep than knows no wake 
ing on earth. In his declining years he enjoyed 
the comforts which his unaided efforts secured, and 
surrounded by a loving famil}', passed from earth 
June 24, 1891. 

Our British-American citizens almost invariably 
reflect credit upon tiie place of their nativity as 
well as their adopted home. Mr. White was an 
Englishman, born in Kent County, England, Sep- 
tember 7, 1822. His father, James While, was a 
farmer in that county, whej-e he resided until 1832. 
At that time many people were emigrating to 
America, attracted hither by the prospects of gain- 
ing'homes and fortune, and Mr. White, accompan- 
ied by his family, crossed the broad Atlantic in 
the above-mentioned year, and settled In Ne»v 
York. His wife bore the maiden name of Harriet 
Hitchcock and was born April 30, 1800, in Kent 
County, England. Five daughters and two sons 
were granted to this worthy couple. 

In 183G, Mr. White, accompanied liy liis wife 
and children, started for Jlichigan by way of Buf- 
falo, but beginning their journe}' too late in the 
season Ihej were detained in that city all winter 
on account of the Jakes being blocked by ice. 
However, they reached Detroit in 1837 and settled 



in what was then a thriving village. The father 
died there about 1850 and his widow still makes it 
her home. Our sul)ject accompanied his parents 
in their various removals, and in different localities 
pursued his trade of a bricklayer, stonemason and 
plasterer. He is proud to tell that he laid the first 
brick in the first railway depot that was erected in 
Detroit. After a residence of twenty years in that 
city be came in 1857 to Royal Oak Township, this 
county, and settled on a farm of one hundred acres 
on section 5. This estate is still the home of his 
family-. 

The marriage of William White with Mary D. 
Chapman, took place September 7, 184(!. This 
lady was born in Geneva, N. Y., January 10, 1825. 
Her father, Joel Chapman, was a carpenter in New 
England in his early days. His wife, Mary Fur- 
gerson, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y. Iler 
father, .Jacob Furgerson, was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and bis wife, Emil^' Emery, was born in New 
York of English ancestry. Our subject and his 
intelligent and lovely- ivife became tlie parents of 
eight children, namely: William J., Emma C, Net- 
tie, John, Edith, Ida M.. Arthur and Harvey E. 

On March 24, 1886, Harvey E. White was joined 
in marriage with Agues Groves, who was born 
November 8, 1867, in County Down, Ireland, and 
came with her parents to America in 186D. She is 
the daughter of Robert and Agnes (Martin) 
Groves, who were the parents of eleven children. 
This son and his young wife are the parents of 
three children, namely: Ida Ma}% Harvey E. and 
Winnie G. 



-S3R^* 



^ 



i 



f/OHN S. TEEPLES, proprietor of the Na- 
tional Hotel at Holly, Mich., was born in 
the township of Pontiac in 1833. He is a 
son of Jacob and Jane (Stephens) Teeplcs 
natives of New York and Vermont respectively. 
Jacob Teeples came to Michigan in 1825, and set- 
tled in Oakland County' where lie was married. He 
engaged in farming and lived here until his death. 
He had a family of six children, four of whom are 
living as follows: John S., James M., (teorge T., 
and Albert 1>. 



956 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Our subject was leareil on a farm and received a 
common-school education. After leaving home he 
purchased a farm in While Lake Township upon 
which he lived eigliteen months and then sold it, 
engaging in the mercantile business at Milford 
thereafter until 1878. He then went into the hotel 
business there staying in tliis place three years. He 
next removed to Holly [uirchasing the National 
Hotel, which is siluated near the Detroit, Grand 
Haven & Milwaukee Railroad. The purchase in- 
cluded three lots, tiie large hotel which is 34x62 
feet and the barn 40x62 feet. 

July 3, 1855, Mr. Teeples was married to Mariali 
Retan. She is a native of this .State and the daugh- 
ter of William and Trvphena (Mead) Retan, na- 
tives of New Jersey and Michigan respectively. 
Mr. Retan was the son of John and Margaret 
(Smith) Retan, natives of New Jersey. He cameto 
Oakland County in the pioneer days and engaged 
in farming; here he lived until his death. 

Our subject and his wife iiave but one daugliter, 
Try])hena, now Mrs. G. O. Fleicher of this village. 
She is the mother of one child. May. Mr. Teei)los 
belongs to the Democratic party and is also a 
Mason. He is a genial landlord and makes all that 
stop at his iiouse feel that they are at home. His 
hotel is kept in good style, with a fine table and all 
necessary conveniences. His wife proves herself an 
exceflent landlady' and uses every endeavor to make 
her guests feel comfortable and ha[)p}'. 



-i-^#J^ 




RS. JANE EBLING, a resident of Big 
Beaver, was born in Troy 'i'ownship, this 
county, March 21, 1838. Her father w£s 
Ira Smith, the son of Oliver Smith, both 
natives of \'ermont, the former being born in 1800, 
and a farmer by occupation. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Polly Palmer, was born in Can- 
ada in 1806, and was reared in Niagara Count}-, 
N. Y. ; she was a daughter of David Palmer, a na- 
tive of Vermont, born in 1812. 

Mr. and Mrs. Palmer were married at Warsaw, 
N. Y., December 23, 1824, and two years afterward 



came to Michigan, locating in Troy Township, and 
taking up Government land (>n section 2C. The 
county there about was at that time almost a wild- 
erness, but they bravely went to work to provide 
themselves with a home. A log house was soon 
built, and in this primitive al)ode Ihoy not only 
lived themselves, but kept a hotel for many years, 
the father at the same time being busily employed 
clearing up his land and utilizing his spare moments 
in making the furniture for his house. He was the 
first Postmaster in that township, and in addition 
to the many uses to which the small domicile was 
put, it w!is also used for thirteen years as the Post- 
office. For manj-years he carried on a store at '-the 
corners" Big Beaver. Mr. Palmer was originally 
a Democrat, but later he became a Republican. He 
filled the offices of Justice of the Peace and School 
Director, and was well-known and highlj- respected 
throughout the county. He departed this life, in 
March, 1877. Mrs. Palmer followed her husband 
to the silent land February, 7, 1800, at the age of 
eight3'-thrcc years, and they were interred side b^' 
side in the Jones Cemetery, in Troy Tovvnshii). 

The parents of this worthy couple comprised six 
children, as follows: Cyrus, who was born July 28, 
1826, resides in Oregon, to which State he removed 
when twenty five j'ears old; Family L.. boin June 
30, 1831, passed away July 10, 186'J; Mar> , born 
December 7, 1834, is the wife of Sherman Williams, 
and they reside in Royal Oak Township, this 
county; Jane, our subject, is the next in order of 
birth; Ann, who was born F'ebruary 3, 1841, died 
December 14, 1875; Lewis G. was born May 27, 
1843, and resides on the old homestead. He was 
married December 3, 1866, to Miss Mar}' Lamb, 
and they have six children now living. 

Mrs. Ebling was reared in her native place, the 
Grst school she attended being upon her father's 
farm. She afterward taught school for four terms 
in Troy Township, and acquired a fine reputation 
in this line. She was married January 18, 1860, to 
Michael Fabling, a native of Germany, who was 
born in September, 1821). He emigrated to Amer- 
ica and came to Michigan when about twenty-five 
years of age, following the blacksmith's trade at 
Big Beaver, and running a bus for eight or ten 
years. He then built a brick store and engaged in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



957 



general mercbandisiDg. Mr. Ebling was a Demo- 
crat, and was Postmaster in 1861, having the post- 
ofHce in his store building. His death toolc jilaec 
December 24, 18G9, and his remains were interred 
in the Jones Cemetery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ebling were the parents of four 
children, one daughter and three sous: Elmer L., 
born May 16, 1861, died December 29, 1863; 
Homer S. born May 27, 1863, resides in Asotin 
County, Wasliingtou ; Jennie M., who was born 
May 16, 1865, is teaching, in which profession she 
h.as been engaged since fifteen years of age: AVill- 
iam M., who was born July 15, 1867. resides at 
home with his mother, and is c.irr\ingon the farm. 

Mr. Ebling is a member of the iMethodist E|)is- 
copal Church, and has been a toaclur in the Sun- 
day-scliool many years. Ikr daughter Jennie is 
also a worker in tlie church, and with her brothers 
takes an active part in the singing, all being good 
vocalists. 



/^ OL. W. H. DREW, of Troy Township, was 
[l[ „ born near Burlington, Chittenden County 
^^ Vt., May 16, 1818, and is the son of Peter 
and Anna Drew, the former born in Connecticut 
in 1791, and the latter a native of Sandy Hill, N. 
Y., also born in 1791. The fatiier, who was a 
farmer, served in the War of 1812 and w.as com- 
missioned Major at the battle of Platlsburg. The 
paternal grandfatlier of our subject, Peter Drew, 
was a native of Connecticut and is supposed to 
have been a seafaring man. The family origi- 
nallj- came from Devonshire, England. The maters 
nal grandfather of our subject bore the name of 
William Brace, and was a native of the Empire 
State. He served as Captain in the War of 1812, 
and followed the business of a lumber merchant. 

The parents of Col. Drew were married in A'er- 
mont, and there were born to them eleven chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the ninth in order of 
birth. The father died in 1826. The mother 
passed away in Orleans County, N. Y. Col. Drew 
received his early education in the district schools 
of Shelburne, and later attended the academy :il 
Hinesburg. He was also a student at the Univer- 



sity at Burlington, and after leaving that institu- 
tion he entered a mercantile establishment in Bur- 
lington and remained until the time of the general 
financial crash in 1835. He then removed to Pal- 
myra, N. Y., and followed the business of canal 
transportation for ten ^ears. 

In 1838 Col. Drew w.-is united in marriage with 
Emeline, daughter of Thomas Richardson, a native 
of Vermont, and Susan (Whiting) Richardson, a 
native of Connecticut. Mrs. Drew was born June 
9, 1818, in Niagara County, N. Y., and was the 
seventh among twelve children. In 1840 C<.1. 
Drew removed to Rochester, where for a short time 
he engaged in business, but this he sold out and 
returned to Palmyra. After remaining thus em- 
ployed until 1844 he went to Niagara County, N. 
Y., and engaged in mercantile pursuits until 1854. 
We next find him in Buffalo, N. Y., and during 
the period of his residence there he was called 
upon to act as Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge 
of the Free jMasons of New York, which position 
he held until June, 1861, when he resignctl. 

When ^he Civil War broke out Col. Drew raised 
four hundred men for the service, the tirst raised in 
Buffalo. Proceeding to Washington, the regiment, 
after a few d.iys rest, was ordered across the long 
bridge at Ft. Kyoni, where they remained during 
summer. In the fall they marched to Upton's Hill, 
where they remained until April, 1862. Our sub- 
ject served as the lirst Captain of the compaiii', 
and when the regiment was organized he was m.ade 
Major, and afterward in the field was iironioted to 
be Lieutenant-Colonel. By order of the War De- 
partment he was sent to Buffalo as a recruiting 
oHicer. In the spring of 1862 he returned and 
joined his comin:ind in the field. He served with 
elliciency and valor in many inil>orlant engage- 
ments, until he w.as taken with typhoid fever in 
the fall of 1862, when he resigned on account of 
disabilit}' anil returned to Buffalo. 

In January, 1863, Col. Drew removed to Fulton 
County, Ohio, where he remained through the win- 
ter. At the commencement of the Legislature he 
was appointed i)ay agent for the State of Ohio and 
this position he held until January, 1865, in the 
meantime handling over >< 1,000,000 without the 
loss of a cent. At the close of his duties in teat 



958 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



connection he was elected recording clerk in the 
senate, making up the ofBcial record. He served 
with such ability that he was re-elected, an honor 
be was compelled to decline on account of failing 
eyesight. In 186G he returned to his farm, but a 
year later bought out a hotel business, which he 
operated successfully until 1889. At that time he 
came to Michigan and purchased the farm where 
he now resides. 

Col. Drew is numbered among the prominent 
Masons of the State and has held most of the oflSces 
in the lodge. He and liis estimable wife are the 
parents of two children — Albert N., who was in 
the late war and now resides in Chicago; and 
Addie, who is Mrs. George W. Edson, of Detroit. 



irSljENJAMIN F. GRACE, a farmer residing 
1^^ on section 35, F'armington Township, is 
numbered among the oldest native-born 
■^ citizens of the county, having been born 
April 1, 1833, in Farmington Township. His 
father, Amasa Grace, was a native of Maine, and 
followed the avocation of a farmer. As early as 
1827 he removed to Michigan and located in Far- 
mington Township, Oakland County. While a res- 
ident of Maine he married Jane Barton, a native 
of Ireland. Upon coming to this township they 
located on section 25, and at once commenced the 
improvement of their new place, building a log 
house and cutting down the large forest trees. 
After remaining there several years the father re- 
moved to Novi Township, where he died. He and 
ills good wife, who died in 1870, were buried side 
by side in the Farmington Cemetery. 

The i)arents of our subject had a family of five 
sons and two daughters, viz.: Joseph, Kachel, Will- 
iam, Charles, Jane, Benjamin, our subject, and 
Theodore. Joseph, Rachel and Jane are deceased. 
Our suliject was reared to manhood in his native 
place, and his youtli was passed in the usual man- 
ner of farmers' lads in pioneer countries. His first 
schooling was obtained in Farmington, but was 
necessarily' limited. He began to aid in farm work 



at an early age, and with the assistance of his 
brother, operated the homestead for some time. 
He bought the first cheese factory iu Farmington, 
and manufactured cheese for nine 3'ears, being at 
the same time engaged in farming pursuits. For 
about six years he was engaged in the mercantile 
business in the village of Farmington, beginning 
in 1873 and continuing until 1881, when he sold 
out. 

Mr. Grace was married in 1856 to Jane Shaw, a 
native of New York, born in 1833. Of this union 
the following cliildren were born : Wallace, who 
resides in Farmington Township; William M., who 
died at the age of three months; two who died in 
infancy; Ulysses, a resident of Livonia, Wayne 
County, Mich.; Joseph, at home with his father; 
Sarah, also at home. The mother of these children 
died January 11, 1884. Mr. Grace belonged to 
the Grange at one time and was an active member 
of the order. He was instrumental in building the 
town hall in Farmington. Politically he is a Dem- 
ocrat, and for eight years was Supervisor of Far- 
mington Township. 

<S^DWARD F. CHATFIELD. A well culti- 
l^ vated farm on section 18, Troy Township, 
1*^ — ^ is the abiding place of Mr. Chatfield and the 
center of his business efforts. His property con- 
sists of one hundred and forty acres, which is the 
Chatfield homestead, on which his father located 
early in the '50s. Since the death of his parent 
our subject has made many important improve- 
ments, such as the length of time spent here by his 
father did not give opportunity for. Mr. Chat- 
field gives his principal attention to the cultivation 
of the soil, keeping onl}' a moderate number of 
domestic animals, but he feeds a good many hogs. 
At this writing (1891) his drove contains about 
seventy head, and he has ten horses and ten head 
of cattle. 

Mr. Chatfield is the grandson of Roswell Chat- 
field, a prominent man in the Green Mountain 
State, and a patriot of the war for independence. 
That gentleman spent some years in New York, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



959 



where his son Stephen, father of Edward, was born 
in 1797. The son liad a common-school education 
and February 7, 1819, in Ontario Countj', was mar- 
ried to Susannah Johnson, the year of whose birth 
was the same as his own. In 1832 the good couple 
removed to this State, making their journey with 
a team from Detroit to Troy Township, and estab- 
lislied their home on section 17. Their first dwtl- 
lirg was the primitive log house comnioii to the 
time and their experiences such as fell to the lot 
of all early settlers. They improved tlie place .is 
fast as possible, and made it their home a score of 
years, then removed to the place now occupied by 
our subject. Mr. Chatfield died in 1850, but his 
wife survived many years, living to the advanced 
age of cight\--nine, and breathing her last in 1887. 
They had nine children, named respectively, Isaac, 
Alvina, Josiah, Daniel, Edward, Hiram, Ira, Otis 
and Chester. The first, third, fourth and eighth 
of these are deceased. The father was Justice of 
the Peace and generallj' respected. 

Our subject was born in Ontario County, N. 
Y., March 28, 1828, and was a child of ff)ur years 
when his parents removed to this State. The 
only schooling he received was in District No. 3, 
Troy Township, and the curriculum of study was 
not as extensive as that of to-day. He learned 
much regarding farm work, and was thoroughly 



capable of taking charge of a farm when he mar- 
ried and established a home. He won for his wife 
Miss Ellen Brooks, who was born in JlcComli 
County, this State, December 23, 1834. Her par- 
ents, Alanson and Dcsira (Frink) Brooks, were 
born in New York and came to this State in 1833. 
They set up their home in McComb County, but 
suliscquently removed to Troy Township, this 
county, where the father died in 1882 and the 
mother still lives. 

The record of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Chat- 
field is as follows: Albert, born in 1861, is married 
and living on a farm in Troy Township; Ell N., 
born in 1863, is now in Oregon; Bruce, born in 
1865, is married, but living at home; Jaj' was born 
in 1868, Mack B. in 1870, Stephen A. in 1873. 
The last three named still remain with their par- 
ents on the homestead. 

The political record of Mr. Chatfield began 
with a vote for Franklin Pierce, and for years he 
has been a stanch Republican. He belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church ami contributes lib- 
erally to its support. Mrs. ChalSold is an earnest 
Christian, belonging to the same denomination, 
and both are well regarded by their acquaintances. 
In addition to his farm in Troy Townshii), Mr. 
Chatfield has fifteen acres of timber land in 
Bloom field Township. 






o ' : — ^-^■<s>^^®>^s^ 



Adams, Jolin 23 

Adams, John K 73(J 

Adams, John Q 39 

Ainsley , Simeon 5S-t 

Aitclioson, William, M. D...20n 

Alger, Russell A 173 

Algoc, William 311 

Allen, Joseph 5U 

Allen, W. A 527 

Allison, Henry E 3!)!i 

Anderson, J. H' 4.51 

Anderson, R. D 473 

Andrews, Hiram 7i'-l 

Andrews, Hon. J. L 887 

Andrews. J. M 3-2."> 

Armstrong, A. J 272 

Armstrong, N. B 2G8 

Arnold, J. F (571 

Arthur, Chester A 99 

Avery, A. B. M. D .W3 

Axford,0. S 478 

Axford, Payne 471 

A.\ford, William C 8Si 



Babcoek, Hon. C. V 525 

Baehelor, W. J., M. D 302 

Bagley, John J 1.57 

Bailey, Joseph 8:r»" 

Bailey, Wallace (Bl 

Bain, Robert 3S5 

Baird. J. M 2.')8 

Baker. Anson W 318 

Baker, KM 331 

Baldwin, A. t' 191 

Baldwin, H 281 

Baldwin, Henry P 1,53 

BanilK-r, J. S 5!)5 

Barnes. G. II 910 

Barnes, W. H 662 

Barrett, Henry 395 

Barry, John S 113 



Bartels, Herman, Jr I:^2 

Bartlett, Kiehard (i7(l 

Bassett. John (iU3 

Baumgarlner. Rev. F. J 427 

Bearh, Col. S. E 444 

Keardslee, Drsemiis .592 

Beardslee, W. P 361 

Beattie, J. O 379 

Bcatty. James 591 

Beaty , William 617 

Beck. Henry P 217 

Begole, Josiah W 169 

Beuiis, Charles T 347 

Benedict, John E 331 

Benedict, W. H 40!l 

Ben janii n , .John 437 

Bentley, Amos (!«' 

Bigelow, John A 237 

Bingham, David 871 

Bingh.am, Kiiislev S 137 

Bingham, William F 391 

Bird, Joseph J G13 

Bird, J. W 7.56 

Bird, Rev. Robert 714 

Birge, Henry 828 

Bissell, E. J 262 

Blah-, Austin 145 

Blakeslee, George 5.55 

Blackwood, William 788 

Bloomburg, M. vv 575 

Blumberg, .V. C .588 

Bodine, John 919 

BoUford.d 381 

Boughner, Hon. C.B 450 

Bowen.Mrs. Deland 713 

Bowers, H.J 240 

Bowlby , Charles C 439 

Bnulfonl, J. S .-.49:! 

Bradford, Robert 309 

Braid, John 211 

Brewster, Peter 295 

Bridgenian, R. F. 104 

Bromley. Edward 610 

Brooks, C 822 

Brooks, Charles 815 

Brook.s, Eugene 475 

Brown . Itobert («9 

Brummitt, W. H 521 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buckland, Hon. D. C 305 

Buel, J. A., M. D 206 



Burcli, Ephraim 626 

Butler, Porter T 189 

Butts, David W 951 



Calkins, Philip 619 

Calkins, Rev. Sylvester 278 

Callow, Robert .562 

Campbell, Allen ...966 

Campbell, A. W 738 

Campbell, D.L S98 

Campbell, H. J 9IS 

Cann)bcn, James H 256 

Campbell, Jolin 932 

Campbell, John L., JI. D 667 

Cannon, John W 802 

Carlton , Lewis C 3.52 

Carpenter, Griflin 772 

Carpenter, Juli us 628 

Carpenter, Hon. C. K :K(7 

Carpenter, Hon. William E..46.S 

Carpenter, Powell 916 

Casamer, F. B .553 

Chamberlin, Gad 672 

Chapman , J. W 4;>3 

Chase, E. S 494 

Cliatfield , E. F 9.58 

Childs, Decatur .518 

Church, H. M :»7 

Clapp, N. A 734 

Clark, A. Judson 229 

Clark, E. R 240 

Clark, Fred M 809 

Clark, Koniaine 365 

Clay, William J 6.52 

Cleveland, S. Grover 103 

Coates, Edward 711 

Cogsdill, Mi-s. Duane 419 

Cole, Christopher ;U9 

Cole, George E 242 

Collier, C. F 327 

Collins, A. E 246 

Collins, J. W 440 

Colviii, Homer H 401 

Colvin , L. B 707 

Colvin, N. B., M. D 683 



Coon, George F 7.52 

Coon, J. P 729 

Cooper, John 7.55 

Cooper, Slephen 290 

Cooper, Thomas 481 

Coteher, William 607 

Coultei*; Andrew 766 

Covert, George D 2<i7 

Co.t, Henry S., 51. D 8Sfi 

Cox, James 751 

Craft, A. L 269 

Craig. J. W 827 

Crapo, Henry H 149 

Crawford. Isa.ac, Jr 337 

Crawford, John 312 

Crawford. Lieut. Walter 910 

Crippen, W. W lui 

Crofoot, Hon. M. E 821 

Crosby, A. J., Jr 899 

Croswell , Charles M 1 (•! 

Crotty , Edmoiul 571 

Cuilworlh . V 912 

Culwr, F. E 672 

Curtis, Hiram :.279 



D 



Dahlmann.Theo 604 

Daincs, George E 570 

Davis, James H 330 

Davis, J. C 198 

Davis, P. C 612 

Davison, B. F 638 

Dawson, Cliarles 315 

Dawson, Robert H 382 

Decker, John 6.3(i 

DeCou, Jacob, M. D 848 

Deuell, N. E 693 

Denison, W. A 509 

Dennis, Ezekiel 867 

Dewey, Alphonzo 716 

Dewey, A. O 645 

Dewey, Charles E 517 

Dewey, S. A 701 

Deyo, Rev. C.I 411 

Dickie, D 4.56 

Dickie, William B 321 

Divine, Rosekrans ..526 



INDEX. 



Dohany, William 856 

Donaldson, John 431 

Donaldson. Oscar 669 

Doty, David M 909 

Douglass, S. H 598 

Draper, Hon. Charles 2fi5 

Draper, Oliver D 774 

Dresser, John H 250 

Drew, Col. W. H fti7 

Dunham, D. C 388 

Dunl.ap, M. G 790 

Durham, Eber .712 

Dye, Larue C 898 

E 



Eagle, .Solomon 534 

Earl, Chancey, M. D 429 

Ebling, Mrs. J 03G 

Ellenwood, J. M +19 

Elliuwood, S. H 793 

Elliott, M. D 819 

Elliott, R. H 623 

Elliott, \V. G., M. D .462 

Ellis, N.J 782 

Ehvood, B. F 9t5 

Elwood, Hu-am 231 

Ely, Eiimnntl 795 

Ely, John Y 2."i2 

Einmeiidorfer, F. A 620 

Erity, William 321 

Erwin, John ,5(>6 

Evans, J. D 500 

Evans, (.'liver 55t 

Ewell, Philander 601 



F 



F.ust.G. «■ &G\ 

Felch, Alpheus 117 

Fenwick, George B 673 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Finn, Linus D 718 

Fisher, Joseph P 767 

Filch, Hon. P>rris S 365 

Flower, E. P 420 

Flynn.T.F 817 

Foote, W. H 762 

Fosdiek, Edward 885 

Fosdick, W. B 9(2 

Foster, Fre<lerick 2.50 

Foster, (ieorge H 024 

Fox, Christopher 292 

Fox.T.B 5(a 

Francis, Seth 196 

Fros t , Hon . Almon B 346 

Frost, M M 027 

Fulton, John 518 

Furman.M. H 860 



G 



Qalbraith, Hon. F. B 917 

Garfield, James A 93 



Garner, Robert 611 

Garrison, William E .556 

Geddis, George 227 

German, George 637 

Gibbs, A. A 538 

Gibson , Edward E 63 1 

Gibson, Joseph 723 

Gibson, .Thomas 7.58 

Glaspie, A. P 378 

Glaspie, Charles H 946 

Glaspie, Dennis 198 

Glazier, Carlos, M . D 487 

Glines, George W 3.59 

Gotr.E. L (»6 

Goodale, Moses 758 

Goodcnough, J., M. D 539 

Goodison.S. C :M1 

Goodman, Alfred 813 

Gordon Patrick 796 

Grace, B. F 958 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Gray, Spencer B 871 

Greacen, John 402 

Green, Elmer L 700 

Green, Hart well 074 

Green , Lel.-ind 839 

Green, O. H. P 686 

Green , Peter 782 

Greenly, William L 121 

Greer, George 199 

Gregg, William 11 .322 

Griggs, O.H. P 596 

Grinnell, Henry 936 

Grow, Charles P :t5I 

Grow, E. N ;«2 

Grow, Thomas 320 



H 



Hadden , James 544 

Hadd<m, J. D 537 

Had.lrill, A. G 348 

Haddrill, James T 201 

Hadley, William M 515 

Hagadorn , Josepli V. ....... .422 

Hagerman, Frank 713 

Hagle, Peter H 737 

Haines, H.J 740 

Hains, James H .570 

Hall, Horace 360 

Hall, W. .M 830 

Hallsted, Charles 603 

Rally, Rev. J. A 903 

Hammond, D. J 413 

Hammond, L. C. D., M. D. . . .728 

Hare, W. J., M. D 241 

Harff, Frank 816 

Harmon, John 7.52 

Harris, William 407 

Harrison, Bcnjanun 107 

Harrison, Willi.am Henry... . 51 

Hathaway. J. 4.53 

Hayes, Rutherfoi-d B 91 

Hazelton , S 209 

Hazen , Ed win T 505 

Heitsch, H.. <»• 



Heitsch, John B 630 

Hcliker, B. L ....2S2 

Hennessy, Michael 267 

Hewill. j. S 207 

Hickey, Humphrey 829 

Hicks, \V. P 362 

Highneld, A 371 

Hill.Elisha 931 

Hill, Moses 429 

Hilton , Norton .581 

Hinman.Ilon. William G 245 

Hitchcock, P. A 387 

Hixson, John .376 

Hobart , Hon. Dav id 377 

HolVman, L. I* 476 

Holcomb, S. D., M. D 3.57 

Holcomb, William 658 

Holdridge, William P .389 

Hollister, Mark 216 

Holman.Hon. J. H 914 

Holscr, Frank 350 

Horton, C. W (KI5 

Horton, D. B 418 

Horton, William S 745 

Horvitz, B. A 702 

Hosmer, Almon 872 

Hosner, M. V. B 220 

House, EliH 201 

Houston, James 526 

Hovey. A. W 701 

Howard, C. D., M. D 6:i3 

Howard, David S 499 

Howell, J. S 408 

Howes, D. L., M. D 913 

Hoyt, James M., M. D 431 

Hulsizcr, W. H 377 

Hunter, George F., M. D 901 

Husted, Albert 625 

Hyde, H. D ,. 261 



Ingersoll, Francis 296 

Ingersoll, H. H 847 

Irving, Hugh 467 



Joslin, A.M 269 

Jo.ssman , Joseph 768 



K 



Kellogg, Daniel T .506 

Kemp, Obediah .5.59 

Kcnaga. Benjamin 477 

Kesby. Mrs. Lucy A 3'i9 

Killam, P. C 897 

Kimball, Maj. C. F :t!5 

Kimmiss, A. N., Jr 886 

Kinsman , George 329 

Kirchoir, Ferdinand 699 

Knowles, O. F 403 

Knowles, W. H 260 

Knox, Walter 410 

Kressler, D 603 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jack.son, B. W 670 

Jackson, H. M 460 

Jackson , Joseph 584 

Jacokes, Rev. D. C 2:B 

Jacokcs. Hon. James A 325 

Jedersou, Thomas 27 

Jerome, Davi<l H 165 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, Daniel 310 

Jr>hnson, L. S 696 

Johnson, William P 375 

Johnston, Robert, M. D 814 

Jones. Samuel 788 

Jones, Z.C 807 ' 



Laidlaw, James 512 

Lamb, F. R 468 

Lamb.S. H 881 

Lawrence, S. S 781 

LeBaron, Robert, M. D 235 

Leggett, M. A 810 

Leland William 531 

l..eonard, Charles 543 

Leonard, J. C 197 

Leonard, O. P 784 

I.A\ssiter, John 722 

Letts.JamcsM 811 

Ix.'Wis, Judson 836 

Lewis. William T .565 

Linabury , C. S 690 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lintlerman, A. W (11 

Lindsley, Jesse G., M. D 488 

Lockwood, F. E 789 

I./>ng, Joseph 218 

Long, Reuben 717 

Longmuir, Gavin 500 

Losey, Cornelius (•84 

lyovejoy, C. E 597 

Luce, Cyrus Gray 177 

Lyon, Phineas 801 



M 



Mack, Eugene 835 

Hadison, James 31 

Maney, Michael 2*! 

Manning, Ran<lolph 370 

M.ason, Stephen T 105 

Matthews, Capt. A. S 1.)0 

Matthews, Gen. S. S 205 

McCallum, Angus 279 

McClelland, Robert 129 

McConnell, W. M 275 



INDEX. 



McCracken, B. S 210 

McDonald, Gcor;?e A. 724 

McGee, Thomas (V>7 

MoKenney, Clayton '2!H 

Mead, Henry 41"2 

Means, A. L *)57 

Miller, J. A ISNl 

Miller, Samuel 212 

Milleid.N../ tW 

Mitchell, D. W 195 

Mitchell, George H 210 

Monroe, James ;i^ 

Moore, Henry 4G1 

Moore, J. J .V-'S 

Mooie, Mi-s. M. M 941) 

Moore, Richard G;iO 

Morehous, M. H 402 

Morrison, U. W 4!i3 

Morrison, James 446 

Morrison, Thomas W 830 

Morgan, J. W :52fi 

Morgans, William H 9:59 

Murray, A. A 71t; 



Narrin, Luc3- A 68.T 

Neal, John A »21 

Newman , Levi .t03 

Newton, L. H 9:!fl 

Nichols, H. E iTil 

Nichols, Truman 8.'>'.> 

Nilcs, George 891 

Norns, M. G 423 

Norlhrup, C. L 338 

Norton, Hon. J. M 301 

Norton, Hon. J. 1) 215 

Nott.P.R 587 

Nott, W. R 614 

Nusbaunier, Joseph 32S 



o 



OBrien, J. H 854 

Ogdeii , J. D 7!M 

Osnum, O. H. P 482 

Osnuni,Rov. William Fi 4,59 

flsmun. William H., Jr (i<l2 

Oswald, Hugh 8l(j 

Owen, George W 594 

Owen. Jason T 9.51 

Owen, L. D 4;(0 



I'addock, Set h A 51G 

Palmer, Aaron S 3.55 

Palmer. S. A 385 

Parke, Capt. Hervey 2)J5 



Parker, Abiram 624 

Parker, A. B 291 

Parker, C. A 729 

Parks, Alexander P 679 

Parsons, Andrew 133 

Partello, J. 1) 4li5 

Partridge, A 519 

Patchett, David 618 

Peacock, Nicholas .5-10 

Pcarsa II , Charles 591 

Pearson, Massam 927 

Pendergast, James 906 

Pennington, H. H 6.35 

Pepper, K. E 2fifi 

Perry, Francis 395 

Perry, George j86 

Perry, John W 892 

Peters, Julian S 251 

Petrie, C. B 471 

Phelps, Edwin 6,39 

Phelps, W. H 537 

Phillips, A. .r 882 

Phillips, Jonathan 392 

Pierce, Franklin ?l 

Polk, James K 59 

Pontiac Gazette 9)9 

Poppleton, Hon.Ornn 366 

Porter. Charles 38O 

Porter, txeorge W '. . 3.58 

Pound, John 891 

Power, William L 888 

Predmore, ,1. C 737 

Proud, J. F 5.(2 

Purdy , John 249 



R 



Randall, David W 663 

Randall, Horace A 271 

Randall, McAllister 272 

Ransom, Epaphro<iitlls 125 

Raynale, C. M , M. D 276 

Reed, Abram 4n 

Reese, Joseph §45 

Reeves, George 540 

Reid, Adam 613 

Reid, J. T 397 

Reid, Peter 307 

Renshaw, Charles 6,58 

Renwick, George 197 

Ribble, M. D. .466 

Ri<--e,T.H .'..'.';;3:i2 

Richardson, Albert 629 

Richardson, William C 371 

Ries, Herman G 440 

Riky, E. A. P.,M. D 749 

Robertson, 0. G., M. D 232 

Robinson, Octavius 608 

Rockwell, J. H 868 

Roiigers, D. S 796 

Rogei-s. Col. J. Sumner 646 

Ruggles, L. D 708 

Rundel, H.J ;iio 

Rundel, J. F pjg 



Russel, Reuben 750 

Russell, Daniel 677 

Kust, A. A 803 



Sands, Robert 845 

Satterlee, William 880 

Sa.xton,H. G 668 

Schmitz, P 900 

Schoch, Francis 319 

Scott, R. D 4,34 

Seeley.G. H .506 

Self ridge, C 783 

Severance, T. C 691 

Shaft, David W 361 

Shattuck, G. M 4:« 

Shaw, Riley C 874 

Sherman, Palmer .556 

Sherwood, John 297 

Shick, Cliristian 517 

Shoup, William C 239 

Sibley, Alonzo. 777 

Sibley, George H 4.S2 

Simmons, R. C 602 

Simonson, P. C 510 

Simpson, John 661 

Sipperley, E. H 195 

Skarritt, Richard 22(! 

Slocum, .James 252 

Sly, Melvin D 733 

Smith, Benjamin iH)5 

Smith, Harrison 7,59 

Snnth, .John A 744 

Smith. Joseph 920 

Smith, J. W., M. D 345 

Smith, Mrs. Mary 927 

Smith, Nehemiah 810 

Smith, Orson H 656 

Smith, Rich.ard O 228 

Smith. Samuel W 923 

Smith, T. A 618 

Smith, W. H 718 

Snow, John H 735 

Snyder, A. A 801 

Snyder, Cornelius 699 

Snyder, Jacob .564 

Snyder, Oscar J 561 

Solts, Alexander 730 

Soper, Spencer 349 

Soulby, Alfred 300 

Soulby, Charles W .560 

Soult-s, William. .'. 195 

Spencer, B. C. H., M. D ,581 

Sprague, C. J 208 

Stanley, Luther 340 

Stark, W. H 368 

Starr, Almon 733 

Stephens, William 583 

Stevens, C. C 808 

Stimson, Perry 731 

Stockwell, J. S 572 

Stockwell. Levi F 210 

Stockwell, W. B 9J4 

Stowell, Andrew J 575 

Stowell, SimoQ 879 



Strong, Richard D 230 

Sturgis, Ben 270 

Sturman, Samuel 222 

Sturman, William 200 

Sutton, John .-,^2 

Sutton, P. W '.504 

Swayze, David B .522 

Swayze, J. P 6.J4 

Sylvester, W. o., M. D 749 



Taber, M. K 577 

Taft.Hon. Levi B 225 

Taylor, David 854 

Taylor, H.J 47.J 

Taylor, Jacob 490 

Taylor, John R .5;{2 

Taylor, Robert K 578 

Taylor, W.B 861 

Taylor, Willi.am 248 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Teeples, John S 955 

TenEyck, Judge Junius .593 

Terry, J. Preston 541 

Tibbals. Trmnan S 569 

Tibbils, A. C 778 

Tinken, Henry 773 

Tompkins, E. H 288 

Tregent, B. S 587 

Trim, J. B 5II 

Trowbridge, G. M .53;t 

Truax, Garrett 679 

Ti-umbull, Wallace W 390 

Tunison, H. D 9)1 

Tunstead, William J 329 

Turk, Thomas 853 

TurK,T. N 271 

Turner, C. B 424 

Tuttle,J. B 680 

Tyler, John 55 



Valentine, Clark 685 

Van Buren, Martin 47 

Van Every, James 619 

Vantine, James R56 

Varney, A. M 212 

Vaughan, George 345 

Vincent, Sclden 474 

Voorheis, Myron 327 



w 



Wade, D. W. C, M. D 520 

Walilo. Charles C 862 

Wallace, William G 372 



INDEX. 



Walter, Harrison 2:J0 

Walton , Hiram 585 

Walton, P. J 865 

Wanl, I. B ;«7 

Wardlow. J M MO 

W'arner, Hon. P. Dean 771 

Warner, L. S 4JS 

Warren, D., M. D 834 

W^ashington, George 19 

Wealherhead, W. A 417 

W'eaver, Enos 842 

Webb, Alfred 597 

Webster, G 780 

Welfare, George 408 



Wendell, J.H 743 

Wlieelcr, Morris 7(J8 

White, A 5-21 

White, D. O ms 

White, M. A 779 

White, Williatn 955 

White, Rev. H. S 705 

Whitehead, Almeron 678 

Wieland, Fred 258 

Wilco.x, Alfred F 661 

Wilders, A. J 494 

Wileden, James 793 

Wilhelm, E. B 837 

Willcox, Hon. E. R 727 



Williams, George W' 194 

Williams, Sherman 873 

Williamson, W. H 5.')0 

Willson, S. J 289 

Wilson, David 7;t8 

Winans, Edwin B 181 

Windiate, George N .5*;6 

Windiate, John "65 

Windiate, Walter 576 

Winglemire, Joseph 467 

Wisner, Moses 141 

Woodard, John .549 

Woodard, Joshua .M9 

W^oodbridge, William 109 



Woodman, Eli, M. D 860 

Woodruir, E 280 

Wooster, E. S 7:i9 

Wyckoir, CM 807 



• Y 



Yerkes, Robert 316 

Young, Lewis A .586 

Young, William S 677 





WTMMET 



- &danis, John 22 

Adams, John Q 38 

'Alger, Russell A 172 

. Arthur, Chester A 98 

Avery, Dr. A. B 552 

Babcock, Hon. C. V 521 

•. Bain, Robert 384 

• Bagley , John J 15<i 

^ Baldwin, Henry P 152 

.' Baldwin, Hon. A. 190 

Barry, John S 112 

. Baunigartner, Rev. F.J 426 

. Bcaty, William 616 

• Begole, Josiah W 168 

-, Benjamin. John 436 

^ Bmghani, Kinsley S 130 

•' Blair, Austin 144 

- Bloombnrg, M. W 574 

- . Bradford , James S 492 

-/ Brewster, I'eter 294 

Brown, Robert 68S 

-■1 Buchanan , James 74 

•• Buekland, Hon. D. C 304 

~ Campbell, Dr. J. L 666 

-.' Campbell, Mrs. J. L 6tiC 

-/Cleveland, S. Grover 102 

- Coales, Edward 710 

V Colvin, Homer H 100 

-- Colvin, N.B 682 

" Cooper, John 754 

V Cooper, Thomas 480 

- Craig, J. W 824 

v,'Craig, Mrs. J. W 825 

"vCrapo, Henry H US 



-iCrippen, W. W 442 

N Cioswcll, Charles M 160 

N Dawson, Charles 314 

Denison, W. A 508 

Dewey, A. G 6*3 

Dewey, Mrs. A. G 612 

Doty,D. M 908 

V Draper, Hon. Cliaiies 261 

yElwood.B. F 944 

,' Ellenwood. J. M 448 

, Ellinwood.S. H 792 

Ellinwooil, Miss L. M 792 

\ Elliott, R. H 622 

VEIliott, W. G 462 

. Ewell, Philander 600 

/ Felch, Alpheus HO 

v' Fillmore, Millard 66 

VTitrh, Hon. F. S :i«t 

/Galbraith. Dc. F. B 916 

/Garfield, J. A 91 

v/Gariier, Rol>ert 610 

v'Glazier, Dr. Carlos ^486 

Goothnan. Alfred. ..;...;... .^12 

VGrant.U.S 86 

y Green, Leiand WW 

V Greenly ,;Williain L 120 

-Hadlev, William M 514 

VHally,J. A 902 

Harris, William 40*1 

I' Harrison, Benjamin IOC 

\ Harrison, W. H 50 

, Hayes, R. B 90 

/Hill,Elisha 930 

/Hinman.Hon. William O — 2*4 



V Howard , Dr. C. D 632 

v'Howes, Dr. D. L 9lft- 

V Jaekson, Andrew 42 

V Jaeokes, Rev. D. C 2:U ' 

'' Jacoktw, Judge James A 324 

^ JelTerson , Thomas 26 

V Jerome, David H — 1*'4 

Johnson, Andrew 82 

Killam.P.C 896 

S Kimball. C. F XU 

<' LeBaron, Dr. R 2,M 

^ Iceland, William .530 

.^Lincoln, Abr.aham 78 

VLure, Cyrus Gray 176 

N. Madison, James 30 

.,' Mason, .Stephen 104 

Matthews. Gen. S. S 204 

^ McClelland, Robert 128 

McConnell, Hon. W. M 274 

Monroe, James 31 

V Moore, James 948 

Morgans. Widiam U 938 

/ Newton, L.H 9*4 

V Norton, Hon. John D 214 

i Osmun, Kev. William H 458 

\ Parke. Capt. Hcrvcy 231 

V Parsons Andrew 1:12 

/ Partello, J. I> 404 

*■ Perry, Francis 394 

■/ Petrie, C. B 4J0 

v'phelps , W. H 536 

••' Pierce, Franklin 70 

s Polk, J. K 58 

; Pound, John 890 



Ransom, Epaphroditas 124 

Riky, Dr. E. A.P 748 

^ Sibley, Alonzo 776 

Sly.M.D 732 

■J Smith, Dr. J. W .■m 

. Smith, Hon. S. W 922 

Smith, Mar)- 926 

Snyder, A. A 798 

Snyder, Mrs. A. A 799 

• Spencer, Dr. B. C. H 580 

Stowell, Mrs. Simon 876 

Stowell, Simon 877 

Taft, Judge Levi B 224 

V Taylor. Zachary 62 

. Turk, Thomas 830 

• Turk, Mrs. Tlionias 851 

, Tyler, John M 

x Van Buren, Martin 46 

/W'alton.P. J 8<;4 

Wamer.P. D 770 

• Wajihington, George IS 

V Wentherhe.ad, W. A 416 

W'hito, William 954 

'^Vhite, Rev. H. S 704 

v' Wilcox. A. F 660 

vWillcox.Hon. E. R 726 

■•' Winans, Eilwin B 180 

^ Wisner, Moses 140 

V Woodbridgc, William 108 



INDEX. 




Allen, Joseph 545 

Babcock, Hon. Charles V. . . . 523 

-^Binsham , David 869 

^Blumberjf, A. C 589 

Carlton, Lems C U53 

Clay, Bros 653 

Craig Roller Mills 785 

Dohany, William 857 

Erwin, John 567 

Evans, J. D 501 



-^ Foote, W. H 763 

^ Fosdick, Edward WS 

-» Green, Hart well 675 

'.Hadden, James 515 

' Haines, H J 711 

Hall, William M 831 

. Harir, Frank 817 

A Johnson, William P 373 

S. Kirchoff, Ferdinand 697 

Lelaud, William 530 



■^ Leonard, O. P 785 UKockwell, James H 869 



iLong:niuir, Gavin 501 

\ Lyon, Phineas 805 

J-Miller, J. A Gi)7 

^ Morrison, Thomas Vf... ....831 

-i- Palmer, A. S 353 

•'Pearsall, Charles 589 

.^ Phillips, A. J 883 

-1 Held, Peter 805 

.^', Reese, Joseph 813 



'1 Smith, \Villiam H 719 

VSwayze, David B .WS 

-\Vantine, James 857 

-i Wallace, W. G 373 

-i Weaver, Enos 843 

•VWindiate, John 7(KJ 

•^Windiate, George N 567 




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